Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is located in Rome, Italy. Construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1762.

In the picture above, what do you see that went right?

Try to get as many items as you can before viewing the answers below.

• The building is repeatedly subdivided into sections until human-scale elements are achieved.
• Specifically, the whole is broken into an odd number of sub-masses (3 in this case), which are further broken up into an odd number of bays (3 in this case).
• The whole is visually balanced (achieved through a combination of symmetry and balanced masses in statuary and fountain rocks).
• The sub-masses and bays are symmetrical.
• Load bearing components align vertically and extend up through the balustrade piers.
• Openings align vertically and extend up through the balusters.
• Aligned horizontal mouldings tie sub-masses together.
• Focal points creates focus in the middle sub-mass.
• Openings are vertical rectangles, except in the top story where they are square.
• Correct Corinthian proportions and entablature. Dentils are centered above columns.
• Round columns have entasis (tapering), square columns do not.
• Even number of columns and an odd number of openings.
• All sub-masses have a top (in this case a balustrade and a bonus attic story).
• The lower level is slightly built out and rusticated to ground the building and provide a strong visual foundation.