Resumen

During the 16th century, architects, and engineers performed a crucial role in the Spanish monarchy. They were new social agents and leaders combining theoretical and practical knowledge in their professional practice. Engineers and architects connect to scientific culture through the so-called “arts”, which include the military arts, construction, extracting benefits from metals (or metallurgy), and navigation, or nautical science. The scientific renaissance underway in Hispanic society continued during the reign of Philip II (1556-1598). For the first Ame, during this period, the cultivation of scientific-technical knowledge became a State affair, as the rulers recognized the great utility of improving management of the Empire.