What is/ was Modern Architecture? In other words, are we still today in the era of Modern Architecture, or is it over, having been replaced by some form of "Post-Modernis "Post-Modernism"? m"?
Where do we locate Modern Architecture? • Gothic ic,, ab about 1150 to to 13 1350 • Re Rena nais issa sanc nce, e, ab abou outt 140 1400 0 to to 160 1600 0 • Ba Baro roqu que, e, ab abou outt 16 1600 00 to 17 1700 00 • Roc oco oco co,, abo abou ut 17 1700 to to 175 1750 0 • Ne Neoo-Cl Clas assi sici cism sm,, abo about ut 17 1700 00 to 18 1800 00 • 19 th Century, 1800 to 1900 • Modernism, about 1900 to ?
Design Environments before the Industrial Revolution (1) Neo-classicism (2) Picturesqu Picturesque e (3) Gothic Revival
(1) NEO-CLASSICISM
Neo-classicism Definition:
Neo-classical, or "new" classical, architecture describes buildings that are inspired by the classical architecture particularly particularly of ancient Greece and Rome. A Neo-classical building is likely to have some or all of these features: Symmetrical shape Triangular pediment Domed roof The use of the Greek & Roman Orders Tall columns/ orders that rise the full height of the building
Osterley Park, Hounslow, London, Robert Adam
Neo-classicism
Neoclassicism represents simplification after Baroque and Rococo:
straight lines are favored over curves, volumes are less often contrasted, adornments are fewer, symmetry becomes a must columns and lintels are more frequent than arches, triangular pediments than semi-circular ones. balustrades crown buildings.
Neo-classicism Origin
During the 1500s, the famous Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio awakened an interest in the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Palladio's Palladio' s ideas ideas became became the the model model for for architect architecture ure in Europe for many centuries. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the newly-formed United States drew upon classical ideals to construct grand government buildings as well as smaller private homes.
United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., 1793-present
Neo-classicism
The neoclassical movement that produced Neoclassical architecture began in the mid18th century, century, (1750 -1850) Reaction against both the surviving Baroque and Rococo styles, and as a desire to return to: Rome,, the perceived "purity" of the arts of Rome to a lesser extent, 16th century Renaissance Classicism.. Classicism the more vague perception ("ideal") of Ancient Greek arts (where almost no Western artist had actually been) and
Neo-classicism
The theme of neo-classicism: (1) History (2) Purity (3) Rationality (4) Education
Neo-classicism (I) History The rediscovery of the past and the new history. The past as an architectural department store. Robert Adam (1728-92). Adam as a neoclassicist and a decorator. Example; Ost ster erle ley y Par ark k, Hounslow, London, 1762-80.
Neo-classicism Osterley Park, Hounslow, London, 1762-80 Robert Adam
Front elevation
Neo-classicism Osterley Park, Hounslow, London, 1762-80 Robert Adam
Etruscan room
Neo-classicism Foundation of Modern Architectural Theory Osterley Park, Hounslow, London, 1762-80 Robert Adam
Entrance hall
Neo-classicism (2) Purity The classical past as good architecture, and a source of basic principles. The desire to strip away illusion, ambiguity, complexity (Baroque & Rococo) Church of St. Genevieve/ The Pantheon , Paris, Par is, 1757-9 1757-90, 0, Jacques Jacques-Ge -Germa rmain in Souf Soufflot flot (1713-80).
Neo-classicism Church of St.Genevieve/ The Pantheon, Paris, 1757-90, Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713-80).
Front elevation / entry
Neo-classicism Church of St.Genevieve/ The Pantheon, Paris, 1757-90, Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713-80).
View up towards dome
Neo-classicism Church of St.Genevieve/ The Pantheon, Paris, 1757-90, Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713-80).
Interior court with frescoes
Neo-classicism Church of St.Genevieve/ The Pantheon, Paris, 1757-90, Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713-80).
Neo-classicism (3) Rationality Interest in pure geometrical forms and volumes. The "visionary" or "revolutionary" architecture of Etien Etiennene-Loui Louis s Boulle Boullee e (172 (1728-99 8-99). ). Project for Newton Cenotaph, 1784.
Neo-classicism Project for Newton Cenotaph, 1784.
Neo-classicism Royal saltworks at Arc-et-Senans, 1770s, Claude-Nicolas Ledoux [1736-1806]).
Neo-classicism (4) Education The teaching responsibilities of design: the duty of the architect or other educated person as a citizen. Explicit teaching: the new museums, including those of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) at the second Monticello (1793-1809), near Charlottesville, Virginia, and Sir John Soane in his house in London. The neoclassical capitol: United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., 1793-present, architects: everyone, but especially William Thornton, Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764-1820), Charles Bulfinch, Thomas U. Walter.
Neo-classicism Foundation of Modern Architectural Theory
United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., 1793-present
Neo-classicism Source of Inspiration
Architects of the time drew inspiration from a number of architectural building types taken from antiquity: Most common resources are: (1) The Roman triumphal arch. (2) The Greek / Roman temple.
(1) The Roman Triumphal Arch
Neo-classicism The Building Example Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Paris ((1806-08 1806-08 ) Charles Piercier and Pierre FrancoisLeonard Fontaine
Copied the detail of Arch of Constantine massive rectangular slab of masonry with three holes in it-the center hole is the main arch, the other two are lower and narrower subsidiary arches. Four columns, dividing the arches, that stand on pedestals and rising to an entablature, entablature, which breaks out over each separate column and at each of those points of breaking out carries a carved standing figure.
(2) The Roman / Greek Temple
Neo-classicism The Building Example Maison Car arre ree e ( 13 130 AD AD )
‘Temple architecture were used widely as an antique model for architecture. The best preserved of all Roman temples templ es is the Corin Corinthian thian Maiso Maison n Car Carree ree at Nimes (c. AD 130). A typical typical temple temple - a rectangu rectangular lar building building with an open portico and pediment in frontt with colu fron columns mns all all round round - was Used as a model for churches c hurches widely in the eighteenth century. Attracted such bored epithets as 'mere copyism copyi sm and 'cold 'cold imitati imitation' on' to the the Neo Neo classical movement
La Madeleine (1807-1842)
begun as a church, was continued by Napoleon as a Temple of Glory but was completed as a church in 1842. Direct reference to the Maison Carree, resulting a lifeless paraphrase of an antique Roman temple.
Neo-classicism (a) (b) (c)
FRANCE ENGLAND GERMAN
Neo-classicism (a) France
Most telling images of neoclassicism before and prior to the French Revolution. Spearheaded by 2 architects: Claude-Nicolas Ledoux (1736-1806) Etienne-Louis Boullee (1728-1799) Architecture as an expressive language.
i) Claude Nicholas Ledoux
Ledoux
Revolutionary architect in his approach to the architectural ideal made through geometry. Ledoux was no mere copyist even when he applied conventional details. He designed a number of buildings between 1765 and 1780 in which he attempted to reconcile the traditional elements of French classicism with the new spirit of the antique.
Ledoux Tollhouses (1780’s)
Explored range of neo-classical combinations.
Basically cube-like and included temple fronts with:
Arcuated Palladian windows Peristyles Domes A host of other classical elements.
Specialty is in the combinatio ccombination ombination n or reconstitution of architectur architectural all architectura arrangement.
Ledoux
Royal Saltworks at Chaux (17751779)
Director's House, Saltworks, Arc et Senans; note the Banded Doric columns
Aerial view showing the salt works which were built at the center of the double D-shaped plan
The curved range of work buildings
Ledoux
Chateau de Benouville, Calvados (1768-75) Ledoux was no mere copyist even when he applied conventional details. He designed a number of buildings between 1765 and 1780 in which he attempted to reconcile the traditional elements of French classicism with the new spirit of the antique.
Besançon. Theater, 1775-79
ii) Etienne-Louis Boullee
Boullee
Architectural visionary of France. Little built works – more of an architectural theorist. Vision soared beyond conventional means – designs as a form of poetic communication. Un-built abstract projects – pure studies of pure geometry. Utopian ideals – architecture must be associated with politics and the social condition to lead the way to a new world of better standards.
Boullee
Cenotaph & Monument for Sir Isaac Newton (1784) Huge hollow sphere as metaphorical tribute to the scientist’s work. Monumental scale with stripped Monumental down classicizing elements. Building to house a planetarium and shrine. Interior View - Night: Interna Interior Internall illumination system to simulate the solar system.
Exterior View: note rows of cypress trees ringing the sphere
Boullee Bibliotheque du Roi (The National Library) 1788
Library hall consisting of tunnel-like space, defined by walls of stacks and a coffered barrel vault. Between wall and vault, full length colonnade to highlight the vastness of the overall scale.
iii) Alexander-Pierre Vignon
Vignon La Madeleine (1807-1842)
begun as a church, was continued by Napoleon as a Temple of Glory but was completed as a church in 1842. Direct reference to the Maison Carree, resulting a lifeless paraphrase of an antique Roman temple. Theorist Winckelmann would disagree with such approach of direct copyism.
iv) Jacques-Germain Soufflot 1713 - 1780
Soufflot Church of St. Genevieve/ Pantheon, Paris (1757-92)
Remarked on lessons from gothic churches:
Truth of structure in Roman revival mode. Question the validity of Roman classical design.
Plan resembling St Mark’s in Venice
Greek cross Domes supported by single columns with straight entablatures Lightness of structure derived from gothic examples
Soufflot Church of St. Genevieve/ Pantheon, Paris (1757-92)
Plan resembling St Mark’s in Venice
Greek cross Domes supported by single columns with straight entablatures Lightness of structure derived from gothic examples Gothic lightness with Greek/Roman styling. Interior Roman in feeling and rich in decoration. To compare with Sir John Soane’s Bank of England
Neo-classicism (b) England
Neo-classicism England
England made the most determined effort to apply the new archaeological information to the creation of a new architecture directly inspired by the antique. Sometimes they changed their context to garden buildings and interior space. There were early architects used information from previous architects like Palladio, but later generation preferred to study the antique models from first hand.
Neo-classicism (England) Building Examples Bank of England, London (1788-1833) Sir John Soane
Evident are the basic geometric shapes of the composition. c omposition. Flat surface expression stressing the crisp outline. Pilasters, entablatures and coffers reduced to a thin diagrammatic patterns of grooves and fretwork. Rigorist tendencies evident.
Neo-classicism England Building Examples Chiswick Hall/ House Lord Burlington
Lord Burlington had anticipated the new wave of enthusiasm for the antique. His knowledge of the antique is based on Palladio's architecture and his codified and illuminated drawings of the antique.
Neo-classicism (c) Germany
Neoclassicism in Germany
Architects in Germany developed a severe but inventive style in the 1790s that was indebted to Ledoux. As well as to Winckelmann's call for a return to the spirit of ancient Greek architecture. The great monument of the Berlin school was the Brandenburg Gate (1789 -93) by Langhans
Neo-classicism (Germany) Building Examples Brandenburg Gate (1789-93) Langhans Distantly inspired by the propylaea on the Acropolis in Athens, it was the first of the ceremonial Doric gateways to rise in modern Europe. The Greek revival in Germany was linked with the growth of Prussian nationalism and imbued with the supposed moral virtues of the Doric order.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Karl Friedrich Schinkel Altes Museum (1824-1828)
Karl Friedrich Schinkel transformed Berlin with a series of monumen monuments ts in a rationalist Greek style. Facade in the form of an open colonnade of nineteen bays; with its long but undemon undemonstrative strative undemonst rative Ionic colonnade
(2) THE PICTURESQUE
The Picturesque The English Landscape Garden The new English garden: a reaction against French and Dutch formal gardens of the 17th century. The architectural impact of the Picturesque was the new emphasis it placed on architecture as part of an environment. The Picturesque tradition of England created the English landscape garden. A variety of different kinds of structure were placed in relation to carefully composed plantings in order to capture the effect of a painting by Claude or Poussin. Henry Hoare's Stourhead was an outstanding example of this approach to gardening and garden architecture. (1)
The Picturesque
Stourhead House and Gardens, Stourton, Warminster
The Picturesque
Stourhead House and Gardens, Stourton, Warminster
The Picturesque
Kew Gardens, Surrey Chinese Pagoda, 1763 Sir William Chambers
The Picturesque (2) The Concept of the Picturesque Contemporary with neo -classicism (England) Intellectual underpinnings: a new concept of nature (nature as life; the genius loci / spirit of the place), new thinking about aesthetics , a new appreciation of historical and cultural diversity. The modern concept of style. Exoticism and nationalism.
The Picturesque (3) Picturesque Associationism The transfer of picturesque composition from the garden to the house and the invention of an aesthetic theory (associationism) to account for its appeal. Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire, Eng., 1795 -1807, by James Wyatt for William Beckford.
(3) GOTHIC REVIVAL
Gothic Revival
Adaptatio Adapta tion n occu occurred rred aft after er 180 1800 0 – app approxi roximate mately ly 1830 1830’s ’s to 1850’s. Style very particular to place and building typology. From supposition that Gothic architecture was an indigenous style of Northern Europe Revivalism tendencies hinged on: Style as development development of Northern Northern culture culture – patriot patriotism ism Style best suited to a northern climate and colder zone. New material of construction: skeletal al articulati articulation on and and tensile tensile Gothic style – skelet structure renders itself to be expressed in iron as the new material in the industrial age.
Gothic Revival Contributions to modern thoughts of architecture Free planning Asymmetrical massing Varied silhouettes Plasticity of forms Exploit Exploitation ation of of colour colour and texture texture in in use of indigenous indigenous stones. Style kept alive a sense of craftsmanship at a time of mass production was beginning to alter the age old habits of the building industry. Style more prevalent in England and America. To be used in the design of churches and country houses. Classical style for public buildings and mansions.
Lyndhurst Tarrytown, New York 1838 and 1864-65
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival House of Parliament, London Sir Charles Barry assisted by A. W. N. Pugin 1835-67
Gothic Details
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