Introduction to Western Architecture (Essay Sample)

Introduction to Western architecture
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Introduction to Western architecture
The industrial revolution signified the onset of rural urban migration. This in turn resulted to an increase in the urban population. The manufacturing and production sectors of the economy thrived during this period. This period was reminiscent of a paradigm shift from traditional economic practices since it incorporated new practices that favored new manufacturing practices. Additionally, the industrial revolution was coupled with an in the uptake of skilled labor and mechanization of production processes. The textile industry was the first to benefit since it adopted mechanical spins. The design of Strawberry Hill and Horace Walpole, Twickenham, 1749-1777 were based on medieval architecture that primarily inclined towards incorporating the romantic setting.  Its aesthetic properties are a manifestation of gothic architecture. John Ruskin believed that architecture is comprised of seven lambs namely truth, power, beauty, life, memory, and obedience. Furthermore, he noted that architectural innovations took root medieval era. The architectural works of Claude Nicolas Ledoux of French nationality took center stage when he incorporated modern ideas and techniques that revolutionized the field of architecture in the 18th century. The royal salt works was a product of this approach of architecture. Claude Nicolas Ledoux pioneered modern architectural techniques that were widely used after the French revolution.
The Arc-et-Senans, salt manufacturing plant in France was the brainchild of Claude Nicolas Ledoux. The salt manufacturing plant did not represent utopian ideals on the other hand it was a representation of the future. The Wainwright building was designed by Louis Sullivan. This building incorporated height as the main design element. Louis Sullivan justified the design of this building by stating that it is imperative for skyscrapers to be tall in their entirety and that every aspect of a skyscraper should make a person proud. This building impacted greatly on modern architecture. Moreover, according to Louis Sullivan it is integral for the design of skyscrapers to be tripartite. It is however, worth noting that tripartite design incorporated a base, shaft, and attic. The Wainwright building was constructed to house offices. These offices were located at the higher floors. The windows of this building are inset in order to meet the architectural aesthetic requirements. Organic ornamentation is widely used in the design of this building particularly around the main entrance. Additionally, the terra cotta design element was incorporated in the Wainwright building. Sullivan’s architectural designs were unique and distinct since they incorporated organic ornamentation coupled with geometric ornamentations of structural frameworks. Brown sandstone was used to adorn the building. The uniqueness of this building has made it a notable landmark in Missouri. The industrial revolution prompted European architects to adopt rational architectural practices. This era saw the reduction in the widespread use of visual architectural elements that were symbolic of Rococo architecture. Architects had to deal with the enormous task of designing buildings that would meet the needs of the increasing urban population.
The architectural ideas of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc were hell bent on modernizing architecture. They particularly focused on gothic architecture that was based on devising construction solutions. Based on his assessment he considered gothic architecture to be superior as opposed to other architectural styles in the 20th century. This was due to the fact that gothic architecture was more rational since it incorporated a reasoned analysis approach. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was influenced by the aesthetic significance of European architecture in the 19th century that drew inspiration from mediaeval ideologies. Re planning of Paris took place during the industrial revolution. The population of Paris rapidly increased during this period. The re planning was necessary in order to combat the spread of diseases. Furthermore, re planning was integral since it was meant to transform Paris into an organized urban center. Furthermore, re planning was integral since it was meant to transform Paris into an organized urban center. The cities growth potential was constrained and limited because of poor planning. Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann was tasked with the responsibility of re planning and giving Paris an urban look by Napoleon. Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann was tasked with the responsibility of re planning and giving Paris an urban look by Napoleon.
The transformation of Paris involved refurbishment of public roads, parks, and monuments. Installation of new sewer lines was also part and parcel of the planning process. Given that Napoleon was a visionary he was stood firm in his quest to give Paris a well-deserved facelift. Haussmann ensured that the modernization of Paris met all aesthetic standards. He came up with a geometric model of the city characterized by new wider streets so as to reduce traffic in the city and congestion attributed to the exploding urban population. The remolding of Paris also took into consideration public spaces and monuments. They were meant to meet the recreational requirements of the urban population. He however, encountered challenges in creating a symmetrical design of the city since his professional background was not in urban planning. Paris was further subdivided into districts. It was marked by the destruction of old quarters hence resulting in the subdivision of Paris based on economic status. The transformed Paris was characterized by architectural facades constructed using stone blocks. Haussmann was against the proposed of mixing wastewater and human waste and advocated for the construction of different sewer systems. Additionally, increase in the height of buildings was among the objectives of Paris’s urban transformation agenda.
The Eiffel tower was constructed in 1889 for the world after which it would have then been torn down. The organizers of the fair were opposed to it being erected. During this period it dwarfed other structures constructed using iron. This structure was Gustave Eiffel idea. It is a reflection of French ingenuity. The Crystal palace was designed by Joseph Paxton. It was constructed using glass and cast iron. This design allowed passage of daylight and ensured that the interior space was effic...