Basic curve for the definition of the dome, generated through the section of a horizontal plane with the ceiling. This curve creates the directive in the theoretical model of the surface of the dome, while the main meridian sections represent the generating curves. In constructions with a spherical dome, the plan of the impost corresponds to the maximum parallel and vertical sections, generated by meridian planes passing through the main axis, they are semicircles are equal between each other.
Published in Chapter:
Drawing, Geometry and Construction: The Dome of San Carlino Alle Quattro Fontane (1634-1675) by Francesco Borromini
Marco Canciani (University of Roma Tre, Italy)
Copyright: © 2016
|Pages: 34
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0029-2.ch025
Abstract
The link between the design drawing to an architectural work, sometimes goes through the definition of geometric paths which establish alignments, proportions, correspondences. The comparison of the geometric construction of survey data of an architecture and design data is very important for understanding the original design idea, highlighting not only the artist's modus progettandi, but also matches, modifications or changes respect of precisely geometric paths and its building architecture. In these studies, the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome, by Francesco Borromini, is an exemplar case. The project of the church, built between 1638 and 1675 and characterized by a coffered vault with an oval planimetric shape, is documented by a consistent corpus of Borromini drawings. This research, based on survey data, can allow to make new contributions to Borromini work and formulate new hypotheses regarding his construction practice.