A Comparison between Francesco Borromini’s Architectural and Structural Design

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to better understanding of the Baroque architect Francesco Borromini, and, as a consequence, of the Baroque period itself. Recognizing that historical studies have focused mainly on the architectural (i.e., formal) aspects of Borromini’s work and largely neglected the technical (i.e., structural) issues, and that the relationship between the architectural and structural worlds in Borromini’s activity has consequently never been studied in depth, this research set as its objective the study of this relationship, and has developed a comparative analysis of Borromini’s attitude toward architectural problems and questions of tectonics. The investigation has been conducted on two meaningful case-studies in Rome: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane and Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza. The analysis has highlighted a strong dichotomy between Borromini as an architectural designer and Borromini as a structural designer. While Borromini’s design is experimental, innovative, and nonconformist, his structures are cautious, tested, and validated by trustworthy tradition. His unprejudiced use of constructive solutions from different historical periods, regions, and cultural areas allows the definition of his approach to tectonics as “constructive eclecticism.” The analysis has also highlighted the independence between the architectural and structural aspects of his work, as the two do not interfere with or limit each other. The dichotomy between form and structure in Borromini’s work may reflect the “theatrical” tendency of Baroque culture, where what is shown on the face is often different from what is hidden behind.