Notes on Nationalism and Architecture

Nationalism and the Nation-State

  • Nationalism asserts that each group of people should correspond to a specific state.
    • Example: The French nation should have France, Russians should have Russia where people align with their national identity.
  • After the signing of treaties like those post-1815, there was a push for unified national identities.
    • Reshaping of Europe aimed to prevent future wars by establishing clear national boundaries, though many groups felt unrepresented.

The Role of Architecture in National Identity

  • Architecture became a means to establish and express national identity post-1815.
  • Regional conflicts fueled the desire for a cohesive national identity that could be physically represented.
  • Gothic architecture and examples like Strawberry Hill House contributed to the romanticism of the Middle Ages as desirable past.

The Gothic Revival

  • The Gothic novel genre emerged as a stylistic reflection of romanticism and nostalgia for the Middle Ages.
    • Popular characters might include virginal women confronting male antagonists in spooky settings.
  • Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is noted as one of the first Gothic novels, influencing architectural practices with Strawberry Hill, which features a non-authentic medieval style that’s asymmetrical and picturesque.

Romanticism vs Rationalism

  • Romanticism is characterized by an emphasis on emotion and individualism, opposing rationalism’s focus on logic and universality.
  • Romantic thinkers saw the French Revolution as a cautionary tale that lost humanity in favor of cold, hard reason.
  • Gothic revival architecture was seen as a form of emotional expression and connection to a perceived simpler, more virtuous past.

Notable Examples of Gothic Revival Architecture

  • Fonthill Abbey
    • Built by William Thomas Beckford, the structure was poorly planned leading to its eventual collapse.
    • Known for its impressive, yet impractical, design.
  • Notre-Dame de Paris
    • Symbol of unity, went through periods of decay and preservation efforts during upheavals in France.
    • Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre-Dame helped increase its cultural significance and public interest leading to restoration.

Notre-Dame’s Restoration

  • Eugene Viollet-le-Duc’s restoration in the 1850s reinterpreted history rather than strictly preserving it.
  • Restorations included new spires and integrated styles to make the building more cohesive, despite historical inaccuracies.

The Palace of Westminster as a National Symbol

  • Following destruction by a fire in 1834, a Gothic revival design was selected to symbolize British identity and stability.
  • The design by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin emphasized medieval features to reflect a national identity.
  • The building functions as a ceremonial center cementing the traditions and cultural fabric of Britain.

The Question of German Identity

  • Germany lacked a unified state leading to a longing for a collective identity through shared culture and heritage.
    • Artists and architects like Karl Friedrich Schinkel aimed to shape a German identity through elements like museum architecture, emphasizing Greek styles.
  • The significance of creating a coherent cultural expression was recognized in public buildings like museums, promoting inclusivity and national pride.

Architectural Responses in Thailand

  • The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok demonstrate how Thailand navigated colonial pressures.
    • This complex reflects Thai culture while asserting sovereignty against colonialism, emphasizing traditional Thai styles mixed with Western influence.
  • The architectural choices reflected a strategic hybridization aimed at maintaining national identity during difficult geopolitical times.

The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)

  • An architectural marvel of the Qing dynasty, featuring extensive gardens and traditional Chinese palace styles.
  • The palace was devastated during colonial invasions, symbolizing a loss of cultural artifacts and national pride, showing the darker side of nationalism and the prominence of heritage in national identity.

Conclusion

  • Architecture serves as both a national identity marker and a target for oppression.
  • These narratives reflect the broader themes of heritage, nationalism, and the consequences of historical narratives shaped by architectural endeavors.