RR 9: Neoclassical Architecture

Neoclassical architecture was a movement that was popular between the 18th and mid-19th century. This time period was a movement against the rococo and baroque architecture which was the previous architecture before the 18th century. This movement, although it was popular in Europe, the US also part of the movement and created some of the most impressive buildings that we still see today. The place where the idea of neoclassical architecture is clearly noticeable is on Washington DC and the person that was responsible in the planning of the capitol was a French architect known as Pierre Charles L’Enfant. L’Enfant was the first one who proposed the idea of a monumental city and neoclassical architecture. Pierre also was an influence in the creation of the White House.
One of the main characteristics of Washington is the city plan and where the buildings where placed. For instance two of the main buildings, the White House and the US Capitol Building, were placed on a ‘L’ shaped street at the end of each street. This could most likely represent the idea of neoclassical architecture because now important buildings were no longer place in long straight streets. The new idea of neoclassical architecture was the idea to revive the old architecture which was mainly the Greek and Roman Architecture. Two of the main buildings that clearly illustrate this idea of revival of old architecture are the White House and the US Capitol building, because both buildings have characteristics of Greek and Roman architecture. The buildings are elaborate and symmetrical and no longer had convoluted curves and shapes as the baroque buildings once had. One of the main characteristics you should look for in a neoclassical building are the presence of ancient structures from Greece or Rome. For example, columns and porches are a clear example in both the White House and the US capitol building. The porch in from of the state Capitol building (which is a copy of the Parthenon) and the tall dome are elements that make the building unique. Overall the Neoclassical architecture is just the idea of bringing old buildings from the past and making new buildings with them, however you have to keep the idea of symmetry and balance within the structure.