Characteristic features of Baroque architecture – the curved shape of the plan, the construction of intricate spatial and effects, creating the illusion of movement of architectural masses, the frequent use of oval-shaped, paired columns and pilasters, lush decor items, masking the design and spatial effects.
Architecture merged with the sculpture. Tectonics gave way to plastic. Twisted columns of the least intended to act as carrier bearing. The walls are also no longer perceived as bearing the expense of architectural details of the impression surface of the wall oscillation, then retreating, then pushed forward. For example, the facade of the church of San Carlo Quattro Fontane Ale in Rome, the architect F. Borromini turned into a solid mass waves of plastic.
Pediments decorated with cartouches in the middle of the huge, intricately curved cornices, widespread Volute Baroque forms. In architecture as in music, the main theme of overgrown side variations, not only decorated but also plays an important compositional role.
Widespread in the Baroque era were urban and palaces and parks (St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Versailles, etc.). The luxury of these ensembles can be appreciated only in the process of movement. Architectural ensembles of different scale, fluidity of curvilinear forms, merger volume in the dynamic mass, rich sculptural decoration, the symbiotic relationship with the surrounding space.
Type the Catholic Baroque church is clearly expressed in the Roman church of Santa Susanna with the family of an extended plan, which united the principles Basilica and the central-dome building. Architectural mass increase toward the center. Energetically stressed the aspiration of the facade up grouping of vertical elements. Tier composition of the facade with characteristic volutes became the model for the European Baroque architecture.