Geometry of Faith: a Stereotomic Reconstruction of Sainte-Anne-la-Royale in Paris

Abstract

Planned during the XVIIth century by the Italian architect Guarino Guarini, the church of Sainte-Anne-la-Royale was supposed to be built in Paris to honor the French Queen Anne of Austria. In an unfortunate twist of fate the church was only partially realized and later destroyed. Present history's only memory comes in three engravings by Guarino Guarini himself: a plan, a transversal section, and the main elevation. An example of Italian Baroque Architecture, the building shines for its intriguing plan and complex system of vaults. Its execution was supposed to be realized according to the refined techniques of French stereotomy. Faithful to its original inspiration, Sainte-Anne is here rebuilt using a rational geometric system that links each element in the composition by projections and squaring of circles. Each of the elements composing the church has been individually analyzed and reconstructed. The main reference for this process has been provided by Guarini's posthumous essay Architettura Civile. Though still unbuilt, Sainte-Anne-la-Royale has been reconstructed by a new set of drawings, both handmade (pencil on mylar, 30''x40'') and computer generated, and a physical model (3d-printed; about 41" tall).