1. Dramatic use of light and shade: The Baroque period saw the creation of new lighting systems, such as the dome and lantern, which allowed for the control of light and shade in interior spaces. This technique of chiaroscuro created a dramatic effect that was central to the period's overall aesthetic.
2. Elaborate ornamental design: Baroque architecture is known for its elaborate and ornamental design, featuring richly decorated facades and grand entrances. The use of ornate decoration created a sense of grandeur and opulence in both public and private buildings.
3. The use of grand entranceways: Baroque architects developed grand entranceways as part of their designs to create a grand sense of arrival. Entranceways were often designed with grand staircases, grand arches, and ornate gates to produce a sense of grandeur and nobility.
4. The use of curves and asymmetry: Baroque architecture was highly decorative and featured curves, ornate curves, and asymmetrical elements in its design. This created an organic and fluid feel that added to the grandeur and drama of the period's architecture.
5. The use of domes and vaults: Baroque architects designed grand domes and vaulted structures, which created a sense of grandeur and spaciousness. These structures were often highly ornamented, drawing attention to their majestic forms, and were used for both secular and sacred buildings.
6. The use of new materials: Baroque architecture made use of new materials, such as stucco, which allowed for more intricate ornamentation and led to greater structural flexibility. Architects blended these materials with traditional building techniques to create a new type of monumental architecture.
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