SKETCHES, PHOTOS, THEORY AND RANDOM ARCHITECTURAL THOUGHTS BY AN EDUCATOR (AND WANNA-BE GLOBETREKKING) ARCHITECT.

Friday, August 3, 2012

San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane


Photo of the Day: San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane

Today’s images are from the iconic example of Baroque architecture, San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane.  This small church designed by Francesco Borromini would fit within a single pier of St. Peter’s, but in spite of its small size, this structure is a tour de force!  It is Borromini’s masterpiece, and the quintessential example of the Baroque style in architecture.

As you can see in these images, the exterior facade is a highly sculpted plastic form that blurs the lines between architecture and sculpture, spilling out over the natural boundaries of the site.  This highly sculptural exterior gives way to a beautiful domed interior space defined by the intricate geometric pattern in the main dome.  The tall narrow lantern on the dome creates a hidden light source, adding to the drama and mystery of the space.


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