Henry Hobson Richardson was an American architect born in 1838 in Louisiana. He studied in New Orleans and Paris and is considered the first American architect for breaking from European traditions. He developed the Richardsonian Romanesque style characterized by stone walls, arched windows, and dynamic interior spaces. His most famous work was Trinity Church in Boston constructed from 1872-1877, which featured a clay roof, rough stone, heavy arches, and a massive tower. Geometry played an important role in the symmetrical and Victorian design of the church, ensuring its structural integrity and longevity.

1. Henry Hobson Richardson By: Laura Spence and Kelsey Rinehimer

2. His Life He was born at the Priestly Plantation in Louisiana on September 29, 1838. He was most active in New England, Boston, and Chicago. He was educated in public and private schools in New Orleans, went to Harvard College, and then to Ecole Des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Became known as the “First American Architect” because he was the first to break away from European traditions. Died in 1886.

3. Richardsonian Richardesque Named for Henry Hobson Richardson Based on French and Spanish Romanesque precedents of the 11th century. Characterized by massive stone walls, dramatic semi-circle arches, and a new dynamism of interior space.

4. Use of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines The sides of the tower are parallel to each other. The line going down the middle of the building is perpendicular to the top of the building.

5. Trinity Church Constructed in Boston, Massachusetts from 1872 to 1877. Made to look Victorian Gothic like. It was built with: Clay roof Polychrome Rough stone Heavy arches Massive tower

6. Shapes in the Building Cones Triangles Circles Rectangles Cylinders

7. Geometry Use in the Church Geometry played a big role in the Trinity Church. Evened out the building Made it look symmetrical Put a Victorian look on it Architect used it well in his work

8. Geometry Succession Without the symmetrical sides, cones, or triangles, this building wouldn’t have looked right. Because the building was built properly, church is still held in the building to this day.