Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Sublime Architecture Kew Gardens

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Sublime architecture Kew gardens
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Alberti's theory of architecture was based upon dimensions consistent with harmony and the proportions found in god's greatest creation: man. However, Alberti's views concerning architecture had opponents. Based upon the views of Longinus in his book, Peri Hypsous ("On the Sublime"), allowed the unity or combination of opposing "styles", such as the architectural styles of the Renaissance, the Baroque, the Gothic, unities of "male" with "female", etc. Thus different parts of a building might strongly clash or appear discordant. Furthermore, while Renaissance architecture emphasized linear perspective, orthogonal views are found in architectural design, and light and shadows found at different times of the day are emphasized.
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The rhetorical trope of contrasting or comparing past (metaphore)1 with present was used in architecture. As an example, a Classical (pagan) temple in a rustic setting, in disrepair, vs a modern Christian temple, in a beautiful setting, the Christian temple in the highest order and repair: thus comparing the pagan false religion with Christian truth. 2 This can be synthesized in a single building (rather than two buildings) as well (neo-classical portico, supporting a medieval tower. 3 Other ideologies also were used, as in "ancient" chivalry vs modern attitudes. 4

1 Corbett, Edward P. J. and Connors, Robert J.; "Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student", Fourth Edition, Oxford Univ. Press., 1999
2 Peacock, John; "The Stage Designs of Inigo Jones: The European Context", Cambridge Univ. Press, 1995, p. 65, plate 16.
3 Ibid., p. 72, plate 20.
4 Ibid., p. 287, plate 169 and plate 170.

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