JACQUES-FRANÇOIS BLONDEL 1705-1774,

 French architect best known for his teaching and

writing, which contributed greatly to architectural
theory and the taste of his time.
 His art school in Paris was the first such institution
to teach architecture.
 Blondel was born into a famous architectural family
and was reared by an uncle. Though Blondel initially
went along with the Rococo ornamentation of the
preceding age, he eventually turned against it
 As a teacher, first in his own school (1743–54) and Un grabado de las Tullerias (Pabellón Bullant),
later at the Académie Royale d’Architecture incluido en «Architecture Françoise», Tomo IV,
 Blondel’s theory provided a role model for a 1756.Z
rationalist approach to architecture, with it’s
campaign against self – indulgence and illogical
decoration in architecture, as had been witnessed
in early 18 th century
 Rococo and in art nouveau around 1900
 Even the very title of blondel`s main work ,
provided evidence that the eminently didactic
element of his influence and writing formed part of
the tradition of attempting to use academic
education to impart knowledge of a system of
norms based on reason
 In 1727 Architectural text published along with
practice
 In 1737 his first works on architectural theory
followed
JACQUES-FRANÇOIS BLONDEL 1705-1774,

 In 1739 /40 he opened his own school of architecture, the Ecole des Arts, which was soon
officially recognized by the state Academie d Architecture.
 Blondel was awarded several large – scale architectural commissions , in particular to redesign
the centre of Metz and Strasbourg, that was completed in part
 In 1962 he was appointed Professor at the Academy of Architecture
 From 1771 onwards the texts of his lectures appeared in Cours d’ architecture, the completion
of which was taken over by his pupil following his death
 Though his teachings were about adapting the classical rules , it was difficult in France at that
period of time
 Blind allegiance could not be considered
 Critical importance was the challenge of harmonizing the outward appearance of architecture
with the structural principles , and above all with convenience of layout and use
 Simply designing facades was not hard ; what was difficult was to design the façade such that it
reflected both the projected use of the building in its social context and the interior layout
 Targeting character of the building
 Did not encourage blind following of rules , but insisted on sensible reflection ,without going
against the principles
 Limitation to what was necessary and appropriate led Blondel to champion the cause of “
NOBLE SIMPLICITY”
