Lack of practical manuals on formation in architecture moved Fray Lorenzo to write the book, “Arte y Vso de Architectura.” This was published in two volumes, the first in 1639 and the second, in 1665.
The purpose of the book is clearly educational and it covers not only the theoretical questions on architecture, but also the practical aspects of the science, which includes topics like, budgeting, administration of construction, personnel and material resource management. It also shows the constructions completed by the religious and the innovations that he introduced to the architecture of the XVII century.
His treatise was at first criticized because of the simplicity of its language. But not long after it became a popular source of reference, such that in 1665 a revised and expanded version of the work had to be published.
Biography
Lorenzo was born in Madrid in 1593 and was baptized the same year in the parish of San Gines. He was the son of Maria Gerboa and Juan Martin, who was an architect, himself, turned Augustinian Recollect religious (He took the name, Fray Juan de Nuestra Señora de la O). Lorenzo had three brothers. They died very young. His mother died in Sevilla, where the family has transferred while on their way to the Indies.
After many transfers of residence due to his work as architect, Juan Martin decided to join the Discalced Augustinians of Jarandilla de la Vera (Caceres, Extremadura). And soon after he sent the young Lorenzo to Madrid to study architecture under the tutorship of a contractor. After he returned from the capital, Lorenzo learned more by accompanying his father, Fray Juan de Nuestra Señora de la O, in his trips and works as administrator of the constructions of the Order.
Church of Saint Augustin the Ancien (XVII century) in Talavera de la Reina, Spain. It was in 1609 at the age of 16 when Lorenzo, in conformity with the desires of his father and without abandoning his formation in architecture, joined the Order of Augustinian Recollects. He was ordained priest in 1635. All this time, and until the year 1656, Lorenzo realized much of his works. His greatest contribution however to the architecture of the XVII century was the, “Arte y Vso de Architectura.”
Architects and contractors of buildings of the Church and different congregations appreciated the book of Fray Lorenzo. The Capuchin architect, Fray Domingo de Petres, in particular asked for a copy of the book from Spain (this is the only copy the congregation has) and used it for his constructions in Columbia, where he did most of his works.
Fray Lorenzo became one of the most prestigious architects in Spain during his time. He was given many titles of honor like, “master contractor” of the Alhambra and the cathedral of Granada, but the friar did not accept any of these honors. He did work as part of the team that evaluated the works of the Villa de Madrid and the Patronato Real.
He died at the age of 86, barely 4 years after preparing the plan for his last work.