Editing Baroque (section)

== Urban planning and design ==
16th through 19th century European cities witnessed a large change in [[urban design]] and [[Urban planning|planning]] principals that reshaped the landscapes and built environment. Rome, Paris, and other major cities were transformed to accommodate growing populations through improvements in housing, transportation, and public services. Throughout this time, the Baroque style was in full swing, and the influences of elaborate, dramatic, and artistic architectural styles extended into the urban fabric through what is known as Baroque urban planning. The experience of living and walking in the cities aims to complement the emotions of the Baroque style. This style of planning often embraced displaying the wealth and strength of the ruling powers, and the important buildings served as the visual and symbolic center of the cities.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cohen |first1=Gary B. |last2=Szabo |first2=Franz A.J. |chapter=Introduction Embodiments of Power: Building Baroque Cities in Austria and Europe |date=2022-12-31 |title=Embodiments of Power |pages=1–8 |publisher=Berghahn Books |doi=10.1515/9780857450500-004 |isbn=978-0-85745-050-0}}</ref>
[[File:Piazza San Pietro, Rome.jpg|thumb|[[St. Peter's Square]] is located directly in front of [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Vatican City]].]]
The replanning of the city of Rome under the rule of [[Pope Sixtus V]] revived and expanded the city in the 16th century. Many grand piazzas and squares were added as public spaces to contribute to the dramatic effect of the Baroque style. The piazzas featured fountains and other decorative features to embody the emotions of the time. An important factor in Baroque style planning was to connect churches, government structures, and piazzas together in a refined network of axis'. This allowed the important landmarks of the [[Catholic Church]] to become the focal points of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=((moore544)) |title=Baroque Replanning of Rome |url=https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/exploringarchitectureandlandscape/chapter/baroque-replanning-of-rome/ |website=Press Books |language=en}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=March 2025}}[[File:Aerial view of Barcelona, Spain (51227309370) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Aerial view of Barcelona]]
More characteristics of Baroque urban planning are embodied in Barcelona. The [[Eixample]] district, designed by [[Ildefons Cerdà]], showcases wide avenues in a grid system with a few diagonal boulevards. The intersections are unique with [[octagon]]al blocks, which provide the streets with great visibility and light.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bausells |first=Marta |date=2016-04-01 |title=Story of cities #13: Barcelona's unloved planner invents science of 'urbanisation' |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/apr/01/story-cities-13-eixample-barcelona-ildefons-cerda-planner-urbanisation |access-date=2023-12-01 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Many works in this district come from architect [[Antoni Gaudí]], who displays a unique style. Centered in the Eixample district design is the [[Sagrada Família]] by Gaudí, which poses great significance to the city.