An investigation at the diverse functions of neoclassical buildings
It does not take the exhaustive lines of tourists, the stoic Royal Guards, or the exclusive gating to recognize that there is something capturing about Buckingham Palace. The elaborate and imposing exterior arrests the attention of visitors; there is universality, nostalgia, an imposing presence to the Palace that makes it stand out. Buckingham Palace was designed principally by John Nash and Edward Blore, and it serves as a commentary not only in the popular tastes of today, but the timeless and popular grip neoclassical architecture had in the 18th and 19th century.
While many may not be capable of defining neoclassical architecture or be able to elaborate on its features, a large majority are capable of discerning such buildings from a mass of structures. Neoclassical style intends for its designs to stand out as a Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
The spread and adaptation of neoclassical architecture in different countries
The neoclassical architectural movement grew out of a rejection of the popular architectural style of the mid-18th century, namely the rococo and baroque style of architecture. Seeking to revive the classical Greek and Roman style, neoclassicism spread rapidly throughout the world. However, like everything, even neoclassical architecture was to be subject to the filters of perspective. Individual countries and architects adapted neoclassicism to their appropriate context and for their appropriate function at their appropriate period. Though neoclassical architecture shares fundamental similar characteristics, the spread of neoclassicism throughout the world was by no means uniform and simultaneous. Indeed, the wide range of purpose that neoclassical architecture had throughout countries demonstrates why to group its movement into one singular era is not true to reality in the least.
For many years, neoclassical architecture, albeit without the title, existed as an extension of the excessive Baroque style. In England, in particular, architects such as Christopher Wren and William Kent designed buildings, such as Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
Even the most inexperienced and naïve of the world of architecture would be capable of identifying the architectural landmarks that define the neoclassical movement. Indeed, many that are standing today remain as visually impressive as when they were constructed. Descriptive terms such as ‘classical’ and ‘imposing’ are among the characteristics that immediately are identified with neoclassicism. This is altogether unsurprising. Neoclassicism, after all, as a movement was rooted in two things: first, a backlash against the newer schools of architecture that gained popularity in the early 18th century. Second, neoclassicism was a product of an aching nostalgia for a lost world of architecture that inspired pride and strength, namely the classical Greek and Roman architecture.
Visuals such as Capitol Hill in the United States or the Prado Museum in Madrid offer a window as to why neoclassical architecture may be the most identifiable style that exists in architecture, even if many cannot identify it by name. The buildings are elaborate, symmetrical, imposing, and timeless works. Though neoclassicism adapted itself differently in individual countries, this Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
A desire to return to more basic
Symmetry and order
“Traditional Architecture” - NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE
There exists a popular cliché that is repeated to us – undoubtedly you have heard it- that goes: “From death arises new life.” Naturally, it is commonly associated with religious creed in the form of life after death; a message that death is not to be dreaded or feared for it produces something better and more perfect in its wake. Yet, the notion that the destruction of one entity will yield something better extends beyond theocracy. Many facets of life, politics, and idea are built on the foundations of previous or extinct entities. Nowhere is this more evident than in architecture. Neoclassical architecture represented a revolution in its truest sense. It was a reaction against the Baroque and Rococo, and an attempt to revive the essence of classical Greco Roman forms from an epoch long past. Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
