Introduction:

• This is the fifth class in "A Paradigm Shift: The IT Revolution in Architecture."

• The lecture focuses on the evolution of architectural paradigms, particularly during the "long crisis" of the 19th century, leading to modern architecture.

• The central theme explores how different tributaries of thought, art, engineering, and crises contributed to paradigm shifts.

The Long Crisis of the 19th Century:

1. Historical Context:

   • The 19th century witnessed a prolonged search for a new architectural paradigm, culminating in the modernist movement of the 1920s.

   • Key events such as the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the bourgeoisie created the conditions for this transformation.

2. Role of Radical Architects:

   • Early 19th-century architects like Ledoux and Boullée explored pure geometric forms, foreshadowing modernist principles.

   • These ideas, initially forgotten, were later revisited and incorporated into modern architecture.

Engineering and Industrialization:

1. Engineering as a Driving Force:

   • The Industrial Revolution introduced new building types (e.g., railways, bridges) requiring innovative techniques and materials like steel.

   • Engineers emerged as the heroes of this era, exemplified by figures like Gustave Eiffel, whose Eiffel Tower became a symbol of modernity.

2. Architectural Ecclecticism and Decline:

   • Architects of the 19th century often clung to historical styles, creating eclectic designs.

   • This period was marked by a lack of coherence and innovation in architectural thought compared to engineering.

Crises as Catalysts for Change:

1. The Chicago Fire and Skyscrapers:

   • The Great Chicago Fire necessitated rebuilding, leading to the development of steel-framed skyscrapers.

   • Architects like Sullivan introduced concepts such as "form follows function," emphasizing coherence between structure and decoration.

2. Art and Craftsmanship:

   • The Arts and Crafts Movement, led by figures like William Morris, emphasized creating total environments with a focus on craft and design.

   • This movement influenced later modernist ideas about integrating architecture, art, and design.

Art as a Tributary to Modern Architecture:

1. Impressionism and Fragmentation:

   • Impressionist painters like Monet responded to the dynamic, fragmented life of industrial cities by developing new techniques to capture light and movement.

2. Cézanne and Analytical Thinking:

   • Cézanne bridged the gap between Impressionism and modern art by introducing analytical methods to depict mass and structure.

   • This analytical approach influenced not only art but also architecture, paving the way for modernist ideas.

Key Takeaways:

1. Tributaries of Change:

   • The 19th century saw multiple "tributaries" feeding into the new architectural paradigm, including engineering, art movements, and responses to societal crises.

2. Engineering’s Role:

   • Engineers shaped modern construction techniques and materials, influencing architectural form and functionality.

3. Artistic Influence:

   • Movements like Impressionism and the work of Cézanne introduced analytical and fragmented perspectives, which resonated with emerging architectural ideas.

4. Crisis as Opportunity:

   • Crises like the Chicago Fire served as catalysts for innovation, forcing architects to adapt and create new paradigms.

Conclusion:

• This lecture highlights the interconnectedness of engineering, art, and crises in shaping modern architecture.

• It sets the stage for understanding how these forces influenced the eventual emergence of information-age paradigms.

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