Plate 3: cross-section of the Hall of the Institute of Bologna 1756

Bartolomeo Crivellari created this print, "Plate 3: cross-section of the Hall of the Institute of Bologna," sometime in the 1700s. It offers us a glimpse into the architectural aesthetics and intellectual ambitions of the Enlightenment. During this period, institutions like the Institute of Bologna became important centers for the production and dissemination of knowledge. Crivellari's detailed rendering of the hall emphasizes the order, symmetry, and classical motifs that were favored during the Neoclassical movement. The clean lines and balanced proportions reflect a desire for rationality, while the inclusion of decorative elements speaks to the importance of civic pride. But think about how the architecture of a space can also shape the kinds of interactions that take place within it. Who was welcome in this hall, and whose voices were amplified? How might this space have reinforced existing power structures while also creating opportunities for intellectual exchange?