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art & architecture V

BAROQUE architecture
SAN CARLO ALLE QUATTRO FONTANE

Borromini's first independent commission.

Construction: 1634-1682 AD
It is an example of Baroque architects
deserting symmetry and equilibrium to
experiment with new and vigorous
massing.
The site is at the corner of two roads.
Plan based on oval and facade composed
of undulating curves.
Complexity characterizes both plan and
facade treatment.
Oval and Greek cross are combined in
plan.
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art & architecture V
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art & architecture V

BAROQUE architecture

The oval dome with its elaborate pattern coffering

(composed of ovals, hexagons and crosses) is
set directly on pendentives without a drum and
is crowned by an oval lantern.
Exterior facade is entirely articulated by concave
and convex planes.
Exposed Corinthian columns are attached to the
exterior facade.
Four concave bays frame two superimposed central
ones, rendered convex by a balcony and
projecting audicule on the upper storey and a
convex entablature and steps below.
Asymmetrically placed angels hold an oval shaped
medallion on the upper part.
Borromini tried to eliminate conventional corners
in buildings.
The upper part was completed by his nephew after
Borromini's death and probably is deviated
from the original plan.
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art & architecture V

BAROQUE architecture
S. LORENZO, TURIN

Architect: Guarino Guarini

Construction: 1668-1687 AD

• Primarily a famous mathematician Guarini

was fascinated by three-dimensional
geometry.
• Rectangular block like exterior with
rectangular alter-chapel at the back and
portico at the front.
• Extraordinary interior, compared to the
exterior.
• Superimposition of ovals and squares in
plan.
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art & architecture V

BAROQUE architecture
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BAROQUE architecture
• Inside, a square is converted into an octagon with
curved sides extended into the main congregational
area.
• The octagon again is converted into a Greek cross at
pendentive level and then into a circle at the base of
the dome. The interlacing open ribs on the dome
restate the octagonal theme.
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art & architecture V
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art & architecture V

BAROQUE architecture
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art & architecture V

BAROQUE architecture
• The lantern is visible from the inside.
• The extra-ordinary configuration of space-
light and mass create a hallucinatory
affect.
• Complex curvilinear entablatures inside
the chapel.