Interviewer: Good Afternoon, Brunelleschi. Many people consider your dome to be a revolutionary build that marks the end of the middle ages and shows the true power of the Medici bank. They state that such technical advancements are the way to go. It is hard to ignore what appears to be the biggest structure in our world, and with a diameter of 39.5 metres (Michael Raeburn Architecture of the Western World. p130.), simply standing inside it is an unforgettable experience.
However, some fear that the cultural factory that you and many others have created in Florence is the root of all evil, and claim that such works anger god. What is your opinion on this?
Brunelleschi: Good afternoon. To begin, I must tell you that there were of number of skilled architects who are equally if not more skilled than I am, who were very close to taking on this project. The competition back in August, whos winner was gifted the opportunity to design Florence’s dome. Fellow goldsmith Lorenzo Ghiberti had some interesting ideas to offer. Needless to say, my victory was anything but an uncontested first place. Also, Ghiberti was always there with me, and during times of sickness he led my men to continue working. To answer your question about angering the gods, I would like to clearly state that I am sitting on the fence. I have no opinion.
(I must note that Filippo flinched a little after saying this)
Interviewer: Did studying the Pantheon in Rome as a young man influence your choice for the design of the dome?
Brunelleschi: In a way it did, however I planned to make Florence’s dome larger than the pantheon, so simply copying the pantheons design would be incredibly risky. My dome now dwarfs the Pantheon in Rome, but had I not taken ideas from its design, Florence might still be without a dome to this day.
Interviewer: Since it was undoubtedly an extremely risky build, when did you realize for the first time that you were going to succeed?
Brunelleschi: As an architect, one must have confidence in everything they do. They must be able to consider risks, and even scrap ideas if they seem to unsafe. However, at the same time, being outgoing and gambling with designs is one of the traits of a mastermind. Really, until the last stone on the Dome’s lantern was put in place, I had countless restless nights. I never stopped thinking about the lives that were at constant risks, working at such dangerous heights. I pray every night for the individuals who passed away during the building process. They died for a worthy cause. My builders were truly a group of warriors.
(Filippo finally shows some emotions)
Interviewer: What did you find most rewarding about making the design for the dome?
Brunelleschi: In all honesty, the best moment to me was on the 7th of August, 1420, when I observed the laborers celebrating the beginning of the construction of the dome, after 50 years of planning. I saw how important this project was to the people of Florence, and how determined the laborers were. Not only did this motivate me to do my best, but it also reminded me of the great responsibility that I have taken as the architect behind this colossal dome. It was a small moment, but one that I will never forget!
(Filippo puts great emphasis on his last sentence.)
Interviewer: Brunelleschi, I admire your creativeness and consider you to be an architectural genius. I, along with with all fellow Europeans, thank you for showing us what man really is capable of doing. Perhaps you would like to hear what Giorgio Vasari had to say about your dome? (I read the quote) Thank you for your time.
'It's as though the sky is envious, as it keeps on shooting thunderbolts down at it, believing that its height has almost exceeded the height of air'. Vasari
Brunelleschi: Thank you. It was my pleasure. I will leave you with a quote from Michelangelo:
“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.”
4
Brunelleschi:
A Man with an Idea