Architecture and Geometry in the Age of the BaroqueThe age of the Baroque—a time when great strides were made in science and mathematics—witnessed the construction of some of the world's most magnificent buildings. What did the work of great architects such as Bernini, Blondel, Guarini, and Wren have to do with Descartes, Galileo, Kepler, Desargues, and Newton? Here, George Hersey explores the ways in which Baroque architecture, with its dramatic shapes and playful experimentation with classical forms, reflects the scientific thinking of the time. He introduces us to a concept of geometry that encompassed much more than the science we know today, one that included geometrics (number and shape games), as well as the art of geomancy, or magic and prophecy using shapes and numbers. Hersey first concentrates on specific problems in geometry and architectural design. He then explores the affinities between musical chords and several types of architectural form. He turns to advances in optics, such as artificial lenses and magic lanterns, to show how architects incorporated light, a heavenly emanation, into their impressive domes. With ample illustrations and lucid, witty language, Hersey shows how abstract ideas were transformed into visual, tactile form—the epicycles of the cosmos, the sexual mystique surrounding the cube, and the imperfections of heavenly bodies. Some two centuries later, he finds that the geometric principles of the Baroque resonate, often unexpectedly, in the work of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier. A discussion of these surprising links to the past rounds out this brilliant reexamination of some of the long-forgotten beliefs and practices that helped produce some of Europe's greatest masterpieces. |
Contents
1INTRODUCTION 3 | 18 |
2 | 46 |
Engendering Geometry Congruence or Tiling The Cube and Its Progeny Pregnant Platonic | 94 |
STRETCHED CIRCLES AND SQUEEZED SPHERES | 135 |
PROJECTION | 160 |
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actually angle architect architectural Athanasius Kircher Baroque base Bernini’s Blondel body buildings central centuries CHAPTER church circle columns completely continuous Corbusier course create cube cubices curve Desargues diagram discussed dome double drawing earlier effable ellipse epicycles equal example faces fact figure first four geometric golden section Guarini hexagonal idea illustrated inner inside intervals Kepler kind lantern lattice least light lines look lower magic major mathematical matter means minor mirror modulor musical Newton optical orbit original outer oval palace parabola Paris patterns perspective plane Platonic projective proportions ratios rectangle reflection regular Renaissance rotated scale Science seen sequence shadows shapes shows side solids sort space sphere spiral square symmetry things tiling tion tradition triangle turn University upper vertical whole Wren York