Wednesday 22 January 2014

Does Neoclassicism still influence modern architecture?

Neoclassicism does still influence architecture and will continue to influence the design and understanding of buildings still to come. Neoclassicism harkens back to the Classical periods of Greek and Rome, and buildings of this style feature characteristics like columns and geometric forms. This style of architecture grew out of a reaction or distaste for the excess of Rococo design, which was rich in detail. In turn, many architectural styles have developed as interpretations of or...

Neoclassicism does still influence architecture and will continue to influence the design and understanding of buildings still to come. Neoclassicism harkens back to the Classical periods of Greek and Rome, and buildings of this style feature characteristics like columns and geometric forms. This style of architecture grew out of a reaction or distaste for the excess of Rococo design, which was rich in detail. In turn, many architectural styles have developed as interpretations of or reactions to Neoclassical style. 


As an example, let's consider a building which might be considered a reaction or rejection of Neoclassical style— Fallingwater. Neoclassical architecture is very upright, with a sturdy base, strong columns, and typically a triangular roof or the appearance thereof. This mimics the iconic temples of Greece, and government buildings all over the West bear this style. Homes built in the Neoclassical style also bear a very upright appearance, with all elements of the home contained in a neat, four-sided space. In contrast, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater has elements which seemingly jut out at odd angles. What's more, Fallingwater was built to interact and co-exist with the surrounding environment, rather than dominate it as a Neoclassical structure might. I cannot say with any certainty that Frank Lloyd Wright had this rejection clear in his mind when he designed the structure, but his knowledge of architecture is built upon the thousands of years of design which preceded him.


In a more explicit sense, many buildings today (especially governmental) are built in the Neoclassical style in order to emulate Classical societies and their values. 

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