Plattegrond van Palazzo Farnese te Rome 1655

This is Giovanni Battista Falda's etched floor plan of the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. It depicts a symmetrical arrangement around a central courtyard, emphasizing balance and order, reflecting the Renaissance ideals of harmony and proportion. Such architectural layouts are not mere functional designs; they echo the ancient Roman concept of the domus, a home as a microcosm of the universe. The courtyard, in particular, acts as an atrium—a space of gathering and display, reminiscent of classical forums. From the Pantheon to Bramante's Tempietto, central plans have long symbolized cosmic order. This geometric precision is not just aesthetic, but also deeply psychological. The recurrence of these forms across millennia suggests a collective, perhaps subconscious, human desire for balance and structure in our environment, echoing through time. The Palazzo is more than a building; it is a stage upon which personal and historical dramas are set.