ARLH 206 - Class 8

Atelier

architectural studio, where students could study

Prix de Rome

"Prize of Rome". A way to further distinguish yourself at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, motivational; winners were displayed which allowed for further teachings. Must distinguish yourself before pursuing the Prix de Rome. Prix winners during the progression of the 19th century showed how architectural taste changes through the prompts that were given. For example, the Prix winner in 1824 - (Labrouste, a design for tribunal) showed a plain and simplistic design on the exterior, where he emphasized basic architecture. The prix winner in 1848 - showed more decoration and grandeur, which showed the growing and changing taste, progressing away from classicism. And finally, the Prix winner in 1863, allowed and included color.

Second Empire (style): Style Napoleon III / Neo-Baroque

In 1848, Napoleon III (Napoleon's nephew) rose to power, first as a president and then becomes the second emperor of France. Return to Baroque (as compared to the first empire which included Ancient Rome/Greece; classical). Urban streets in Paris - wants a spectacular Paris. Rue de Rivoli (Percier and Fontaine) inspired Napoleon III - where he wanted more urban streets. Added sewer systems, Paris was seen in a better way, urban planning (apartments on top, commercial first level). Baron Haussman was a part of this time -urban planner for Paris, (working with Napoleon III).

Charles Garnier

What: French Architect Where: Paris, France When: 1825-98 Why: Prix de Rome winner (1848)- neo-baroque period full force. Opera (1861-75), he was proclaimed winner for the construction of the building during the mid 1870s. New opera house in Paris - wanted modern functionality, comfort, structure (best of the best). Large structure -wanted a place where everyone could have a grandeur experience. Looks like Versailles (Baroque, color included). His book, Le Nouvel Opera de Paris, (7 vols. 1875-) had a dramatic influence, specifically in the US. For example people wanted aspects from the Paris Opera in America.

Henri Labrouste

What: French architect Where: Paris, France When: 1801-75 Why: Prix de Rome winner (1824) for his design for tribunal courthouse. Traveled to Rome after winning to continue his studies - for his fourth year project he worked with studies of Paestum - Hera I and Hera II. Study of Temple of Hera I - he interpreted the building (thought it wasn't a temple, but a Basilica). 5th year project -designed bridge that connected Italy and France. (1830). After returning from Paris on his trip, he was commissioned to design the Bibliotheque of Ste. Genevieve in 1838. (1843-51, Paris) Designed a place to study for students - function (teach, educate, enlighten). Uses modern architects for inspiration (Durand, Klenze and the term Rundbogenstil). Don't copy, but understand history. Cast iron - used in this building, was an element of modern architecture. Interior- used gardens as inspiration. Columns in middle of reading room (much like the Temple of Hera I) eliminates authority.

Hector Lefuel

What: French architect Where: Paris, France When: 1810-80 Why: Did the additions to the Louvre - Grand Baroque ornaments; Versailles-like during the 19th century. Louvre interiors - extremely neo-Baroque, private apartments for the Emperor. Elegance and grandeur.

Baron Haussmann

What: urban planner Where: Paris, France When: 1809-91 Why: Worked with Napoleon for urban planning, where apartment buildings held commercial on ground floor with apartments above. Supported the rebuilding, addressed health concerns - with the older streets. Designed matching buildings with the same heights; showing continuity. Streets connect to the heart of Paris.

Ecole des Beaux Arts

founded 1803, moved campus 1816: a new place for people to study (over Ecole Polytechnique). Learning included aspects of antiquity, ornamentation - venustas (more than Polytechnique which focused mainly on utilitas and firmitas). Ambitious Americans would travel to study there (and Europeans). Students were fairly young, no set curriculum (some went for short period of time), aligned themselves with architects to give guidance, through lessons and people you met while there could benefit you. Distinguishing yourself from rest; ecole projects - Prix de Rome. The Prix winners displayed works from their travels (while studying) which benefitted students that were studying at the school - inspiration.

Paestum

on the Italian Peninsula, most important ancient Greek temples (temple of Hera I - 6th C BCE and temple of Hera II - 5th C BCE), Labrouse used these temples for his fourth year project on place analysis (what they saw, as well as what they used to look like). Hera II - re-emphasized basic architecture. Study of Temple of Hera I - interpreted building, and claimed it wasn't a temple (was wrong); no main axis, columns down the middle, no center piece - said it was a Basilica (public building). Wanted to emphasize what he was learning at the time (biased opinion). Creates conversation, questions authority of teachers.

Mansard roof

steep pitched roof on top of buildings that give an additional floor. First constructed in France (during Baroque). 17th century Mansart - was an architect, inspired the 2nd empire buildings that contained Mansard roofs.