Architecture of Enlightenment

 Beginning in the late 17th century and continuing through the 18th century the period of enlightenment saw great adaptations within architecture due to the great advancements in science and technology, as well as the period also seeing advancements in politics and knowledge. Set in motion by revolution in certain countries and the steep rise in others, it saw Europe as a whole excel as a society. An example can be shown in France which saw the Revolution take place in 1789, this saw power be taken from the church and monarchy which allowed new ideas to be implemented in all aspects, not only politics, but also in design.

During the period the rise of Etienne-Louis Boullee was seen, with his own iconic thought process and vision, he followed his fathers footsteps into Architecture. His main focus was on neo-classical design, which saw unnecessary design elements removed and stripped to their basic needs with a focus on keeping symmetry and variety. An example of his work shows off the era of enlightenment focusing on the accomplishments of Sir Isaac Newton, the cenotaph he created used the reflection of light to create a glow, which was a new development within design, and was made on a huge scale. I found this extremely interesting as the first projects have created during my time on my Architecture course have involved some sort of light projection and this was one of the first to effectively implement it.

Another key designer is Ledoux, from his work it was the beginning of what we take for granted, the design of his theatre allowed everyone to be able to sit down, something that in modern day is very much the norm, but during this period it was almost unheard of. Prior to this only the wealthy were able to sit in the theatre, with the less wealthy having to stand at the front of the stage with the upper class seated behind and above. This design came in 1784 which was not long before the revolution, which went hand in hand with this design and the idea of equality between classes. 

Through this period, the combination of ethics and Architecture went hand in hand. This can be seen through the develop of science causing new techniques as well as new aesthetic being achieved, as well as the development of society creating a greater ideal of equality, which required design to change in order to complement the needs.
 

Gothic Architecture

 Much of the Gothic style which began in the 1100s was undrawn and was extremely trial and error, from this many deaths were causes and things would fall and be rebuilt. The term gothic was introduced by Italian writers of the Renaissance given to nonclassical ugliness. At the centre of Gothic Architecture was the Gothic Vault, through the work of medieval masons finding ways to support heavy ceilings much more space was created.

Another challenge that this era faced regarding significant heavy loads, was that the external walls had to be very thick which made labour more expensive and difficult. This was resolved by the invention of the buttress as it shares the load is is carried down the buttress, overtime these became increasingly light and were developed to become more aesthetic. I in particular found this interesting as it gave me a greater insight as to why Gothic designs had these great bridge like pieces, upon listening to this it shows that the masons found a way to not only improve the functionality of the supports, but also increases their aesthetic by keeping it in replicated to the rest of the design. 

There are three ages of Gothic design:

• Early Gothic (1120-1200)
• High Gothic 

Europe (1200-1280)

England (1300-1375)

• 
  Late Gothic

Europe (1280-1500)

England (1375-1500)

Early Gothic shows distinct features of numerous windows, arches, large doorways and huge towers, particularly shown through Notre Dame, as well as Lincoln Cathedral which were Commenced during this early gothic period. High Gothic was defined as increasingly elaborate geometrical decoration, this became a much more complex and flamboyant style when compared to the earlier gothic styles, with statue decoration as well as a decorated interior, examples of this are such as the Chartres Cathedral which was completed in 1220. In England the high gothic style had a much more perpendicular design rather so than such a flamboyant style that was found in France and the rest of Europe. Late Gothic saw an advancement in techniques and construction which went back to a decorative style, and saw an end of the more flamboyant style that had been developed in Europe.

This period was an extremely important period particularly in Europe, through the creation of gothic Architecture it changed the way Churches and Cathedrals were designed. Despite the period beginning almost a millennium ago, it is still regarded as one of the most aesthetic design eras with many structures being seen as the most influential in Architectural history.