3 The type of building which was developed in Florence utilized huge blocks to create an appearance that was as massive as it was rugged. Recessed joints and methods of rustication were formal elements of stonework that were applied in the renaissance buildings. Typical palaces, during the renaissance, were constructed around an internal court, which borrows its origin from the medieval cloisters. Furthermore, they were surrounded by an arcade which supported the walls of the upper floors of the building. The astylar design of these buildings, were missing the decorative elements such as pilasters and columns, which in its way created its own style for which Florentine architecture is known for4. .

             These massive palaces had an imposing appearance that faced the narrow streets and were further emphasized by the bold projection of roof cornices that served to crown the walls of the building. The cornices' proportion in relation to the height of the building spared the use of details to concentrate on the more pronounced features. Columnar arcades were an interesting feature in the country yards as well as streets in the Florentine architecture. While the churches of the early renaissance were noticeable for their refinement, they were strongly contrasted by the rugged and fortress-like appearance of the palaces5. .

             Palazzo Riccardi (fig 1.), constructed in 1445, is one of the best known buildings designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo Michellozi (1396-1472). The building structure was arranged around open an court surrounded by main apartments; the more intimate family rooms were located on the second floor which can be reached by using broad staircase. The ground floor was adorned by semi-circular arches designed by Michelangelo that enclosed the windows with heavily rusticated masonry, while intermediate and upper floors utilized bifurcated windows. The facade of the building was crowned using bold cornices that covered approximately an eighth of the building6.