why is french architecture important

Full Answer

Why is France so famous for architecture?

From medieval times to modern days, France has been at the forefront of architectural innovation. In Medieval times, Romanesque designs signaled pilgrimage churches, and the radical new Gothic style found its beginnings in France. During the Renaissance, the French borrowed from Italian ideas to create lavish Chateaux.

How did architecture change in New France?

Caught between ideals nurtured in France during the classical period and the harsh climate of New France, architecture gradually came to reflect local resources. Architecture under the French colonial regime was characterized less by its achievements than by its unfulfilled ambitions.

What is the French style of architecture?

It became the most prevalent type of architecture in France, mostly used for the construction of chateaux and mainly connected with the royal family. After its start in the late 15th century, it swiftly developed into French Mannerism. This French architectural style was best known by the name of Henry II.

Why is architecture important in our culture?

Thus throughout history, architecture has remained one of the most essential and vital reflections of culture. As humans, we live with the wisdom that our forefathers have passed down to us. We’ve gained it through experiences, education, and knowledge.

What is special about French architecture?

One of the most distinctive characteristics of many French buildings is the tall second story windows, often arched at the top, that break through the cornice and rise above the eaves. This unusual window design is especially noticeable on America's examples of French provincial architecture.

What was French architecture influenced by?

The recorded history of French architecture dates back to the Roman era when Gaul was governed by the Empire of Rome. Some noteworthy Galo-Roman buildings in France, such as the Amphitheater in Nîmes, Maison Carrée, or Alyscamps in Arles, have thankfully been conserved.

Is France famous for its architecture?

France has given birth to some of the world's most famous architectural movements, including French Gothic, Rococo, Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. You may know the works of Le Corbusier, the father of Modern architecture, or have heard of contemporary starchitects Jean Nouvel and Dominique Perrault.

Where is French architecture mostly used?

French Architecture in North France: Maison à Colombage Maisons à Colombage (half-timbered houses) are found mainly in northern France and particularly in Normandy, Champagne and Alsace (where the French architecture style is German influenced).

How would you describe French architecture?

Defining features include a steep, high, hipped roof, rectangle doors set in arched openings, balcony and porch balustrades and French windows adorned with shutters. Second-story windows typically have a curved top that breaks through the cornice.

Who Developed French architecture?

Renaissance of French Architecture It was quickly changed into French Mannerism after its introduction in the late 15th century. Henry II, who collaborated with Italian architects and painters to create the Palace of Fontainebleau, is credited with popularising this style of French architecture.

What is French famous for?

What is France Famous For? 33 French IconsNotre Dame Cathedral.Cannes Film Festival.Croissants.Mont Saint Michel.The Eiffel Tower.Mont Blanc.French Revolution.Chateaux.More items...•

What is French country architecture?

French country architecture is inspired by the grand and stately homes that are found throughout the countryside landscape of the Provence region of France. A balanced mix of classic luxury and provincial freshness, French Country design conveys timeless elegance without feeling stuffy or overindulgent.

What is the most popular architecture in France?

PALACE OF VERSAILLES – PARIS AREA The glittering palace of Versailles is one of the most stunning landmarks of France, and regularly tops the list when it comes to famous French architecture.

What materials are used in French architecture?

France, a country rich in the variety of its culture and natural resources, displays a greatly varied vernacular architecture. Building materials, stone, timber and clay, are present in abundance. Walling is of earth, stone and timber frame; roofing of thatch, tile, stone and wood shingle.

How is the French culture?

Equality and unity are important to the French. The French also value style and sophistication, and they take pride in the beauty and artistry of their country. Family is also highly valued in French culture. Mealtimes are often shared with family, and extended-family gatherings and meals are common over the weekend.

What style of architecture is Paris?

The Haussmann style of architecture, also known as Haussmannian, is the architecture that defined modern-day Paris.

What influenced Rococo architecture?

Rococo art and architecture carried a strong sense of theatricality and drama, influenced by stage design. Theater's influence could be seen in the innovative ways painting and decorative objects were woven into various environments, creating fully immersive atmospheres. Detail-work flourished in the Rococo period.

What influenced most impacted Romanesque architecture France?

1070-1170). The most important type of religious art produced during the Middle Ages, Romanesque design was influenced mainly by classical Roman architecture, as well as elements of Byzantine art, and Islamic art.

What materials are used in French architecture?

France, a country rich in the variety of its culture and natural resources, displays a greatly varied vernacular architecture. Building materials, stone, timber and clay, are present in abundance. Walling is of earth, stone and timber frame; roofing of thatch, tile, stone and wood shingle.

What is French country architecture?

French country architecture is inspired by the grand and stately homes that are found throughout the countryside landscape of the Provence region of France. A balanced mix of classic luxury and provincial freshness, French Country design conveys timeless elegance without feeling stuffy or overindulgent.

What is French colonial architecture?

French Colonial is a style of architecture used by the French during colonization. Many former French colonies, especially those in Southeast Asia, have previously been reluctant to promote their colonial architecture as an asset for tourism; however, in recent times, the new generation of local authorities has somewhat 'embraced' the architecture and advertise it.

What are the characteristics of French homes?

One of the most distinctive characteristics of many French buildings is the tall second story windows, often arched at the top, that break through the cornice and rise above the eaves. This unusual window design is especially noticeable on America's French provincial homes. Modeled after country manors in the French provinces, these brick or stucco homes are stately and formal. They have steep hipped roofs and a square, symmetrical shape with windows balanced on each side of the entrance. The tall second story windows add to the sense of height.

What is the Normandy style?

Sided with stone, stucco, or brick, these homes may suggest the Tudor style with decorative half timbering (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal strips of wood set in masonry). The French Normandy style is distinguished by a round stone tower topped by a cone-shaped roof. The tower is usually placed near the centre, serving as the entrance to the home. French Normandy and French provincial details are often combined to create a style simply called French Country or French Rural carved or embossed on mouldings, sconces, and banisters .

What were the French involved in during the Renaissance?

During the early years of the 16th century the French were involved in wars in northern Italy, bringing back to France not just the Renaissance art treasures as their war booty, but also stylistic ideas. In the Loire Valley a wave of building was carried and many Renaissance chateaux appeared at this time, the earliest example being the Château d'Amboise (c. 1495) in which Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. The style became dominant under Francis I (See Châteaux of the Loire Valley ).

What is the Romanesque style of architecture?

The style, sometimes called "First Romanesque" or "Lombard Romanesque", is characterised by thick walls, lack of sculpture and the presence of rhythmic ornamental arches known as a Lombard band. The Angoulême Cathedral is one of several instances in which the Byzantine churches of Constantinople seem to have been influential in the design in which the main spaces are roofed by domes. This structure has necessitated the use of very thick walls, and massive piers from which the domes spring. There are radiating chapels around the apse, which is a typically French feature and was to evolve into the chevette. Notre-Dame in Domfront, Normandy is a cruciform church with a short apsidal east end. The nave has lost its aisle, and has probably some of its length. The crossing has a tower that rises in two differentiated stages and is surmounted by a pyramidical spire of a type seen widely in France and Germany and also on Norman towers in England. The Abbey of Fongombault in France shows the influence of the Abbey of Cluny. The cruciform plan is clearly visible. There is a chevette of chapels surrounding the chance apse. The crossing is surmounted by a tower. The transepts end with gables .

What was the architectural style of Rome?

The architecture of Ancient Rome at first adopted the external Greek architecture and by the late Republic, the architectural style developed its own highly distinctive style by introducing the previously little-used arches, vaults and domes. A crucial factor in this development, coined the Roman Architectural Revolution, was the invention of concrete. Social elements such as wealth and high population densities in cities forced the ancient Romans to discover new (architectural) solutions of their own. The use of vaults and arches together with a sound knowledge of building materials, for example, enabled them to achieve unprecedented successes in the construction of imposing structures for public use.

What is the French Creole style?

French Creole architecture is an American Colonial style that developed in the early 18th century in the Mississippi Valley, especially in Louisiana. French Creole buildings borrow traditions from France, the Caribbean, and many other parts of the world such as Spanish, African, Native American, and other heritages. French Creole homes from the Colonial period were especially designed for the hot, wet climate of that region. Traditional French Creole homes had some or all of these features: 1 Timber frame with brick or "Bousillage" (mud combined with moss and animal hair) 2 Wide hipped roof extends over porches 3 Thin wooden columns 4 Living quarters raised above ground level 5 Wide porches, called "galleries" 6 No interior hallways 7 Porches used as passageway between rooms 8 French doors (doors with many small panes of glass)

What are some examples of French architecture?

It was built around 70 AD and remodeled in 1863 to serve as a bullring. Nowadays, bullfights are banned due to its cruelness. Notre Dame de Paris is a Gothic style Catholic cathedral in Paris. It is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and among the largest and most well-known church buildings in the world. The Palace of Versailles is a baroque style royal Château. Versailles is famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The Louvre Palace is a former royal palace located in Paris. The present-day Louvre Palace is a vast complex of wings and pavilions on four main levels which is the result of many phases of building, modification, destruction and restoration. As a result, it has a mixed style of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classicism and modernism. French architectures is the witness of its long history. French paintings is often closely related to history. Liberty Leading the People is a painting by Eugène Delacroix. Delacroix shows a smoking battlefield scene. A woman personifying Liberty leads the people forward over the dead bodies, holding the flag of the tricolor flag in one hand and a musket with the other. This painting commemorates the July Revolution of 1830, which toppled King Charles X of

What did the French rulers do to create and control culture?

Countless rulers comprehended that the portrayal of power, in contemporary conditions what would be described as an image, is an embodiment of authority in itself. Cleverly, artists, artisans and intellectuals were employed as patrons on behalf of the ruling forms of government, manufacturing pieces that declared the validity of their power, fortified their

What is the culture of France?

I. About France A. Background info 1. Location - Most people associate French culture with Paris, which is a center of fashion, cuisine, art and architecture, but life outside of the City of Lights is very different and varies by region. Historically, the French culture was influenced by Celtic and Gallo-Roman cultures as well as the Franks, a Germanic tribe. France was initially defined as the western area of Germany known as Rhineland but it later came to refer to a territory that was known

What does "lumières" mean in French?

well as the nobility. Lumières is the title of our exhibition, which translates to “Enlightenment” in French, which we found to be most appropriate for this era. This show title would instantly grab the audience’s attention as it effectively communicates the meaning behind the exhibit. The enlightenment was among many movements that contributed to the progressiveness of the 1700’s during the French Revolution and Neo-Classical era, but none had nearly the impact that the Enlightenment era did for society

When did French Gothic style begin?

of the integration of French Gothic Style began with León Cathedral in 1255. At this point in time, the kingdoms of Castile and León were combined into a single kingdom of Castile. This could explain the facilitation of the transfer of the style westward from Burgos to León. León should be viewed as a separate step in the development of Spanish Gothic because it is radically different from Burgos. While Burgos began to incorporate the style and features of Gothic architecture, it still maintains the

What are the technologies used in the European imperial project?

These technologies become the machines and driving force of imperialism and are used to retain control over colonial regions. Headrick argues that these sciences provide the means to the motives behind the imperialist powers who are working to keep their territorial subjects subdued to their will

What style of architecture did France use?

From medieval times to modern days, France has been at the forefront of architectural innovation. In Medieval times, Romanesque designs signaled pilgrimage churches, and the radical new Gothic style found its beginnings in France. During the Renaissance, the French borrowed from Italian ideas to create lavish Chateaux. In the 1600s, the French brought exuberance to the elaborate Baroque style. Neoclassism was popular in France until about 1840, followed by a revival of Gothic ideas.

What style of architecture did the French use during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance, the French borrowed from Italian ideas to create lavish Chateaux. In the 1600s, the French brought exuberance to the elaborate Baroque style. Neoclassism was popular in France until about 1840, followed by a revival of Gothic ideas.

What is it like to tour France?

Touring France is like time traveling through the history of western Civilization. You won't be able to see all the architectural wonders on your first visit, so you'll want to return again and again. Follow this guide for an overview of the most significant buildings in France and a look at historic architecture you won't want to miss.

Where is the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

The cathedral in Chartres, a day trip from Paris, should not be confused with the Notre Dame Cathedral in downtown Paris. The Eiffel Tower, a New Seven Wonders of the World finalist, can be seen down the river from the gargoyles of Notre Dame. Paris is filled with modern architecture, too.

Where did Art Nouveau originate?

Art Nouveau originated in France in the 1880s. Art Deco was born in Paris in 1925 before the style moved to Rockefeller Center in New York City. Then came the various modern movements, with France solidly in the lead. France is a Disney World of Western architecture.

Which cathedral moved from medieval to Gothic?

Also just outside Paris is the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis, the church that moved Medieval architecture to something more Gothic. Further afield is Chartres Cathedral, also called Cathédrale Notre-Dame, that takes Gothic sacred architecture to new heights.

Who was the architect who restored the Notre-Dame?

The writings of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) are well-known to the student of architecture, but his restoration of Medieval buildings throughout France — most notably Notre Dame in Paris — are better known to the tourist.

Culture and Society

It’s been well-known to us that where culture denotes a group’s ethos, society denotes the individuals who share those behaviours and actions. There would be no society or culture if either one of them did not exist.

Reflection and Transmission

Architecture as a matter of human existence speaks of the culture in each society intertwining closely with constructional, ancient, administrative, economic, and communal features of society. It’s hard to deny that architecture influences society’s nature and culture.

Shaping our Lives

We as humans determine the essence of architecture, which varies from one community to the next; nonetheless, we are impacted by what our hands create. Our psychological state, nature, and conduct are all shaped and influenced by architecture.

Conclusion

Each society’s culture determines its identity, and architecture as a social phenomenon arose from the culture and its impacts.

What was architecture like in the French colonial regime?

Architecture under the French colonial regime was characterized less by its achievements than by its unfulfilled ambitions. Caught between ideals nurtured in France during the classical period and the harsh climate of New France, architecture gradually came to reflect local resources.

What did the French engineer do for the French colony?

Schooled in the precepts of Vauban, the famous French engineer, they provided for the colony's defences by planning forts all along its access routes. First were Fort Chambly and Fort Senneville. After the Treaty of Utrecht was concluded (1713), they established a ring of strongholds on the borders of New France — the shores of Lake Champlain (Fort Carillon, Fort Saint-Frédéric), the Great Lakes ( Fort Duquesne, Fort Niagara, Fort Frontenac ), and on Cape Breton Island ( Louisbourg ).

What were the craftsmen in New France?

These craftsmen, trained by those who had come from France, were the sole bearers of the know-how and aesthetic ideals imported from France and adapted to Canadian circumstances during the French colonial regime. The massive destruction caused by the Seven Years’ War left a need for builders, especially woodworkers, since stone structures had survived the conflagration. This was a boon for craftsmen. For instance, master carpenter Jean Baillairgé (1726–1805) ( see Baillargé Family ), who had acquired a knowledge of draftsmanship, was to rise through the ranks to become the architect of Québec City's reconstruction.

What were the three main towns in New France?

Outside the three main towns ( Québec, Montréal and Trois-Rivières ), New France took shape in the form of villages linked to the linear profile of concessions along the St. Lawrence River. There, too, the built landscape gravitated around two poles: the seigneurial domain (with the manor and its mill, which villagers had to pay to use), and the parish enclosure (comprising church, rectory and cemetery), a magnet for dignitaries, artisans and merchants.

What were the principles of town planning in New France?

From 1664, classical principles of town planning were to be employed in New France, with town design, layout and, especially, fortifications all plotted on paper before being transposed onto the ground. But in New France, the vision of the "new town" as a geometric pattern forming a grid over even-featured virgin territory came up against the enshrined medieval conception of the aristocratic town, wherein an upper (institutional) town looms above a lower (merchants') town. This latter plan upheld social tradition based on privilege and birthright.

What was the New France?

New France, on the other hand, was organized as a colony under the king's sponsorship. Imbued with the spirit of hierarchy and guided by rigid norms (including those which governed pictorial representation), the French imported models and practices to New France with no thought of adapting them to local conditions.

When was Saint Gabriel built?

The Saint-Gabriel house, built in Montreal in 1698, in its original state (photo by Luc Noppen). On the house of Charles Aubert de la Chesnaye (National Archives of Québec, Québec City, with the notary Romain Bequet's seal, 3 May 1679). Québec City, 1647.

The History of French Architecture

The Neoclassical Era of French Architecture

• Rococo was quickly superseded by Neoclassicism, and while this occurred under Louis XVI’s reign, it may be linked to the tremendous changes that occurred in France at the close of the 18th century. Rococo was attacked by both those who associated it with the monarchy and historians who had little comprehension of the “playful” nature, dismissing it...

See more on artincontext.org

Famous French Buildings

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

History

Regional architecture

Overseas architecture

America

See also

External links