Frank Lloyd Wright said,
Architecture is the triumph of human imagination over the materials, methods, and men…………It is at least the geometric pattern of things, of life, of the human and social world
Here the word geometricity goes way back to the time of the Intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in Europe. The time of the 17th and 18th centuries profoundly influenced various aspects of society including a major shift towards architecture. This era was the era of Enlightenment.
The age of the new style of shifting is majorly characterized by the departure from the elaborate ornamentation and religious symbolism of the preceding Baroque and Rococo styles. The prioritizing of rationality, functionality, and simplicity in design was prominently seen which reflects the era’s focus on observation and humanism. This movement has given birth to several movements and styles and a shift as well: In short- Rococo to Rationalism.
Rococo Architecture, is an early to mid-18th-century style that emerged as a response to the grandeur and formality of Baroque architecture. Characterized by the ornate and playful style, Rococo features intricate ornamentation, and pastel colors enhanced by its asymmetrical designs, and sense of whimsy, elegance, and theatricality. This style gives the stunning sensibilities of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie of the time.
Since the architectural styles of the Rococo and Enlightenment eras contrast with each other, they also share a quite complex relationship. The stylistic characteristics diverged from the rationality and order associated with the ideals of Enlightenment ideals. Rococo is associated with terminologies such as ornamentation, extravagance, and sensory pleasure.
Enlightenment influenced many significant architectural movements such as Neoclassicism which drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman Architecture which viewed ancient styles for order and civic virtue. From embracing symmetrical facades, and simple geometric forms, the Enlightenment gave birth to ideologies such as Rationalism in Architecture. This marks the shift from the ancient and extravagant rococo Architecture for the designers.
The emergence of Rationalism was influenced by Enlightenment ideals, particularly in the 18th century seen prominently in cities of France and England. The architects following Rationalism rejected the concept of excessive ornamentation and started focusing on practicality and functionality. The efficient use of space was the primary focus of the time. The clarity of form, geometric precision, and rational organization of the structures and the urban spaces enhance the ideologies of rationalist architects. Some of the famous architects of that time Claude-Nicolas Ledoux and Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand advocated for rationalism and influenced modern architectural theory.
The relocation from Rococo to Rationalism brought the advancement in technologies and engineering in the buildings. New building materials started getting exposure such as iron, steel, and glass which contributed to the larger and innovative structures. The emphasis on reason, logic, and scientific principles gave birth to some popular buildings in the era. Ecole Militaire of France which was designed by Ange-Jacques features a symmetrical facade, ordered layouts, and the use of classical elements which highlights the theories of rationalism. Similarly, the Pantheon, The Royal Palace of Caserta, and The United States Capitol of Washington DC, etc. Give justice to the concept of Rationalism.
However, the fact that Rococo architecture was never entirely disconnected from the Enlightenment era is important. The arguments of Rococo design representing the reactions against the formality of Baroque architecture make it somehow connected with individualism and freedom.
Yet, the impact of both Rococo and rationalism in the era of Enlightenment reflects the intellectual and cultural values of the time and leaves a lasting legacy on the built environment for centuries. Whether it is Rococo, Rationalism, or Rococo to Rationalism, the architecture found a way to reflect the past to the future.
https://medium.com/@jenn.adames716/the-rococo-period-the-enlightenment-neoclassicism-and-romanticism-37197013880f
https://art188.lib.miamioh.edu/18th-and-19th-century-art/1-enlightenment-and-rococo/
