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In the beginning of this week, we reflected on what we had learned so far as the foundations of architecture. We also discussed how, during the French Revolution, architects and designers reproduced on the classical and the renaissance in their designs. As Blakemore states, in France neoclassicism and the reliance of antiquity became important in the 18th century. (285) Thus, these designers reflected on the past designs and showed an interest in ‘rustic objects’ and ‘antiques’ which were simple, unlike the Rocco forms showing up elsewhere at this time.

The French Revolution caused, also, a shift or movement in the materials that were used when constructing buildings. Glass and iron became important materials, for many reasons. First and foremost, they were new (for the most part) and hadn’t been used to make whole buildings but in the past were just small elements. They also were an easy and fast way to build, while still being structurally sound. Plus, architects were able to blur the line between inside and outside. The Crystal Palace, by Joseph Paxton is a great example of this: it was very large, was completed in nine months, and even allowed for the existing plant life to remain standing.

The use of glass and iron began in France, but was quickly picked up in England. The French Revolution was the source of these new skills, and caused a competition between the two countries. Also, England was the source of the first designs in colonial North America. This resulted in most buildings at this time looking like those in England. That is, until the Revolution in the 19th century, when American architects took inspiration straight from the classical Greek architecture.

The rotation of power and influence – after the Revolution – caused not only a change in politics, but in design as well. The exteriors, first of all, stopped mimicking those in England, and began to look similar to those found in Greece, and minute details changes as well. However, things changed on a larger scale; people began moving out of rural areas and into cities, and the cities themselves resembled Roman city designs.

The revolutions that took place between the 17th and 19th centuries were able to enlighten many of the architects of the time. Illuminations took place, such as beginning the use of cast iron and glass. These materials were simple and quick to use, and they also appeared airy and clean. Architects used them as a contrast to the busy, highly detailed Baroque and Rocco designs that preceded it.