Building In Baroque Era

The word Baroque means a misshapen pearl. This period of architecture was called baroque because it was considered very odd. Baroque architecture evolved out of Renaissance architecture in Italy. In the 1600's, the renaissance architects began to get bored with the symmetry and same old forms they had been using for the past 200 years. They started to make bold, curving, and not at all symmetrical buildings, with ornate decorations. They started to make curving facades, and used the double curve (in at the sides, out in the middle) on many different buildings.

 

The building in Baroque Era which I choose is St. Paul's Cathedral.

 

 

The cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognisable sights of London, with its dome, framed by the spires of Wren's City churches, dominating the skyline for 300 years. It was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962, and its dome is also among the highest in the world. In terms of area, St Paul's is the second largest church building in the United Kingdom after Liverpool Cathedral. St Paul's Cathedral occupies a significant place in the national identity of the English population.

 

 It is the central subject of much promotional material, as well as postcard images of the dome standing tall, surrounded by the smoke and fire of the Blitz.

The design was based on mixing a series of ‘layers’ of light:
• General: provided by a series of new and refurbished chandeliers, converted gasoliers, and stall lights combined with a series of specially designed lighting bars that can be folded away to restore the look of the space.
• Architectural: provided from concealed metal halide, linear xenon, cold cathode and tungsten-halogen sources. It includes the uplighting of the main vaults, the dome, transept windows, organ and other major features.
• Liturgical: provided by local lighting to the various altar positions.

Supplementary theatre lighting serves the crossing.

• Entrances: upgrading of entrances.
• Event: upgrading of theatrical lighting systems for events.

 

  There were numerous constraints including getting permission from many official bodies. This required extensive research into minimising damage to the fabric as well as mock-ups and tests. Other issues included disabled access, the illumination of artworks, limited availability of power and the need to develop a sustainable solution. Achieving the right balance between the operational requirements and ‘character’ was key. Carrying out the scheme in a functioning building presented a considerable challenge as work was only permitted at night. The project took four years to complete.

The lighting scheme is managed by a sophisticated control system which provides lighting scenes and manages energy consumption and lamp life. Control is via a series of touch panels or hand held wireless devices. The system is linked to a theatrical lighting desk for events. The final outcome is seen by all parties as a great success and has been described within the conservation and heritage world as being a ‘benchmark project’.

 

  I choose this building because St. Paul's Cathedral is a really beautiful place.It's got very strong  architectural features.