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Federico von Borstel

This is a course on Baroque Architecture. We study the very origins of Baroque Architecture and the Counter-Reformation movement in Rome. The Baroque style churches were in competition with the powerful and wealthy Vatican, so these churches were elaborately decorated to give the impression of wealth and prosperity. The Baroque style of architecture became very popular in the design not only of churches, but also in laic architecture in particular in the large and luxurious palaces of France. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This is a course on Baroque Architecture. We study the very origins of Baroque Architecture and the Counter-Reformation movement in Rome. The Baroque style churches were in competition with the powerful and wealthy Vatican, so these churches were elaborately decorated to give the impression of wealth and prosperity. The Baroque style of architecture became very popular in the design not only of churches, but also in laic architecture in particular in the large and luxurious palaces of France. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Baroque architecture
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course enhances human development.

Syllabus

Introduction
Baroque Architecture 2
Baroque Lecture 3
Baroque Lecture 4
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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Explores the origins of Baroque architecture, offering a foundational understanding of its historical context and development, which is essential for students in architecture and art history
Examines the influence of the Counter-Reformation on Baroque church design, providing insights into the relationship between religious movements and architectural styles, which is valuable for students
Details the spread of Baroque architecture to secular structures, particularly palaces in France, which broadens understanding of its versatility and impact beyond religious buildings, which is useful for students
Relies heavily on graphic material generated on site, which may require students to supplement their learning with additional resources for a comprehensive understanding of Baroque architecture
Seeks to enrich life experience and promote self-learning, which may appeal to students seeking personal enrichment alongside academic knowledge of Baroque architecture, but may not be suitable for all students

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Reviews summary

Historical overview of baroque architecture

According to learners, this course provides a solid historical overview of Baroque Architecture, focusing on its origins in Rome and spread. Students frequently mention the instructor's passion and the quality of the visual materials presented in the lectures, describing them as engaging and informative. While praised for its historical context and unique perspective (possibly related to the 'evolutionary' teaching approach), some reviewers suggest it might lack the depth or practical application expected by those seeking professional-level knowledge. It seems best suited for hobbyists and history enthusiasts.
Unique teaching philosophy, potentially confusing.
"Found the 'evolutionary' education concept interesting but not central to the architecture."
"The philosophical parts were a bit confusing and seemed disconnected."
"Some of the introductory concepts were a bit abstract for me."
Good foundation on origins and development.
"Gives a good understanding of the historical background."
"The focus on Rome and the Counter-Reformation was illuminating."
"Provides a great overview of how the style evolved."
Strong visual material supports learning.
"The images and examples shown were excellent."
"I appreciated the high-quality visuals from the instructor's own travels."
"The graphic material was very helpful for understanding the concepts."
Enthusiasm makes the lectures engaging.
"The instructor's passion for the subject really shines through."
"His enthusiasm made the lectures enjoyable to watch."
"You can tell the professor genuinely loves this period of architecture."
May be too basic for advanced learners.
"Good as an introduction but didn't go into enough detail for me."
"Wish it had more depth on specific techniques or regional variations beyond Rome/France."
"It felt a bit superficial at times if you already have some knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Baroque Architecture with these activities:
Review Renaissance Architecture
Solidify your understanding of Renaissance architecture to better appreciate the innovations and departures of the Baroque style.
Show steps
  • Review key Renaissance architects and their works.
  • Compare and contrast Renaissance and Baroque architectural principles.
Review: Architecture in Italy, 1500-1600
Explore the architectural context that gave rise to the Baroque style by studying the preceding era in Italy.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Focus on the chapters discussing Mannerism and its influence.
  • Identify key architects and their contributions to the evolving style.
  • Note the social and political factors that shaped architectural trends.
Review: Baroque and Rococo
Gain a deeper understanding of the Baroque period through a comprehensive survey of its art and architecture.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and conclusion to understand the book's scope.
  • Focus on chapters related to architectural design and theory.
  • Take notes on key concepts and architects.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Explore Tutorials on Baroque Ornamentation
Refine your understanding of Baroque ornamentation by following online tutorials on creating specific decorative elements.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on creating specific Baroque ornaments (e.g., volutes, cartouches).
  • Follow the tutorials to create digital or physical models of the ornaments.
  • Analyze how these ornaments are used in actual Baroque buildings.
Create a Comparative Photo Essay
Reinforce your understanding of Baroque architectural elements by visually comparing and contrasting them with examples from other architectural styles.
Show steps
  • Select 5-7 key Baroque architectural elements (e.g., facade, dome, ornamentation).
  • Find examples of each element in Baroque and non-Baroque buildings.
  • Write a short caption for each photo explaining the similarities and differences.
  • Compile the photos and captions into a visually appealing essay.
Model a Baroque Building
Deepen your understanding of Baroque architectural principles by creating a 3D model of a famous Baroque building.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific Baroque building to model.
  • Gather architectural plans, elevations, and photographs of the building.
  • Use 3D modeling software (e.g., SketchUp, Blender) to create a digital model.
  • Pay close attention to the proportions, details, and ornamentation of the building.

Career center

Learners who complete Baroque Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An architectural historian studies buildings and their historical contexts, and knowledge of architectural styles such as the Baroque is vital. This course on Baroque architecture provides a deep understanding of the style's origins, its use in churches, and its later application in secular buildings like palaces. The course's examination of the Counter-Reformation's influence on Baroque style would allow an architectural historian to analyze the style with greater nuance, as would the first-hand graphic materials presented in the lectures. An understanding of the Baroque period is essential for an architectural historian, making this course particularly relevant.
Historic Preservation Specialist
A historic preservation specialist works to protect and maintain buildings of historical value. This often requires a detailed knowledge of architectural styles and construction techniques, and this course on Baroque Architecture offers just that in relation to the Baroque style. A preservation specialist would benefit from the course's focus on the specific details of the style, especially its use in both religious and secular structures. The Baroque period is essential to architectural history, so a historic preservation specialist should strongly consider this course in their training.
Curator
A curator is responsible for the care and interpretation of objects in a museum or gallery, and this often requires excellent knowledge of specific art historical movements such as the Baroque. A curator working with a collection that includes Baroque architecture or design needs to understand the style's nuances, origins, and its place in history, and this course provides such details as it presents the origins of the style, with a specific focus on its use in churches and palaces. This detailed understanding would enable a curator to better contextualize and present Baroque works.
Architectural Designer
An architectural designer creates plans and designs for buildings, and understanding different architectural styles is important, including the Baroque. This course on Baroque architecture helps establish a foundation in the study of design by examining a particular architectural movement in detail, from its origins to its evolution. An architectural designer who is interested in the Baroque style should take this course to learn more about its particulars, as well as the broader history of architecture.
Art Critic
An art critic analyzes and evaluates works of art, often requiring specialization in particular movements such as the Baroque style. This course provides deep knowledge of Baroque architecture, including its origins and evolution, which would help an art critic better grasp the style's nuances. The course's emphasis on the use of Baroque style in both churches and palaces will allow them to contextualize the meaning of the style in different circumstances. This course may be useful for those wishing to become an art critic.
Urban Planner
An urban planner helps to shape the development of cities, and understanding architectural styles is critical for creating cohesive and historically sensitive urban environments. A course in Baroque architecture provides a basis for understanding one particular movement in architectural history, its origins, and evolution. An urban planner needs to consider how historical architectural styles affect the character of a city, and this course will increase their awareness of Baroque design in that respect. This course may be helpful for those wishing to become an urban planner.
Interior designer
An interior designer creates aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces, and a knowledge of historical architectural styles helps them to create designs with a broader understanding of precedents. The detailed examination of Baroque architecture included in this course, especially its application in palaces, provides a basis for inspiration. This course may be helpful for an interior designer seeking a deeper understanding of architectural history.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer creates engaging and informative museum displays, and an understanding of architectural styles such as the Baroque may be helpful for those who want to present historical context in their exhibitions. This course on Baroque architecture may be useful to introduce this architectural movement, and the course may be helpful to exhibition designers who feel their work can benefit from a deeper knowledge of Baroque architecture.
Art Appraiser
An art appraiser evaluates the value of works of art, and a deeper understanding of art and architecture movements such as the Baroque may inform their valuations. This course on Baroque architecture examines the origins and evolution of the style in both religious and secular contexts. An art appraiser may find this information useful when assessing the value of buildings or artworks influenced by the Baroque.
Lecturer
A lecturer delivers courses and seminars in a college or university setting, and this would be well suited for a scholar whose knowledge of Baroque architecture derives from this course. The course's use of first-hand graphic material, and its focus on the origins and evolution of architectural trends, suggest that this course can enhance a lecturer's understanding of the subject matter. This course may be helpful for an individual wishing to become a lecturer.
Real Estate Developer
A real estate developer oversees the creation of new buildings and developments, and a deep knowledge of the history of architecture may be helpful to their practice. A course in Baroque architecture provides a historical basis for understanding this architectural style, especially its evolution. A real estate developer may be interested in the course's analysis of the style's use in churches and palaces, as the study of these structures can offer inspiration. This course may be helpful for those wishing to become a real estate developer.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the environments for theatrical performances, film, or television, and a deep knowledge of historical architectural styles such as the Baroque may be useful for their work. This course provides a focus on the origins and applications of the Baroque style, especially in religious and secular buildings. A set designer may be interested in this course to learn about new styles. This course may be helpful for those wishing to become set designers.
Archival Researcher
An archival researcher investigates historical documents and records, and a detailed knowledge of historical styles may be helpful for their work. A course in Baroque architecture provides a deep understanding of this style, including its characteristics and origins. An archival researcher may find this course helpful for contextualizing historical documents related to the Baroque, especially in relation to church and palace construction. This course may be useful for those wishing to become an archival researcher.
Museum Educator
A museum educator develops and delivers educational programs for museum visitors and understanding historical context including architectural history is important for creating such programs. A course in Baroque architecture can provide a basis for understanding the Baroque style. A museum educator can use this course to enhance their knowledge of the Baroque style, its origins and its application in various buildings. This course may be helpful for those wishing to become museum educators.
Travel Guide
A travel guide leads tours for visitors, and a knowledge of architectural history is useful when discussing destinations that feature Baroque buildings. This course on Baroque architecture provides a foundation for explaining the style's details and its historical importance. The course's focus on the style's origins and its use in churches and palaces may be useful for a travel guide discussing such locations with guests. This knowledge of Baroque architecture will add authority and depth to a travel guide's presentations.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Baroque Architecture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture. It explores the historical context, key figures, and major works of the period. It valuable resource for understanding the stylistic characteristics and cultural significance of Baroque architecture, and it provides additional depth to the course materials. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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