The downsizing Catholic Church: learning from Borromini’s counter-reformation architecture

Abstract

This thesis examines the work of Baroque architect Francesco Borromini toward an architectural response to the downsizing Catholic Church in North America. The century following the Protestant Reformation offered similar challenges to the Church. In response to the Reformation, numerous Counter-Reformation measures were employed to revive the Catholic Church. Architecture that conveyed Catholic theology was considered a valuable tool in restoring the Church. Selected buildings designed by architect Francesco Borromini are examined for insights into design techniques and strategies explored to synthesize Catholic theology and architecture. The Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane churches in Rome are studied using research-creation methods that employ architectural drawing as an investigative tool to discover the theological significance of the buildings. The architectural design proposal explores conclusions drawn from research and applies the research findings toward the design of small contemporary Catholic Church in Orangeville, Ontario.