Views out and views in

Abstract

The city of Florence is framed by a wide belt of villas, proven to exist since the early Renaissance. The wealthy villas are surrounded by small ornamental gardens and extensive agricultural areas (olive groves, vineyards). Ancient as well as Renaissance treatises deal with the principles of villa architecture and the way to place them within the landscape. The aim of the present study is to compare the spatial composition and landscape integration methods of a Neo-Renaissance garden, and a Renaissance garden renewed at the beginning of the 20th century, according to a set of criteria. A review of the historical background in the light of the garden's communication with the landscape is interesting and necessary in order to understand the changes. After describing the motivation, methods and objectives, the article continues with an introduction of the wider geographical context, analyses the two villa gardens (Villa Gamberaia, Villa I Tatti) and summarises the design feats and the richness of the spatial layout of the gardens