18th 19th century

Issac Newton

Pivotal figure in the Scientific Revolution and key influence in the enlightenment, He revolutionized our understanding of the Universe.

Montesquieu

French Philosopher known for his theory of separation of powers, advocating for the distinct branches of government; executive, legislative, and judicial

Anne-Robert Jacques Turgot

A French economist and statesman, articulate the idea of progress. He posited that the human mind and society are capable of continuous advancement.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

He explored human nature, inequality, and the social contract. He distinguished between natural inequality (physical) and moral inequality (wealth)

Voltaire

writer and phosphor, championed free speech and religious separation

Marc-Antoine Laugier

his architectural theories presented in his ‘Essay on Architecture’, advocated for simplicity, functionality, and a return to essential forms.

Fra Carlo Lodoli

Known as the “Socrates of Architecture”, designing according to function

Denis Diderot

diderot’s co-creation of the encyclopedia, a groundbreaking compendium of knowledge

Enlightenment New Ideas

-Reason and Empiricism

-Separation of Powers

-Progress

-Individual Liberty and Rights

-Social Contract, relations between individual and state

-Functionalism

-Secularism, challenging church

-Dissemination of Knowledge

Progress

Turgot’s idea of progress was central to the enlightenment, meaning the optimistic belief in continuous improvement of human society and human mind.

What is Enlightenment

The Age of Reason, was a powerful intellectual and cultural movement of the 17th and 18th century.

Etienne Louis Boullee

teacher and theorist epitomized enlightenment ideals through his abstract geometric style rooted in classical forms. His work, paper architecture, showcased the evocative potential of light and shadow.

United States arch

the white house, designed by James Hoban in the neoclassical style (1792 1800) the building creates a distinct American aesthetic. US Capitol, by Benjamin Latrobe, represents democracy and legislative branch.

France arch

The Palais Bourbon in Paris, 1722 embodies French legislative power. - Neoclassical. Pantheon in Paris, once a church but later a mausoleum, serves to celebrate French intellect and western thought.

Germany arch.

The Reichstag building, 1894, symbolizes German unification and political power. It was destroyed in the Nazi era but reconstructed to affirm German resilience and democracy.

Italy arch.

Victor Emmanuel 2 National Monument in Rome, 1885-1935, stands as a symbol of Italian unification. The buildings scale represents its unity and historic roots in the Roman Empire.

Great Britain emerg.

1707, the formal union of kingdoms of England and Scotland created a new political entity with distinct identity.

French First repub.

1792, The French Revolution led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the First Republic.

UK of GB and Ireland join

1801 Ireland joined Great Britain further solidifying the United Kingdom

German Empire emerg.

1871, the unification of German states under Prussian leadership created a powerful new nation.

Kingdom of Italy emerg.

1861, Italy achieved unification under king Vector Emmanuel 2, unifying independent states into one nation