Studies in 16th Century Construction Project Management: San Lorenzo de El Escorial and San Pietro in Vaticano

Abstract

Through the juxtaposition of two key 16th-century architectural landmarks: the Monastery of El Escorial and the Basilica of Saint Peter, I examine the conditions under which the building projects were managed. Architectural history studies the evolution of design canons, while construction history focuses on materials and on technological advancements. In this project, I bridge the gap between the two disciplines, and investigate the procurement of labor and materials, the project management practices of the time (such as types of contracts, organizational hierarchy, worker’s schedules), and how the geopolitical contexts of both buildings affected the course of construction and the lives of workers.