Church of the Gesu: Delight in Architecture

1.) PROXIMITY
What I find so delightful about the Church of the Gesu is how it is actually in very close proximity to many busy areas and piazzas, and yet the first time I went looking for it I got lost. To me, it’s like a hidden gem that’s been buried by being in close proximity to such points as Piazza Venezia, Area Sacra Argentina, and the Pantheon. Other than major landmarks, I enjoy the area/piazza around this church because of the small shops and restaurants that are not too tourist-like.

2.) REPETITION
The delight of repetition in this space comes from the combination and contrast of the symmetrical and geometrical repetition of the pews on the ground and the free-flowing repetition of the designs from the canvas on the ceiling. The pews on the ground establish order- a symmetry which affects the flow of people as well as pa homage to the cross plan of the church.

3.) SIMPLEST AND LARGEST FIGURE
The simplest and largest figure in this church is the mirror at the front end of the church that is angled in such a way as to reflect the entire canvas of the ceiling so that the viewer is able to see the whole painting. It allows the viewer to interact with the large ceiling in a much more personal way.

4.) FIGURE/GROUND RELATIONSHIP
The figure-ground relationship is strictly horizontal and limited to one plane- there are no stairs or dramatic platforms that ever give on the sensation that they are on a higher level than anyone else. This allows for a close relationship between the individual and all the elements on the ground plane, but leaves little to no room for the individual to interact with the walls or ceiling.

5.) PROPORTION
What I find interesting about the proportions of most churches is that they seem so much higher than longer or wider. This is also the case for the Church of the Gesu; there is something very delightful and magnificent about feeling like your inside a small space with high walls. This feeling is also enhanced by the domes which make the ceilings look higher than they really are.

6.) SCALE
The scale of the church of the Gesu is a bit larger than what I would expect from a simple church, but this is most likely due to the fact that this church has numerous alters and landmarks to house. Even so, I enjoy the fact that I can get a bit of personal space in a place where I would usually feel suffocated. And even when the church is crowded for the light show at 5pm, it still feels quite spacious.

7.) RHYTHM
The rhythm of the movement of people is generated by the repetition of the pews and the symmetrical placements of the numerous alters. This allows for a rather ordered and predictable rhythm of movement, as does the single perspective pathway to the alter.

8.) TEXTURE
The layering of drawings and details on the ceiling and walls of the church and the dome gives it such a rich and delightful texture. In addition, the church is full of different materials that add different experiences and interactions with the objects: the alter tables are marble, the piers are wood, the candles are wax, and the floors are stone.

9.) LIGHT AND COLOR
What I find most delightful about this church is the fact that there is minimal light alongside such a wide range of colors. The light from the dome is the only natural light coming into the church, and it highlights the colors of the canvas on the ceiling. The colors are not too bright or intense though, the minimal light makes them look darker and blend into one another better.

10.) ORNAMENT
The intricate detail on seemingly ever aspect of the church creates a space filled with ornament. This is what I found most delightful about the church; everything is so delicate and makes the church feel as like it was built together with a bunch of tiny puzzle pieces.