Key Concepts in the Development of Modern Architecture

The Eiffel Tower and Early Elevators

  • First modern skyscraper elevator system built for Eiffel Tower (1889).
    • Not for commercial purposes; intended for public access.
    • Four large, double-decked elevators raised passengers to the first platform, equal to height of Notre Dame.
    • Two additional elevators from terrace to second platform, equal to St. Peter's dome.
    • Remaining ascent was made with hydraulic elevators in stages.
    • Total height of the tower: 1,000 feet, achieved in seven minutes.
    • Capacity: 2,350 passengers/hour.

The Schism Between Architecture and Technology

  • Discussion of growing divide in 19th-century between science/technology and the arts.
  • Recognition of this schism demanded a new architectural approach.
  • Key elements:
    • École des Beaux-Arts (founded 1806 by Napoleon):
    • Aimed to unify architecture and other arts but led to isolation from practical life.
    • École Polytechnique (founded 1794):
    • Aimed to merge theoretical with practical sciences, significantly impacting industry.
    • Influenced the development of social and political economies in architecture.
  • Central questions raised during this period:
    1. How should architect training proceed?
    2. What is the relationship and function of engineers vs architects?

The Influence of the École Polytechnique

  • Established a connection between science and real-world applications in the 19th century.
  • Influenced by figures like Jean-Antoine Chaptal advocating for the application of science to industry.
  • Henri Rondelet underscored the importance of scientific techniques in architecture through his teachings, stating they should impact design.
  • Emphasis on collaboration between architects and engineers began during this time, pushing architects out of traditional forms.

Emergence of a New Architectural Identity

  • Anxiety among architects about being eclipsed by engineers amidst fast-paced industrialization.
  • Architects called for new architecture liberated from past traditions.
  • Key sentiments from various years:
    • 1849: The necessity for a new architecture using iron for innovation.
    • 1850: Proposal that new architecture would arise when industry’s new methodologies were employed.
    • Architectural revolutions parallel to social revolutions, suggesting radical changes were necessary.

Interdependencies Between Architecture and Engineering

  • Post-1850 developments highlighted interaction between engineering methodologies and architectural practices.
  • Proposals ranging from redefining costs in construction to merging artistically inclined architects with informed engineers were suggested.
  • Ongoing discourse in the Académie and engineering communities concerning the roles of architects and engineers:
    • Recognition that evolving architecture must integrate functional design and aesthetic appeal.
    • Growth in footbridge examples indicated structural simplification in later designs.