French Period 1

      In other countries interior design was determined by religious and political history. Although during the french periods the rulers influenced the most pervasive design. During this time the royal "taste" determined the design styles, and France was central to romanesque and gothic style. During the early renaissance it was a transitional style from gothic to renaissance. They focused on designing a luxurious room that was consistent and harmonious although, it was a complex job. During this time they brought about the profession known as the decorator. This position required a person who could not only conceive an interior design, but through the process of "engraving" explaining the design to a client. There was a famous patron of the arts known as Francois I. He implemented the transitional style which was going from the gothic forms to the renaissance forms. He designed the Loire Valley in Paris. He was also the one that constructed the Chateau de Fontainebleau, as well as the Chateau de Blois. The architecture styles in the France periods had no need for new religious structures-the just built new palaces and chateaux. The exteriors became a very important part when designing. The weather in these locations also needed to be taken into consideration, because it required them to have steep roofs, many chimneys, and many  large windows, and these roofs often had two slopes with dormer windows. Although, the interiors did not often reflect the exterior styles which isn't typical in todays world. Francois I began construction on the Chateau Chambord, which was a royal hunting lodge in the loire valley. It consisted of 44 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 chimneys. While the estate was 14,300 acres of forest, lakes and grassland enclosed by a 22 mile long wall. This building was considered the larges and most majestic of the chateaus. It was also the meeting place of Francois I and Leonardo Da Vinci. This chateau was partially designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. The Chateau de Blois was also constructed during this time. It was an italian prototype with depressed arches. It consisted of low relief ornamentation, asymmetrical organization of openings, the initial "H" flooring, classical pilasters, entablatures, and the Henri IV bedroom. Although, the chateaus most renowned feature was the spiral in the Francois I wing. Also, this is where King Henri III and Henri IV lived.

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Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te8u5B2vLts