Brunelleschi was inspired to integrate features of Roman architecture into his projects after he visited Rome in 1403. There, he took a look at the ancient buildings and ruins and noticed that each one one displayed characteristics of classical architeture: a huge focus on symmetry and use of geometrical shapes. In his future projects, he would incorporate these elements including a more simple, balanced appearance in his designs.

Brunelleschi would make much of his contributions to the early part of the Renaissance in Florence, Italy where he worked on two of his most notable projects: the Church of San Lorenzo and the Florence Cathedral. The interior of the Church of San Lorenzo represents the idea that, according to the ideas of classicism, buildings must follow a symmetrical and balanced appearance. The Florence Cathedral was famous for its dome, which was the largest in the world when it opened.