Late 19th Century Architecture: Iron, Industry, and Urban Transformation
The Second Industrial Revolution led to significant economic development that continued until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The expansion of industrial economies and business concentration involved the consolidation of the capitalist system and the emergence of new industrial powers, both inside and outside Europe, surpassing Britain. Furthermore, the predominance of large banks and industries was solidified, while the tendency to reduce production costs, fix prices, and eliminate competition gave birth to what is known as monopoly or financial capitalism. New needs and opportunities enabled the capitalist world to continue expanding, further distancing itself from the developing world, which operated under full colonialism.
Societal Changes and Urban Development
The Industrial Revolution also led to a significant population increase in cities, caused by the ‘rural exodus’. New needs arising from the industrial social organization of the time necessitated the construction of new neighborhoods, as well as more modern buildings utilizing glass, steel, and reinforced concrete. This era saw the rise of new railway stations and daring bridges.
Social classes were still primarily distinguished between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The European bourgeoisie, especially the French and British, committed to modernity and progress, readily accepted this new model of architectural beauty: rational, functional, and incorporating iron.
Imperialism and Architectural Reflection
Economic progress driven by industrialization led Europe to adopt an imperialist attitude, engaging in a race for territorial control and resources. This involved colonizing countries under the justification of ‘civilizing’ them, thereby establishing what we now call colonial empires. This imperialism brought the exotic to the metropolis, a phenomenon often reflected in architecture.
Innovations in Art, Techniques, and Materials
This period saw profound changes in art and architectural techniques, particularly through the utilization of new materials such as iron, glass, and concrete. Consequently, there was a significant increase in the production of these materials. Simultaneously, various architectural movements emerged, including Eclecticism, Historicism, and the Chicago School.
The Industrial Revolution brought about the use of more innovative materials in building: iron, as well as steel and reinforced concrete. In architecture, walls began to lose their primary load-bearing function, which was now carried by the building’s iron structure. Although architects often resisted, continuing to use traditional materials, engineers advocated for the new materials, which offered greater possibilities.
Case Study: The Eiffel Tower
Alexandre Gustave Eiffel’s Masterpiece
- Chronology: 1887-1889
- Style: Iron Architecture
- Materials: Wrought Iron
- Location: Champs de Mars, Paris
Function and Significance
The Eiffel Tower was designed to be the symbol of the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889, commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. When it was built, it was not universally accepted, but it is now the enduring symbol of Paris.
Background, Innovations, and Influences
During the Industrial Revolution, iron and glass began to be used as architectural materials, famously exemplified by Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace. The use of these materials facilitated the construction of buildings with large interior spaces and enabled the creation of daring bridges and viaducts. The Eiffel Tower stands as a paradigm of the future of architecture, sustained by engineering innovation.