Architecture In Modernism

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Modernism was a period in history dating from the 1860’s through to the 1970’s. The architecture of this time was characterized by the raw structural forms, simplicity, horizontal and vertical lines. The production of machinery was rapidly improving and increasing during the industrial revolution, which had a colossal influence on the design of modern architecture. Building materials and structural features were no longer concealed for aesthetic purposes as mechanics became artistic expression; exhibiting concrete, steel and sheet glass. This movement brought about the construction of the Grand Palais, a 239 m long and 43m high glass exhibition hall, in Paris, France. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, following the Eiffel Tower of…show more content…
After many years of discussion and debate, the board, headed by the commissioner Alfred Picard, decided to hold a competition to conclude their unresolved plan. The results were astounding, with over twenty suggestions involving linking the Champs-Elysées to the Esplanade des Invalides with he use of two new buildings, as well as a bridge. This lead to the development of another competition in which the blue prints for the possible general layout of the structures for the 1900 exhibition were to be defined. The final decision was made to not grant one architect the project, but multiple. Architects Henri Deglane, Albert Louvet, Albert Thomas and Charles Girault set out to design a building that could house the exhibitions of fine art and decorative art in 1896. Construction started in 1987. It took three years to construct the Grand Palais, with more than 1500 people working on site during peak construction phase and over 40 contemporary artists working on the mosaics, friezes and statues for the building. Even though they faced many complications during construction, such as the worker’s peace strike, by 1900 the Grand Palais was complete and ready for exhibition at the Exposition…show more content…
The building has a floor area of 70 623 square meters of which majority is occupied by an expansive 700 meters squared open hall that is spacious and deep, fully equipped with a dual grand staircase, mezzanine level wrapping around the interior perimeter and natural lighting. The great staircase was designed by Albert Louvet and Henri Deglane and was recieved by the people as a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. The ceiling, consisting of glass sheets set on reticulated beams and large depressed vaults which cross at the centre with a dome, also depressed, that culminates in a lofty lantern. (Prina,
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