BAROQUE AND ROCOCO
ARCHITECTURE
GROUP MEMBERS
1. YUSUF MAHMUD KEHINDE EES/21/ARC/00634
2. Usman usman sada ees/21/arc/00635
3. ALIYU MUHAMMAD JAURO EES/20/ARC/00486
4. ABDUL RAUF MUHAMMAD YAQUB EES/21/ARC/00632
5. AMINU ABDULRAHMAN EES/21/ARC/00636
6. BASHIR BELLO SANI EES/20/ARC/00487
7. SULAIMAN omeiza EES/20/ARC/00633
8. IBRAHIM ALHASSAN EES/21/ARC/00637
9. Yusuf ABDULRAHMAN EES/21/ARC/00631
Table of content
1. Introduction to baroque and rococo …………………. I
2. Historical background of baroque and rococo ……..ii
3. Characteristics of baroque and rococo ………………….iii
4. Definition of baroque ………………………………………………iv
5. Definition Of rococo ……………………………………………v
6. Building materials …………………………………………………..vi
7. Building types …………………………………………………………..vii
8. Features of baroque and rococo ………………………….....viii
9. Influences of baroque …………………………………………….ix
10.Influences of rococo ………………………………………………..x
INTRODUCTION
Rococo architecture emerged in the early 18th century in France
and quickly spread throughout Europe. It was a style that
emphasized decoration, asymmetry, and theatricality, and it
marked a departure from the formal and symmetrical Baroque
architecture that preceded it.
The term "rococo" comes from the French word "rocaille,"
meaning "rock work" or "shell work," which referred to the
ornamental motifs used in the style, such as shells, flowers, and
foliage. Rococo architecture was characterized by its use of
delicate and curvaceous forms, intricate ornamentation, and a
lightness and gracefulness that contrasted with the heavy and
monumental
Baroque style. The style developed in France under the patronage
of Louis XV and his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, who
favored a more playful and lighthearted aesthetic than the
previous monarch, Louis XIV. The leading architects of the time,
such as Germain Boffrand and Ange-Jacques Gabriel, created
buildings with asymmetrical facades, ornate interiors, and delicate
stucco work.
Rococo architecture spread to other
European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Italy,
where it was adapted to local tastes and traditions. In
Germany, for example, rococo architecture was known as
"Zopfstil," which means "braided style," and was
characterized by the use of twisted and interwoven forms.
However, the style fell out of favor in the late Rococo
architecture spread to other European countries, including
Germany, Austria, and Italy, where it was adapted to local
tastes and traditions. In Germany, for example, rococo
architecture was known as "Zopfstil," which means
"braided style," and was characterized by the use of
twisted and interwoven forms.
However, the style fell out of favor in the late 18th
century, as the neoclassical style, with its emphasis on
rationality and simplicity, gained popularity. Today, rococo
architecture is mostly associated with the opulent palaces
and churches of the 18th century, and it remains a beloved
and influential style in the history of architecture.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BOROQUE.
Baroque period, (17th–18th century) Era in the arts that
originated in Italy in the 17th century and flourished elsewhere
well into the 18th century. It embraced painting, sculpture,
architecture, decorative arts, and music. The word, derived from a
Portuguese term for an irregularly shaped pearl and originally
used derogatorily, has long been employed to describe a variety
of characteristics, from dramatic to bizarre to overdecorated. The
style was embraced by countries absorbed in the Counter-
Reformation; artworks commissioned by the Roman Catholic
church were overtly emotional and sensory. The period’s most
notable practitioners were Annibale Carracci (see Carracci
family), Caravaggio, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. A spectacular
example of the Baroque arts is the Palace of Versailles. In music,
the Baroque era is usually considered to extend from c. 1600
to c. 1750, when such significant new vocal and instrumental
genres as opera, oratorio, cantata, sonata, and concerto were
introduced and such towering composers as Claudio
Monteverdi, J.S. Bach, and George Frideric Handel flourished
HOW DID BAROQUE ART AND ARCHITECTURE COME
ABOUT ?
Three broad tendencies had an impact on Baroque art, the first of
which was the Counter-Reformation. Contending with the spread
of the Protestant Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church, after
the Council of Trent (1545–63), adopted a propagandist program
in which art was to serve as a means of stimulating the public’s
faith in the church. The Baroque style that evolved was both
sensuous and spiritual. Whereas a naturalistic treatment rendered
the religious image more accessible to the average churchgoer,
dramatic and illusory effects were used to stimulate devotion and
convey the splendour of the divine. The second tendency was the
consolidation of absolute monarchies—Baroque palaces were
built on a monumental scale to display the power of the
centralized state, a phenomenon best displayed at Versailles. The
third tendency was a broadening of human intellectual horizons,
spurred by developments in science and explorations of the
globe. These produced a new sense of human insignificance
(particularly abetted by the Copernican displacement of Earth
from the centre of the universe) and of the infinitude of the
natural world. Landscape paintings in which humans are
portrayed as minute figures in a vast setting were indicative of
this changing awareness of the human condition.
A Brief History of Baroque Architecture
The origins of baroque architecture began with a desire to get people back into the pews they were abandoning, eventually
giving way to a more relaxed, artistically vibrant mood. Here are a few key moments from the architectural style’s history:
The Roman Catholic Church hoped for a makeover. The Vatican had many issues with the Protestant Reformation—
enough to spearhead a counter-reformation of its own in the late sixteenth century. As part of this initiative, the Catholic
Church’s leaders strategized at the Council of Trent how to maintain a hold on their congregants in the face of growing
opposition. Upon urging from the Jesuits and other religious orders within their ranks, they decided to move away from
building more Gothic and grave churches in a bid to draw parishioners away from the reformers they branded as heretics.
The era of baroque architecture began in Rome. A new architectural style—one characterized by the inspiring influence of
classicism and Renaissance architecture rather than cold severity—was developed. These Italian baroque buildings—
including Carlo Maderno’s famed St. Peter’s Basilica, Francesco Borromini’s San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, and Gian
Lorenzo Bernini’s Sant Andrea al Quirinale—were mainly religious in nature.
Baroque churches spread throughout Europe. Austrian, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Spanish churches in the baroque
style appeared across the continent. The movement even made its way across the channel into England, such as in Blenheim
Castle and Sir Christopher Wren’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. It began to take root in the European missions of South America as
well.
Baroque art and architecture continued to evolve. Over time, the late baroque period gave way to the rococo style—a more
casual and light hearted approach to the sometimes rigid conventions established at the start of the movement. For example,
the lavish, later style of Spanish churrigueresque buildings is a far cry from the more subdued early Italian architecture of
the Church of the Gesù.
Characteristics of Baroque Architecture
From Italy and Spain to Austria and Germany, baroque architecture possessed many identifiable characteristics common to
its many variants in different cultures. Here are some of its most notable features:
1. Mannerism: Although baroque architecture was deeply influenced by Greek classicism and its subsequent Renaissance
revival, it deviated most strongly from the ironclad emphasis on rigid form and symmetry through the embrace of
mannerism. Mannerism was a school of artistic thought stretching from sculpture to visual art, but its impact on architecture
foregrounded the importance of using optical illusion and a spirit of experimentation to create a sense of wonder.
2. Frescoes: A fresco is a painting done on a ceiling or wall—think Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Frescoes were
remarkably common during the baroque period as they encapsulated the core mission of its initial charter from the Catholic
Church—to inspire awe and a sense of reverence among those viewing the art and architecture. Since the subjects of these
fresco paintings were often biblical characters, baroque churches gave parishioners a sense of being involved directly in the
events of the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ.
3. Ornate roofing and entryways: Architects of the period hoped to evoke a sense of reverence starting with their
exteriors. François Mansart designed the original curving, sophisticated Mansard roof during the eruption of baroque art
throughout the western art world. Pilasters (rectangular columns) stretched high outside baroque buildings from Lisbon,
Portugal, to Vienna, Austria. A stroll around St. Peter’s Square in Rome leads you to a pediment (the triangular upper part of
a building’s entryway, such as at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello) atop the building under which Saint Peter is allegedly
buried, held high by colonnades (rows of columns).
4. Trompe l’oeil: Trompe l’oeil (French for “deceives the eye”) was a common technique of the period by which the
many frescoes adorning these buildings were given a sense of three-dimensionality. In this way, two-dimensional decorative
arts were given all the evocative and experiential attributes of baroque sculpture. Patrons and parishioners could walk by
Annibale Carracci’s The Loves of the Gods in the Palazzo Farnese, for instance, and take in a painting on the ceiling that
looked like a window into Olympus itself.
What Is Baroque Architecture?
Closely associated with the seventeenth century, baroque
architecture was characterized by vaulted cupolas (domelike
ceilings) held up by swiveling colonnades (rows of pillars), walls
and doorways made of both rough stones and smooth stucco, and
interior design denoted by luxuriant fabrics and furniture. The
word “baroque” likely derives from the Italian barocco or
Portuguese barroco.
This architecture was often adorned with the frescoes of baroque
artists—the expressive, chiaroscuro portraits of baroque painters
like Caravaggio, Nicolas Poussin, Peter Paul Rubens, Diego
Velázquez, and Rembrandt furnished the stucco walls.
The style featured prominently in history alongside the baroque
music of the times—composers Johann Sebastian Bach and
George Friedrich Handel echoed this architectural era’s emphasis
on precise form and rigidity complemented by a drive toward
creative transcendence.
BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE building materials
emerged in the 17th century and was characterized by its grandeur, extravagance, and theatricality. The
use of different building materials played an essential role in achieving the distinct Baroque style.Some
of the most common building materials used in Baroque architecture include:
Stone: Stone was the primary building material used in Baroque architecture, especially for
monumental buildings such as churches, palaces, and government buildings. The use of stone provided
the necessary durability and strength to support the grandiose architectural designs.
Marble: Marble was highly prized during the Baroque period for its elegance and luxurious
appearance. It was often used to decorate walls, floors, and columns, creating a striking visual effect.
Stucco: Stucco is a type of plaster that was used extensively in Baroque architecture to create
ornate decorations on walls and ceilings. Stucco allowed for intricate designs and details to be sculpted,
adding to the overall grandeur of the building.
Bronze: Bronze was used for decorative purposes, such as sculptures and ornate metalwork,
which were often incorporated into Baroque architecture.
Wood: Wood was also used extensively in Baroque architecture, particularly for interiors and
ornamental details. It was often carved and painted to create intricate and decorative designs
Overall, the use of these building materials allowed Baroque architects to create extravagant and
grandiose buildings that were both visually stunning and structurally sound.
BUILDING MATERIAL:
is material used for construction. Many naturally occurring substances, such as clay, rocks, sand, wood, and even twigs and
leaves, have been used to construct buildings. Apart from naturally occurring materials, many man-made products are in
use, some more and some less synthetic.
BRIEF HISTORY OF BUILDING MATERIALS
Since Baroque was an architecture of power, it was often used for religious buildings and royal residences. After the re in
1666, architect Christopher Wren took the lead and began to rebuild numerous churches using the Baroque style. Baroque
architects decided to cast wood aside and use brick and stone in the construction of new buildings. Limestone and slate
were often used for the exteriors, and more noble materials, like red and gray granite, were often used for the interiors.
TYPES OF BUILDING
MATERIALS
1. wood
2. stone
3. bricks
4. limestone
5. slate
6. Granite
7. Stucco
8. broze
6 Granite Exterior View Of The Baroque Building Which Is Made Of Bricks, Stone And Slate. Openings Windows Of The
Baroque Buildings Are Mainly Made Of Wooden Frame And Glass Panel, And The Doors Are Made Of Wooden Frame And
Wooden Panels. The Door To The Main Entrance Is Made Of Iron Panel For The Purpose Of Security
Rococo architecture building materials
Emerged in the 18th century as a response to the grandeur of Baroque architecture. Rococo architecture is characterized by its
elaborate ornamentation, lightness, and asymmetry. Some of the common building materials used in Rococo architecture
include:
Plaster: Plaster was extensively used in Rococo architecture to create ornate and decorative details on walls,
ceilings, and facades. Plaster was often molded into intricate patterns and designs, creating a sense of lightness and delicacy.
Wood: Wood was used for furniture, paneling, and decorative details such as moldings and carvings. It was often painted
in light pastel colors to complement the overall decorative scheme of the building.
Stucco: Stucco was used to create delicate and intricate decorations on walls and ceilings. It was often painted in
bright colors and combined with gold leaf to create a sense of opulence and luxury.
Marble: Marble was still used in Rococo architecture, but it was used in a more restrained and subtle manner. Marble
was often used for flooring and fireplace surrounds, creating a sense of elegance and refinement.
Glass: Glass was used extensively in Rococo architecture to create decorative windows and mirrors. It was often cut and
painted with intricate designs, adding to the overall decorative scheme of the building.
Overall, the use of these materials allowed Rococo architects to create buildings that were light, delicate, and highly decorative.
The use of light pastel colors, delicate patterns, and intricate designs created a sense of elegance and refinement that was
unique to Rococo architecture.
Interior view of the baroque building is mainly decorated with red and gray granites
BUILDINGS TYPES OF BAROQUE
Baroque architecture emerged in the 17th century and was characterized by its dramatic, ornate, and grandiose style. It
was popular in Europe and Latin America and was used in a variety of building types. Here are some of the building types
commonly associated with Baroque architecture:
Churches: Baroque architecture was commonly used in the design of churches, particularly in countries such as Italy and
Spain. These buildings featured ornate facades with elaborate carvings, sculptures, and frescoes, as well as dramatic
interiors with high ceilings, ornate altars, and richly decorated chapels.
Palaces: Baroque architecture was also used in the design of grand palaces and residences, such as the Palace of Versailles
in France and the Royal Palace of Madrid in Spain. These buildings featured lavish interiors with ornate plasterwork, gilded
moldings, and elaborate frescoes.
Public buildings: Baroque architecture was also used in the design of public buildings, such as town halls, libraries, and
government buildings. These buildings often featured grand facades with ornate carvings and sculptures, as well as
dramatic entrances and staircases.
Gardens: Baroque design was also used in the design of gardens, which often featured ornate fountains, sculptures, and
carefully manicured hedges. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the Villa Borghese in Rome are good examples of
Baroque garden design.
Theaters: Baroque architecture was also used in the design of theaters, such as the Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Royal
Opera House in London. These buildings featured ornate interiors with plush seating, gilded moldings, and elaborate stage
designs.
Overall, Baroque architecture had a significant impact on the design of buildings and structures in the 17th and 18th
centuries, and its influence can still be seen in many buildings and structures around the world today.
BUILDINGS TYPES OF ROCOCO
The Rococo style emerged in the early 18th century in France and was characterized by its ornate and decorative design, often
featuring asymmetrical shapes, delicate curves, and intricate details. While the Rococo style was primarily used in interior
decoration and furnishings, it was also used in architecture. Here are some building types that featured Rococo design elements.
Palaces: Rococo architecture was often used in the design of grand palaces, such as the Palace of Versailles and the Chateau de
Fontainebleau in France. These buildings featured elaborate interiors with intricate stucco work, gilded moldings, and frescoes,
all of which reflected the opulence and luxury of the French court.
Churches: Rococo architecture was also used in the design of churches, particularly in Catholic countries such as Germany and
Austria. These buildings featured ornate altars, pulpit, and chancel screens, often adorned with gilded carving and delicate
plasterwork.
Townhouses: Rococo design elements were also used in the design of townhouses, particularly in urban areas such as Paris and
Vienna. These buildings often featured delicate wrought-iron balconies, decorative moldings, and colorful facades with playful
and asymmetrical designs.
Public buildings: Rococo design elements were also used in the design of public buildings, such as town halls and
government buildings. These buildings often featured elaborate facades with ornate carvings, stucco work, and sculptures.
Gardens: Rococo design was also used in the design of gardens, which often featured meandering paths, water features,
and ornate sculptures. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the Chateau de Marly in France are good examples of
Rococo garden design.
Overall, the Rococo style had a significant impact on architecture and design in the 18th century, and its influence can still
be seen in many buildings and structures today.
FEATURES OF BAROQUE AND ROCCOCO ARCHITECTURE
1. Oblique angles
2. Giant order
3. Onion dome
4. Heavy mounding
5. Mansard roof
FEATURES OF BAROQUE AND ROCCOCO ARCHITECTURE
Onion dome Giant order
FEATURES OF BAROQUE AND ROCCOCO ARCHITECTURE
Mansard Roof Heavy Mounding
INFLUENCE OF BAROQUE
emerged in the 17th century in Italy and spread throughout Europe and Latin America. It was characterized by its elaborate and
ornate designs, dramatic use of light and shadow, and grandeur. The development of Baroque architecture was influenced by a
range of factors, including economic, geographical, geological, cultural, and religious factors.
1. Economic influences: The Baroque period was a time of economic growth and prosperity in many parts of Europe. Wealthy
patrons, such as nobles and the Catholic Church, commissioned architects to build grand buildings, palaces, and churches that
would showcase their power and status. This led to the development of large, elaborate structures that were often decorated with
expensive materials like marble, gold leaf, and stucco.
2. Geographical influences: The Baroque style emerged in Italy, which was a center of artistic and cultural innovation in the 17th
century. The Italian landscape, with its mountains, hills, and coastline, influenced the Baroque aesthetic, which emphasized
movement and dynamism. The use of curved forms and the integration of buildings with their surroundings are hallmarks of
Baroque architecture.
3. Geology influences: The availability of building materials played an important role in the development of Baroque architecture.
The use of stone and marble, for example, was influenced by the geology of the regions where Baroque buildings were constructed.
In places like Italy, Spain, and Portugal, marble was readily available and was used extensively in Baroque architecture.
4. Cultural influences: Baroque architecture was influenced by the cultural and artistic trends of the time, including the
Renaissance and the Counter-Reformation. The Baroque style was characterized by its use of dramatic light and shadow,
which was meant to evoke emotion and create a sense of awe in viewers. The use of allegory and symbolism in Baroque
decoration also reflected the cultural and intellectual interests of the time.
5. Religious influences: Baroque architecture was closely tied to the Catholic Church, which was the main patron of many
Baroque buildings. The Counter-Reformation, which was a response to the Protestant Reformation, emphasized the
importance of art and architecture in communicating religious messages. Baroque churches were often designed to be
theatrical spaces, with elaborate altarpieces, paintings, and sculptures that were meant to inspire worshipers.
Overall, Baroque architecture was influenced by a range of economic, geographical, geological, cultural, and religious
factors. Its development was closely tied to the social and political context of the time, and it remains an important legacy
of European and Latin America culture
INFLUENCES OF ROCOCO
Rococo architecture was an ornate and decorative style that emerged in France in the early 18th century and spread
throughout Europe. While it is primarily known for its impact on the arts and architecture, it also had a broader influence on
geography, geology, economics, culture, and religion. Here are some ways in which the Rococo style impacted these areas:
1. Geography: The Rococo style was closely associated with the court of Louis XV in France, and the buildings and
gardens created in this style often reflected the French aristocracy's love of nature and the countryside. As a result, Rococo
architecture and design often featured natural motifs such as flowers, leaves, and vines. These elements were incorporated
into gardens and parklands, which often featured meandering paths, water features, and hidden grottoes. The Rococo style's
emphasis on nature and the pastoral ideal had an impact on the design of public spaces and parks in Europe and beyond.
2. Geology: Rococo architecture often used exotic and rare materials, such as marble, jasper, and agate, to create lavish
interiors and exteriors. These materials were often imported from distant locations, such as Italy, Spain, and South America,
and reflected the growing global trade networks of the time. The Rococo style's use of expensive and rare materials had an
impact on the mining and quarrying industries, which saw an increase in demand for these materials.
3. Economics: The Rococo style was closely associated with the French court and the wealthy aristocracy, who had the
financial resources to commission elaborate buildings and interiors. As a result, the Rococo style had a limited impact on
the broader economy, although it did create employment opportunities for artisans, craftsmen, and laborers who worked on
these projects.
4. Culture: The Rococo style was part of a broader cultural movement known as the Enlightenment, which emphasized
reason, science, and individualism. The Rococo style's emphasis on ornamentation, decoration, and pleasure was seen by
some Enlightenment thinkers as decadent and frivolous. However, the Rococo style's focus on pleasure and sensuality also
reflected a broader cultural shift towards the celebration of pleasure and leisure time.
5. Religion: The Rococo style emerged in the context of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, which sought to revitalize the
Catholic Church and attract new adherents. Rococo architecture and decoration were used to create elaborate and ornate
interiors in churches and cathedrals, which were intended to inspire awe and wonder in worshippers. The Rococo style's
focus on ornamentation, decoration, and sensory experience reflected a broader trend towards the Baroque in religious art
and architecture, which emphasized the power and grandeur of the Catholic Church.