Neoclassical Architecture

Similarities

In the research analysis, we delve into the differences and similarities between the French Neoclassic Architecture and the American Neoclassic Architecture. The Pantheon by Jacques-Germain Soufflot is an excellent example under the French Neoclassic age. The Pantheon followed a temple style that entailed a constant line of columns around the walls of the building. Architecture under the French Neoclassicism adopted the ideas of Ancient Greek, whereby buildings were constructed to house residents in clusters based on class. Therefore the French Neoclassic Architecture was inspired by the need to organize the government as the center of the town or city. This is similar to many buildings in the United States that were primarily inspired by the ideals of classical Greece. A good example is the US Supreme Court Building. Therefore art was a common inspiration in both French and American Architecture.

Differences

The American Neoclassical Architecture adopted mainly the Palladian style of buildings. The United States Capitol building features a classical block centered on a vast rectangular outlook whereby various levels are present. The French focused mainly on art as a form of depiction which was used to develop her buildings which would resonate with the Monarch at heart. Thomas Jefferson developed the Capitol Building in a way that resembled an ancient Roman temple. (Bloomfield, 2013).  While the French focused primarily on ideal organizations of the government where the middle class was targeted, the United States established institutions in the Palladian style whereby everyone was to access the institutions. The American Neoclassical architecture incorporated villas with extensive gardens, whereas in the French architecture, there were no gardens inside the buildings.

References

Bloomfield, R. (2013). A History of French Architecture. Books on Demand.