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Eclecticism is a nineteenth and twentieth-century architectural style in which a single piece of work incorporates
a mixture of elements from previous historical styles to
create something that is new and original. In architecture
and interior design, these elements may include structural
features, furniture, decorative motives, distinct historical
ornament, traditional cultural motifs or styles from other
countries, with the mixture usually chosen based on its
suitability to the project and overall aesthetic value.
History
The church of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona designed by
Antonio Gaudi is a notable example of eclecticism. Elements of
the gothic style were merged with oriental motifs and forms found
in the natural world, resulting in a structure that was distinctive
and original.[2] Although it was designed during the peak of the
eclectic period (18831926), it remains under construction today.
1.1
Europe
Eclectic architecture rst appeared across continental Europe in established countries such as France, England and
Germany,[1] in response to the growing push amongst architects to have more expressive freedom over their work.
The cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, considered to be one
of the rst professional architectural schools, trained stu1
1.3
INTERIOR DECORATION
as avant-garde and the new technology and materials being produced at the time allowed for greater innovation.[4]
Despite the move away from eclecticism, the era still remains historically signicant as it re-opened the doors
to innovation and new forms for architecture in the following years.[5]
2 Interior decoration
Spread
1.4
Critical reception
1.5
Decline
Contemporary context
In contemporary society, styles that draw from many different cultural and historical styles are loosely described
as eclectic though references to eclectic architecture
within literature and media are usually about buildings
constructed within the eclectic movement of the late
19th-early 20th century period.
Eclectic architects
Daniel Burnham
Alexander Jackson Davis
Antonio Gaudi
Josef Hlavka
Richard Morris Hunt
Charles Follen McKim
William Mead
Richard Norman Shaw
Stanford White
See also
Eclecticism
Eclecticism in art
Historicism
Neo-eclectic architecture (McMansions)
Revivalism (architecture)
References
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Text
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Images
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