The document discusses structural rationalism in architecture from the 17th century to the 20th century. It began as an ideology focused on using reason and accurate measurements to design structures. In the 18th century, rationalism emphasized symmetrical geometric forms and neoclassical designs. Important rationalist architects like Viollet-le-Duc rejected ornamentation in favor of highlighting the functional structure. Examples given include the Lycee Voltaire school building and Palazzo Gualino office building, both employing modular designs, industrial materials, and functional floor plans.

1. STRUCTURAL
RATIONALISM
SUBMITTED BY :
SHREYA BANSAL
DEEPTI AGARWAL
HARMANDEEP
KHUSHBOO

2. Rationalism began as a 17th century ideology that
led to the Enlightenment, a period in history where
reason was the primary instrument for justifying and
understanding the “hows” and “whys” of things and
circumstances.
In layman terms, to be rational is to be
understandable, measurable or definite. Using this
as premise, Rationalism in architecture therefore
pertains to accuracy in designing and building the
height, breadth or depth of a structure.

3. 18 TH CENTURY RATIONALISM :
• Emphasize on geometric forms and ideal
proportions
• Focused on being symmetrical, having accurate
measurements of classic shapes, and
functionality.
• Neoclassicism was a widespread movement under
the rationalist wing. It was established in reaction
to the flamboyant and seemingly excessive
baroque and rococo styles.
Neoclassicist designs were characterized as
follows: symmetry, columns that functioned as
support, minimalistic design composed of basic
geometric shapes, and an overlaid triangular
gable commonly known as pediment.

4. ➜Structure must exhibit the three qualities
Firmitas strong or durable
Utilitas useful
Tdbtifl venus tasand beautiful
➜Concerned with the geometric
purity. ƒOrnamentation subject to propriety ƒhe
argued that many buildings require no
ornaments at
all. Preferredastylarmasonryandorthogonalstr
uctures preferred astylar masonry and
orthogonal structures.
➜Columns were working members in the
beginning, and that is what they should go
back to being.

5. STRUCTURAL RATIONALISM :
➜The term structural rationalism most often refers
to a 19th-century French movement, usually
associated with the theorists Eugène Viollet-le-
Duc and Auguste Choisy. Viollet-le-Duc rejected
the concept of an ideal architecture and instead
saw architecture as a rational construction
approach defined by the materials and purpose of
the structure

6. ““In architecture, there are two necessary ways of being true. It must be true according
to the programme and true according to the methods of construction. To be true
according to the programme is to fulfill exactly and simply the conditions imposed by
need; to be true according to the methods of construction, is to employ the materials
according to their qualities and properties […] purely artistic questions of symmetry
and apparent form are only secondary conditions in the presence of our dominant
principles.”

7. 20 TH CENTURY RATIONALISM :
➜The simplistic form and ornamentation was still
retained; the functionality aspect became known
as “theme.”
➜The Enlightenment brought about the Industrial
Revolution around 18th-19th centuries. The effects
lasted and were carried over to the 20th century,
where industrialization became a fad. Economic
advancement was no longer associated with brick
and wood but with new elements like steel, iron
and glass.

8. LYCEE VOLTAIRE
BY EUGENE TRAIN

9. ➜Was focused on being symmetrical, having
accurate measurements of classic shapes, and
functionality. Thieir building target were religion
notably the catholic church in France.
➜The buildings are arranged around a central
courtyard, courtyards to the east and west, and to
the north a courtyard for physical education and
sports.
➜ Buildings included 47 classrooms and 17
studies, lecture rooms for physics , chemistry ,
history & geography .
➜ There is a collections room, drawing room,
modelling workshops and a library
➜intended to supplement classical humanities
with practical and scientific knowledge suitable
for the needs of the neighbourhood.

10. ➜The building includes four large apartments for
senior staff and accommodation for 20 teachers and
20 domestic workers.
➜ The decorations of the building included metal and
ceramics.
➜ A marble monument stands in the courtyard of the
Lycee Voltaire.

11. PALAZO GUALINO
-TURIN

12. •The building is anti-monumental.
•It has a flat roof rather than the sloped tile roof typical
of other buildings in the city.
•The building has a symmetrical facade with seven
floors on the main front and five floors on the side.
•The identical low-stacked floors and the unorthodox
but functionally rational horizontal windows convey a
sense of efficiency rather than power.
•The structure is of concrete, with light yellow and
green plaster on the facades
•The use of new industrial materials and the design of
all the furnishings.
Built between 1928 and 1930 by architect Gino
Levi-Montalcini and Giuseppe Pagano. One of the
first buildings of Italian rationalism.

13. ➜Isolated on the top floor, away from street noise, is
the most refined and comfortable work environment-
executive office
➜The "plan type" was structured with a modular series
of local rhythmic openings, except the seventh floor
where the executive offices were planned. All the
statements, including the courtyard, were
characterized by horizontal bands legible underlined by
the solid line of branded sills.

14. ➜The use of glass is
symbolic: glass was
the metaphor of
moral transparency of
the director and used
as a medium of the
corporate image
➜In the evening, the
whole building
became a dark
background with no
volume where the
windows changed
into large lamps.
➜T
➜The project is surprisingly
close to the international style
for the functionality, transparency,
lightness and simplicity

15. Thanks!
•http://www.ukessays.co.uk/essays/architecture/rationalism-in-architecture.php#ixzz3szN195tN
•http://home.sandiego.edu/~dlp/ARRT/k.%20ARTH%20135/5.%20ARTH%20135%20STRUCTURAL%20RA
TIONALISM%20F14%20dlp.pdf
•http://www.ukessays.co.uk/essays/architecture/rationalism-in-architecture.php
•http://www.trust.org/item/20131017121602-orfmt/
•ttp://porto.polito.it/2557337/1/2014_Office_buildings_Res_Mobilis_vol3n3.pdf
•http://porto.polito.it/2557337/1/2014_Office_buildings_Res_Mobilis_vol3n3.pdf