In the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, Michelangelo used unnatural and manufactured views throughout the building, another trademark of Mannerist buildings.. In fact, many architects of the time (and beyond), view Michelangelo as one of the geniuses of the movement. His, "Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo was executed, in Vasari's opinion, 'in a style more varied and novel than that of any other master,' and 'thus all artists are under a great and eternal obligation to Michelangelo, seeing that he broke the fetters and chains that had earlier confined them to the creation of traditional forms'" ("Italian Mannerism," 2008). Michelangelo knew how to push the envelope in design and execution, and was interested in change, rather than copying other styles, which are also elements of the Mannerist style of architecture.

Perhaps his greatest Mannerist achievement is St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a massive project that took him over 18 years to design, and was not completed before his death. This beautiful building was dominated by a huge dome that would have been incredible...

Later changes to the building altered the dome and its effect on the overall building design, but it was one of his greatest achievements, and the innovation and spectacular dimensions of the design helped cement Michelangelo as one of the premier Mannerist architects and artists of the day.
Mannerism eventually fell out of favor in Europe, and was replaced by other forms of architecture, including the intricate and detailed Baroque, which followed Mannerism. It was one of the greatest epics of Italian architecture and design, led by one of the greatest artists of all time, Michelangelo.

References

Editors. (2008). Italian Mannerism or Late Renaissance. Retrieved 2 Jan. 2009 from the Cartage.org Web site: http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/arts/Architec/MannerismArchitecture/ItalianMannerism/ItalianMannerism.htm.

Editors. (2008). Mannerism in Italy and Spain. Retrieved 2 Jan. 2009 from the SmartHistory.org Web site: http://smarthistory.org/mannerism-in-italy-and-spain.html.