🏛️American Architecture Unit 4 – 19th Century American Architecture

Key Architectural Movements

• Greek Revival style gained popularity in the early 19th century drew inspiration from ancient Greek architecture (temples, symmetrical designs, columns)
• Gothic Revival style emerged in the mid-19th century characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate ornamentation
  • Influenced by medieval European architecture
  • Exemplified in churches and educational institutions (Trinity Church in New York City)
• Italianate style developed in the 1840s and 1850s featured low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and ornate brackets
• Second Empire style originated in France gained prominence in the 1860s and 1870s known for mansard roofs and elaborate facades
• Romanesque Revival style became popular in the late 19th century incorporated rounded arches, heavy masonry, and robust appearance
• Queen Anne style emerged in the 1880s and 1890s showcased asymmetrical facades, towers, and decorative elements (spindlework, patterned shingles)
• Beaux-Arts style gained traction in the late 19th century emphasized grandeur, symmetry, and classical ornamentation often used in public buildings and mansions

Influential Architects and Their Works

• Benjamin Latrobe (1764-1820) considered the first professional American architect designed the United States Capitol and the Baltimore Basilica
• Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) designed his own residence, Monticello, and the University of Virginia campus showcasing Neoclassical and Palladian influences
• Alexander Jackson Davis (1803-1892) known for his Gothic Revival and Italianate designs (Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown, New York)
• Richard Upjohn (1802-1878) specialized in Gothic Revival architecture designed Trinity Church in New York City
• Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-1886) pioneered the Romanesque Revival style with works like Trinity Church in Boston and the Marshall Field Wholesale Store in Chicago
  • Richardson's style became known as "Richardsonian Romanesque" and influenced many public buildings
• Louis Sullivan (1856-1924) considered the "father of skyscrapers" and a pioneer of modern architecture famous for his dictum "form follows function"
  • Designed the Wainwright Building in St. Louis and the Guaranty Building in Buffalo
• Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) began his career in the late 19th century and became one of the most influential architects of the 20th century known for his Prairie School style and organic architecture

Technological Advancements

• Cast iron became widely used in the early 19th century allowed for the creation of slender, ornamental structures (balconies, storefronts)
• Wrought iron was used for decorative elements and structural support enabled the construction of larger windows and more open floor plans
• The invention of the elevator in the mid-19th century facilitated the development of taller buildings and the rise of skyscrapers
• Advances in heating and ventilation systems improved indoor comfort and allowed for larger interior spaces
• The introduction of steel framing in the late 19th century revolutionized construction techniques and paved the way for taller, more fire-resistant buildings
• Plate glass manufacturing advancements made large windows and glass curtain walls possible contributing to the development of modern architecture
• Improvements in plumbing and sanitation systems enhanced the functionality and hygiene of buildings

Social and Cultural Influences

• The Industrial Revolution led to rapid urbanization and the growth of cities creating a demand for new types of buildings (factories, warehouses, tenements)
• The rise of the middle class fueled the construction of single-family homes and the development of suburbs
• Immigration and population growth contributed to the diversity of architectural styles as different cultural influences were incorporated
• The City Beautiful movement emerged in the 1890s aimed to improve urban aesthetics and promote civic pride through grand public spaces and neoclassical architecture
• The Arts and Crafts movement emphasized craftsmanship, simplicity, and the use of natural materials as a reaction against industrialization
• The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago showcased Beaux-Arts architecture and had a lasting impact on American urban planning and design
• The rise of the preservation movement in the late 19th century led to efforts to protect and restore historic buildings and landmarks

Iconic Buildings and Landmarks

• The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. is a prime example of Neoclassical architecture and serves as the seat of the legislative branch
• The White House, also in Washington, D.C., is the official residence of the President and features a mix of Neoclassical and Palladian styles
• The Flatiron Building in New York City, completed in 1902, is an early skyscraper known for its triangular shape and Beaux-Arts styling
• The Carson Mansion in Eureka, California is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, particularly the Queen Anne style
• The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the largest private residence in the United States and showcases Châteauesque architecture
• The Monadnock Building in Chicago, designed by Burnham and Root, is an early example of a skyscraper with a distinctive load-bearing masonry construction
• The Trinity Church in Boston, designed by H.H. Richardson, is a masterpiece of the Romanesque Revival style and features intricate stone carvings

Regional Variations

• New England architecture often featured wood construction, steep roofs, and central chimneys adapted to the region's harsh winters and Puritan influences
• Southern architecture incorporated elements of Greek Revival and Neoclassical styles, as well as vernacular styles like the shotgun house and the dogtrot house
  • Plantation houses, such as Nottoway Plantation in Louisiana, exemplified the grandeur and symmetry of Southern architecture
• Midwestern architecture was influenced by the Prairie School style, which emphasized horizontal lines, flat roofs, and integration with the landscape (Frank Lloyd Wright's early works)
• Western architecture often incorporated Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival styles, as seen in the missions of California and the Santa Fe style in the Southwest
• Vernacular architecture varied by region and often reflected the materials, climate, and cultural traditions of the area (log cabins, sod houses, adobe structures)
• Regional building materials, such as local stone and timber, contributed to the distinct character of architecture in different parts of the country
• Urban architecture in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco was shaped by the demands of high-density living and commercial development leading to the rise of skyscrapers and tenement housing

Materials and Construction Techniques

• Wood was the most common building material in the early 19th century used for framing, cladding, and ornamentation
  • Balloon framing, which used lightweight lumber and nails, revolutionized house construction and made it more affordable
• Brick and stone were used for more substantial structures, such as public buildings, churches, and wealthy residences
  • Load-bearing masonry construction was the primary method for multi-story buildings until the introduction of steel framing
• Cast iron and wrought iron were used for decorative elements, structural support, and prefabricated building components (storefronts, balconies, fences)
• The development of Portland cement in the mid-19th century led to the increased use of concrete in foundations, walls, and ornamentation
• Advances in glass production allowed for larger windows and the creation of glass curtain walls, which became a defining feature of modern architecture
• The introduction of mass-produced architectural elements, such as decorative millwork and sheet metal ornaments, made elaborate designs more accessible and affordable
• The use of new materials and construction techniques, such as steel framing and elevators, enabled the construction of taller and more fire-resistant buildings

Legacy and Impact on Modern Architecture

• The 19th century laid the foundation for modern architecture by introducing new materials, construction techniques, and design principles
• The skyscraper, which emerged in the late 19th century, became a symbol of American innovation and urban growth and continues to shape city skylines today
• The influence of the Beaux-Arts style can still be seen in the grand public buildings and civic spaces of many American cities
• The Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on craftsmanship, simplicity, and natural materials inspired the development of the Prairie School and the work of Frank Lloyd Wright
• The preservation movement that began in the 19th century has helped protect and restore countless historic buildings and landmarks ensuring their survival for future generations
• The legacy of influential 19th-century architects, such as H.H. Richardson and Louis Sullivan, can be seen in the work of subsequent generations of architects who built upon their ideas and styles
• The 19th century's architectural diversity and experimentation set the stage for the pluralism and innovation that characterize modern American architecture