19th Century Architecture: Styles and Urban Development
19th Century Architecture
In the early 19th century, the dominant architectural style was Neo-Classicism. However, an agreement was reached between the supporters of Neo-Classicism and Gothic Revival. The former was used for administrative buildings, and the latter for religious structures.
The Gothic Revival
The Neo-Gothic style sought to be a vehicle for the religious sentiments of idealized mystical Romanticism. Later, architects and historians, such as Viollet-le-Duc, approached Gothic architecture with a more scientific lens. A prominent example of this style is the British Parliament building in London. In addition to Neo-Gothic, other styles emerged, including Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Renaissance, and Neo-Mudejar.
Eclecticism
Across all the arts, there was a willingness to respond to the desire of the rising middle classes to flaunt their status. This led to eclectic forms of architecture in which various trends and influences converged, from Neo-Classicism to Baroque, passing through Rococo.
This style was commonly used in major cities, such as the expansions of San Sebastian and Bilbao.
The Architecture of Iron
The development of industrialization meant that iron was frequently used in various structures and buildings throughout the century, including bridges, decks, and gas stations. Iron became a symbol of industrial society and introduced new, more streamlined ways of building.
The Beginnings of Functionalism: The Chicago School
The dynamic American industrialization, coupled with the growth of cities, the desire to maximize profit, and the invention of express elevators, led to the emergence of the first skyscrapers.
A parallel debate grew in the field of architecture, rejecting bombastic and ornamental styles. Thus arose the so-called Chicago School. The main representative of this school was Louis H. Sullivan. The city of Chicago became a central location where a number of changes took place. Tall buildings produced dark and gloomy streets. Therefore, a series of laws were promulgated to control the development of buildings.
19th Century Urban Planning: Haussmann’s Plan in Paris
Most European cities had a medieval layout of narrow streets, making movement difficult. During the 19th century, following the bourgeois revolution, the need to initiate reforms in these European cities became apparent.
Thus, the plan known as Haussmann’s Plan was implemented. The emperor wanted to prioritize movement and insisted that Haussmann open straight roads. Large and wide boulevards were opened to connect different neighborhoods. Green areas were developed, and trees were planted. The new boulevards and streets were lined with large buildings in an eclectic style.
The result was controversial because, in the previous quarters, all social classes lived together, with an abundance of humble workers and artisans. Many of these residents were evicted and could not return to the new quarters, which were occupied by people of the middle and upper classes. Haussmann himself believed that the new layout would hinder any revolutionary movement.
In Spain, the urban plan of Barcelona, designed by Ildefonso Cerdá, is particularly noteworthy.