Which Renaissance building was one of the first conceived as a central-plan structure?

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Question restatement: Which Renaissance building was one of the first conceived as a central-plan structure?

Option analysis:
1) Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
- This palace by Michelozzo is a quintessential example of early Renaissance secular architecture and a model of linear, axiomatic Palazzo design. It emphasizes a linear, fortress-like façade, and a coherent, ordered arrangement of spaces around a central courtyard, but it is not primarily known for a centralized radial plan characteristic of true central-plan buildings.

2) Pazzi Chapel
- The Pazzi Chapel, attached to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, is historically significant for its early adoption of a centralized, cross-in-square plan. Its compact, domed central space and symmetric proportions reflect a move toward a rational, centralized composition that influenced later Renaissance central-plan design. This makes it a strong candidate as one of the first conceived central-plan structures in Renaissance architecture.

3) Santo Spirito
- Santo Spirito (also in Florence) is a prime example of early Renaissance church design, featuring a Latin-cross plan rather than a strict central plan. While its harmonious proportions and clear geometric forms embody Renaissance ideals, its plan focus is not on a centralized radial layout.

4) Ospedale degli Innocenti
- The Ospedale degli Innocenti (Fundación degli Innocenti) by Brunelleschi is celebrated for its loggia and façade, and it demonstrates early use of classical arcade and modular design. However, like Santo Spirito, its functional plan is more architectural philanthropy and civic commission, not primarily a central-plan church or space.

Synthesis:
- The question targets the central-plan concept within Renaissance architecture. Among the options, the Pazzi Chapel stands out for its deliberate centralization of space and its role in the evolution toward central-plan church design, whereas the other buildings are grounded in axial or longitudinal layouts typical of palaces or churches with a more traditional nave-and-aisle organization.

Therefore, considering the defining feature—centralized plan—the Pazzi Chapel best fits the description and is the most accurate choice among the options.

ARTH_151-F04-2025SP-S Week 7 | Exam#1: Art Through The Ages, Chs. 21-23, on Friday, March 7

Which Renaissance building was one of the first conceived as a central-plan structure?

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