Free research paper about architecture of 19th century

Introduction

In the architecture of the 19th century Baroque art style that has lost its momentum, yielded a new classicism, which became the main style of this era. However, close to classicism, took over the ancient forms developed romanticism became stylistic manifestation of the Middle Ages, coupled with the new trends of constructivism. In the 19th century, when the building technologies achieved tremendous success, the center of the world of architecture has shifted significantly. During this period, the highest elevation reaches architecture of such countries like France, England, Germany, and Russia. This research paper is aimed at outlining the peculiarities of the architecture of the 19th century. The paper will be divided into two major parts: architecture of the 19th century of Europe and the United States of America. Besides, in the conclusion I will compare and contrast the peculiarities of architecture of the United States of America and Europe.

Europe

Eclecticism, entrenched in the 30s of the 19th century, was the architectural and creative method of the century. An important factor in the development of architecture the period under review was a quick and decisive progress of construction equipment, has revolutionized the used materials and structures. Since the beginning of the 19th century building has been actively used metals – iron; then iron in the second half of the century was the transition to steel reinforced concrete began to be used later .
With each decade, the role of new building materials had been increasing but for a long time they were considered as auxiliary and hiding under a stone or shell gets older is not peculiar to them decorative shapes. Construction machinery in terms of the 19th century significantly moving forward, progressing in the same relation to the composite architecture, on the contrary, is reversed , to the long- departed into history styles. Between the technical and artistic sides of architecture the so called “ scissors” arise, which over time diverge more and more. Already in the 1830-1840ies in France, Germany, England, the building appear, on the face of which the architects reflected their interests in the early Christian authors , Gothic , Moorish , Florentine Renaissance . In 1840-1860 by architect Charles Barry built a large building in London Parliament entirely embodied in a English Gothic. The builders of this structure were aimed as close as possible to the nature of authentic Gothic structures. Such copying of past styles noted in other plants of this time.
Simultaneously with the Reichstag on the square Lustgarten architect Julius Rashdorf was erected main Berlin Cathedral (1893), also decided in the forms of Baroque architecture. All these buildings have comparatively modern plans, they used metal and other new designs, but the architectural and decorative forms based solely on copying and mixed motives old ” historical” styles. To create wider art circles of medieval architecture , the interest which at the time was particularly great , great importance was the work of a prominent French architect , archaeologist scientist Viollet -le-Duc (1814-1879) , restored by scientific methods chapel Saint Chappelle, Notre Dame and Pierrefonds castle. In addition to the above major 19th-century buildings, decorated ” in different styles”, one can select a range of modern facilities to them, which give a different , entirely new architectural solution. (Reiff, 1988)
Technical features of the new architecture for its aesthetic strengths reflect not only the social character of production in the era of imperialism , but created the material conditions for the flourishing of architecture in the future under the elimination of private ownership and operation . Private property , competition caused a manifestation of subjective arbitrariness. Hence the pursuit of fashion , deliberately extravagant solutions. The architecture is typical of bourgeois society contradictory plexus false and aesthetically progressive tendencies.

United States of America

Architecture USA during the XIX century , as well as political and economic life of this period of history, and took a significant kind of revolution and was closely reflects the changes that have occurred in the country.
In the development of American architecture can be traced several periods. Starting the post-colonial period (1790 – 1820.) , The main features of which are the transition to the proportions and features of the architecture of ancient Rome, marks the building, designed by Thomas Jefferson – Capitol in Richmond. Jefferson also designed complex built the University of Virginia.
During this period, at the beginning of the XIX century, the United States dominated the aesthetics of classicism. Particularly popular was the so-called Greek style, which were made many government and public buildings. The rise of national identity, national pride was reflected in the majesty of Greek-style buildings. Style is considered the founder of B. Latrobe, who built the first building in this style Pennsylvania Bank in Philadelphia. In addition, most pronounced features of Greek ideas and style were implemented exactly in the construction of the U. S. capital – Washington. Among the most significant buildings of this type, include the Capitol Building in Washington by architect T. Walter and the State Treasury by architect R. Mills. (Luria, 2005) Also in this style were built banks and churches in cities like Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore.
Since 1840 and extremely popular is the neo-Gothic style, which was mainly represented by Andrew Jackson Downing, who denied the classic style and called for a revival of Gothic and medieval details. Gothic Revival style was used extensively in the construction of universities, mansions and churches. Also gained popularity the so-called Federal style, featuring neoclassical elements, bright interior with large windows and white walls and ceilings, which were built many government buildings. To belong to this style of work of architects such as Asher Benjamin, Charles Bulfinch, Samuel McInter Alexander Parris and William Thornton. Period to replace the post-colonial period came the revival of Greek style (1820-1860), one of the greatest architects of which was T. Walter, created a true masterpiece and a model of style – Girard College.
In the period 1860-1880 ‘s, the idea spread industrialization of construction , helped by the development of ” factory-style “, which is a vivid example of the building of the pavilion of the exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 . It was during this period appears a material such as concrete, largely overturned the foundations of modern construction. The first concrete building was built in 1873-1876 years by architect Ward. Romanesque Revival period (1860-1893) Was marked by rapid technological development and construction engineering technology , it is the time to begin to be widely used architecture iron and cast iron frames and metal such as aluminum, due to its lightness and strength . One of the most prominent representatives of this period was T. Richardson. Built it in 1877 Holy Trinity Church in Boston is a vivid embodiment of the Romanesque style. The appearance of the frame led to the creation of the first skyscraper, which is home to the city of Chicago. Period of rapid industrial development, the rapid growth of cities, building tightness, high land prices, and the invention of safe elevator – all contributed to the development of skyscrapers in New York and Chicago, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1871. One of the first was the tallest buildings built in Chicago in 1883-1885 – Home insurance Building, ten-stored building of the frame.
Willingness to give new types of frame buildings artistic image spawned in the early ’80s “ Chicago School,” which the main ideologue was L. G. Sullivan – the ancestor of the modern architecture of the United States. Among the most prominent structures built by Sullivan projects include Wainwright Building in St. Louis, skyscraper Guaranty Building in Buffalo, Chicago department store , etc. Also, at this time America enters the world stage as a major industrial and capitalist country , which is also in turn delayed the imprint on buildings. The building becomes an object of the sale, and its appearance – the object of advertising. (Weingarden, 2009)
Important role in the history of American architecture played a World Fair of 1893 in Chicago , dedicated to the discovery of America quarter centenary . It was during this period, the period of eclecticism (1893-1920) , there is a large-scale revival of the classical style . Many of the buildings of the World Exhibition were performed exactly in the classical style . One of the most notable was the building of transport, made ​​by architect L. Sullivan . It is this building reflects the basic trend of modern American architecture , introduced Sullivan – ” form follows function .” Sullivan was a pupil of FL Wright, who has most of his life engaged in construction of suburban residences . It was he who was the author of the concept of ” organic architecture”, which is based on the position that the buildings are functional and linked with the surrounding landscape.
During the period of eclecticism role of the architectural center is moving from Chicago to New York . Outstanding architect of this period was Charles McKean , who as the basis of his work took the classical architecture of the Renaissance. Charles McKean collaborated with C. White. They created monumental buildings in the classical style: the building of the Boston Public Library ( 1887-95 ), State Capitol Building, Rhode Island ( 1891-93 ), Columbia University ( 1894-98 ). Other prominent architects of the period of eclecticism are RA Crum and BG Goodhue, who sought to revive Gothic architecture and improve her technique. This is clearly expressed their desire in buildings such as the Church of All Saints in Brooklyn, Trinity Church in Havana, and the Church of Andrew in Chicago. (Keegan et. Al., 2008)
Thus, by the end of XIX century architecture there are new technical and design problems , it retains only some external form and details , inherited from past styles , especially long held fashion Romanesque architecture and Greek styles. For truly original , innovative ideas in the field of architecture and construction have been connected with new technological advances , with the advent of a new type of engineering and architectural techniques and structures. These include , above all, the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City , built by father and son Roebling . Opened in 1884 , this bridge , impresses with its innovation and use of new materials , has opened a new era in the development of architecture USA.
Hence, that by the end of the XIX century architecture in the United States had generally mimicking nature, and only with the advent of the ” Chicago School” it gets rid of any kind of influence was, and what’s more, she actively begins to affect the architecture of other countries. (Keegan et al, 2008) It was in the late 19th century were laid the basic architectural principles and ideals upon which the modern architecture of the United States.

Conclusion

In this research paper, I tried to outline the main peculiarities of Europe and United States development in architecture of the 19th century. When analyzing the architecture of both continents, it easy to find some similarities. The first similarity is that both the architecture of the 19th century of Europe and United States of America tended to use Greek motives in exterior. Besides, on both continents, architects understood the usefulness of concrete and metal and began to use it. In the United States of America, architects projected the first skyscrapers, whereas in Europe the Eifel tower was built – the highest building of that time.
However, there are many differences. The first difference is the styles used in architecture. In Europe, architects preferred to use classic styles, whereas in the United States of America eclectic style was dominant. It is worth to mention, that England was the country where many styles were combined. In the United States, we see the combination of multiple styles, as well. However, the styles do not differ much from each other. When speaking about the architecture style of the 19th century in Europe and the United States of America, it is worth to mention that on both continents neo gothic buildings appeared almost simultaneously. Greek motives and elements of neo gothic are the main similarities between the architecture of the 19th century of Europe and the United States of America. One of the most significant differences is the direction the architecture was moving toward. When speaking about the European architecture, it focused on Baroque and Renaissance, whereas the American architecture focused on eclectic. This means that European architects tended to look back and remake the old works, whereas American architects were creating the future.

Resources:

Middleton R. Neoclassical and 19th century architecture. 1980. Harry R. Abrams.
Weingarden L. S. Louis H. Sullivan and a 19th century poetics of naturalized architecture. 2009. Ashgate
Reiff D. D. Viollet-le-Duc and American 19th century architecture. 1988. Journal of architectural education. Vol. 42. No. 1, Autumn
Luria S. Capital speculations: writing and building Washington D. C. 2005. New Hampshire
Keegan K., Osmond L. J. Chicago architecture: from 1885 to today. 2008. Universe