Chiesa di San Carlino
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Francesco Borromini
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The church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is a Roman Catholic church in Rome, Italy. The church was designed by the architect Francesco Borromini and it was his first independent commission. It is mostly recognized for its baroque style of architecture. While the exterior is of equal importance, the studies focus on the interior architecture and its use of thresholds to create a specific atmosphere of poetic lighting. ​
Program: Roman Catholic Church
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Project Completion: 1946
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Architects: Francesco Borromini
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Location: Rome, Italy
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Hours of operation: 10:00 - 13:00
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The use of light in the church of San Carlo is considered that of " Guided light" a language that aims to produce theatrical effects through illusion. The natural light is essential to display the complex structure of its interior.
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Borromini utilizes five basic principles in manipulating light:
A light chamber which is used as a space to control light and its intensity.
Grazing Illumination that aids in bringing out the detail and texture of a surface.
Sfumato effects used for softening of lines through blending lines and tones.
Optical sighting by framing views and lastly luminous line.
The only light source is that from the lantern and the dome, where a Borromini strategically sculpted a ring of leaves to conceal the openings and diffuse the light.
