Neoclassical buildings usually have columns, simple geometric shapes, a large scale and ornamental details – in particular the Doric order – which were popular in ancient Greece and Rome. The style is different from Greek revivalthat worried more about reusing certain classical parts. Neoclassicism, on the other hand, consisted of the large -scale recovery of complete classic volumes.
History of neoclassical architecture
Neoclassical architecture is usually considered a reaction against baroque architecture and Rococó style. These buildings, popular especially throughout Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, were very dramatic and used a theatrical ornamentation. Neoclassicism was born from the desire to focus on architectural design more simplistic and reduced. In general, it is considered that the movement began in England and France before extending throughout the world and was headed by architects such as Robert Adam and John Soane.
Most historians consider 1750 as the beginning of the neoclassical movement, although some buildings that exemplify the neoclassical ideals were previously designed. Apart from the abandonment of the ornate buildings in the Baroque, the excavations of archaeologist Sir William Hamilton in Pompeya and Herculano raised a renewed interest in classical forms. In what was called the Grand Tour, the European aristocrats visited these cities, inspiring intrigue in the designs of these civilizations.
«To some extent, everything goes back to Andrea Palladio and his Four architecture books«says Kahan. Palladio, Italian architect, was greatly influenced by Roman and Greek architecture, especially by the work of Vitruvio. Key figure of the Italian Renaissance of the 16th century, is considered one of the most influential architects of Western design. His writings on the classic orders in I quattro libri dell'archittura They were of great relevance for neoclassicism.