Eclectic architecture is an architectural style that resonates with various historical traditions and represents different cultures and periods. With rapid industrialization and globalization during the 19th century, architects started adapting to this style to expose diverse architectural traditions and elements in their designs, eliminating the rules to follow a single style and blending different styles that exhibited the rich characteristics of all architectural styles of that period. This blend assisted in creating unique architecture in many regions and formed its individuality and expression.
Characteristics of Eclectic architecture
Emerging during the 19th century, Eclectic architecture has integrated elements from distinct architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, and so on. Over the years, Eclecticism, as a concept has remained ambiguous but has developed characteristics that make it versatile and cohesive. Let us delve into some of them:
Complexity: Coalescing different architectural forms
One of the prime characteristics of eclectic buildings is a stunning blend of harmonious elements and visual complexity. It allows architects to mix distinct elements like decorative motifs and detailed ornamentation that bring simplicity and complexity to the architectural buildings that catch the eye of humans. The Watts Cemetry Chapel in England is a known example that expresses the elements of arts and crafts style with elements of Byzantine and Celtic design.
Fluidity: experimenting with architectural styles
Being fluid is another characteristic that allows innovative architectural expression. It assisted in creating a fluid and creative design, forming different design combinations. Eclecticism became an experiment in the architectural field where each design reflected individual expression and vision. Casa Batllo in Barcelona by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi of the 20th century is a combination of fluid forms and vibrant colors inspired by nature. It interprets this experimentation of fluid architecture design and defines eclectic architecture.
Cultural diversity: amalgamation
The most celebrated characteristic would be the cultural diversity that comes along with eclecticism. Eclectic Architecture when done thoughtfully, responds and blends with context and surroundings indirectly enhancing the diverse cultural beauty of the place. The multicultural approach to design and vision of architects resonates with the diverse tradition, heritage, and culture of each region and promotes a sense of oneness that assists in creating memorable architectural experiences.
Critiques
Every architectural style has its positives and drawbacks. Although the combination of architectural elements forms a unique and diverse design, but it is also criticized for its disjointed and chaotic appearance. The expression for eclectic architecture changes from person to person. While Some of them find it distinct, others think of it as an eccentric style. It questions the challenges of balancing creativity with complexity in architectural design.
Being Chaotic
Even though the complexity of merging the diverse elements exhibits a stunning design, the lack of uniformity in the architectural elevation remains a prime concern for many viewers. It has agitated an argument that combining elements produces a chaotic outlook of the building and has lost the essence of a unified and cohesive design. Considering the Palais Garnier in Paris, it is believed that the blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and Classical elements creates a sense of visual discordance and distracts from the main architectural detail.
Cultural and Aesthetic outlook
Without an understanding of the significance of cultures, borrowing a variety of elements from different architectural styles is criticized for being disrespectful towards the origin. The idea of maintaining the cultural integrity of the structure is lost. Aesthetically, the amalgamation of the elements struggles with coherence in the architectural design, and no proper integration only leads to a disconnected structure from its context. The famous Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai has been criticized for its eclectic blend of futuristic and traditional elements that eradicates the cultural symbolism of the structure.
Historical Authenticity and Identity
Critics sometimes question the Historical authenticity of eclectic architecture. With the concept of designing an eclectic building, the architects lack an understanding of their original culture and historical traditions. It also leads to the loss of identity within the built environment without consideration of the surroundings and context, leading to a sense of disconnection. For example, the shard skyscraper built in 2012, is criticized for its stark contrast with the historic skyline of the city and losing the city’s identity.
Conclusion
Today’s architecture will define it as an inspirational and creative architectural style. Apart from being a creative expression, this architectural style celebrates the richness and complexity of an architectural design. While the concerns of the drawbacks in eclecticism remain, the approach to design assists in creating visually enhanced structures with dynamic attributes. Furthermore, it encourages and inspires modern architects to achieve different dynamics with buildings and construction with diverse applications of traditional elements, resulting in unique buildings. Eclectic architecture was conquered in the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming a significant part of the growth and evolution of architecture, which expresses diverse opinions and perspectives and brings about cohesive, interconnected, and eccentric architectural style.
Reference List:
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NEVILLE, K. (2020). The Theory and Practice of Eclecticism in Eighteenth-Century European Architecture. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 79(2), 152–170. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48740814
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www.designingbuildings.co.uk. (n.d.). Eclecticism in architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Eclecticism_in_architecture.
ArchDaily. (2023). What Is Eclectic Architecture? [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1002974/what-is-eclectic-architecture.
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