Brunelleschi had by now established a working relationship with the Medici family, but he was not asked to design their palace. In Florence it was not a good idea to flaunt wealth, especially if you held strength and power in the community. It was better to seem humble, which is why the job went to Michelozzo. The Medici's worried that Brunelleschi's ideas would be too grand and showy. Michelozzo's design has a stark quality, reminiscent of a fortress. However, the stones smooth out as you ascend. The top floor is a more delicate structure. Michelozzo was influenced by Brunelleschi and classical antiquity.
-unrefined, rusticated stones on the ground floor make the palace seem modest and slightly uninviting
-voussoir decorations frame the windows
-bi-fora windows- a type of medieval style window which has been classicized with the use of Corinthian columns splitting the window into two arches
-large, overpowering cornice on top story
This style of domestic architecture, with its concept of horizontality and proportion, marks a transition from the older, more medieval tradition of verticality and irregularity. Compare Palazzo Davanzati (late 14th c.) with the Medici Palace, which takes up an entire block.
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