03 Identity Tectonics Introduction Foreign styles heavily influenced architecture in the early 19th century. New engineering methods and materials were fused with old styles of architecture. New elements are also being used like iron and how iron structures paved the way for more modern techniques in construction. Gothic architecture revival and what makes something gothic. Progressing the movement more and more while harmonizing its nature, beauty, and connection to the heavens. Neoclassical architecture is classical Greek and Roman architecture combined. Being more simplistic than the rest, the movement played an essential role in the development of the country’s style.
The New Elements [Alex Rithiphong | Shane Stone | Luc Thorington] In the 19th century, iron gained popularity because of its structural potential and had favorable properties over stone and wood. Iron was cheaper than stone and had better structural capacity. It could withstand fire better than wood, which made it favorable to prevent catastrophic fire damage in buildings. Casting iron parts made the assembly of buildings much easier because they could be prefabricated in bulk and shipped to the site. The pros of iron outweigh the cons, which explains why it was used as a structural element in buildings in this time period. Relating back to the Les Halles, the interior of the building has exposed iron trusses, which was a popular design element. The columns were likely made of iron because of their structural strength, which supported the weight of glass. Iron and glass were a popular combination for buildings in the early nineteenth century, and were especially seen in France and England. During this time, glass became another elemental breakthrough for buildings. Following another of the great elementals of construction, Glass had become an expressive entity in the mid-19th century. The success of using glass in new construction was the very purpose of filling
Paris, Les Halles, Interior View, Victor Baltard
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Identity Tectonics
