culture & history
TRANSCRIPT
i. What is the function or purpose of the building?
1624
The original layout plan Function: Louis XIII’s hunting lodge
Space: Form of a small structureMaterial: Stone and red brick
‘
1668 1674 1680
The son of Louis XIII, Louis XIV transformed and expanded it
Function: Transform Versailles as the court and government of French and keeping the king’s residence some distance from Paris for protection (16km
away)
The transformation:a) Converted into 3-storey chateau with a marble courtyard
b) Flat roof and 2 new wings (North & South)c) 4 main building campaign
Central Wing: Ground Floor PlanPink – Apartments of the DauphineBlue – Apartments of the DauphinPurple – Apartments of Duchesse d’AngoulemeYellow – Apartments of Madame VictoriaGreen – Apartments of Captain of the GuardsLilac – Apartments of Marie AntoinnetteBrown – StaircasesTurquoise – Other roomsWhite - Courtyard
Central Wing – First Floor Plan
Blue – Grand ApartmentsPink – Queen’s ApartmentsOrange – King’s ApartmentsYellow – King’s Interior ApartmentPurple – Queen’s Interior ApartmentGreen – Apartments of Madame de MaintenonTurquoise – VariousBrown - Staircases
Central Wing: Second Floor Plan
Pink – Queen’s ApartmentsBlue – King’s ApartmentsPurple – Madame du Barry’s ApartmentsGreen – Monsieur de MaurepasYellow – Madame de Pompadour’s apartmentsTurquoise - Stairs
South Wing: Ground Floor Wing
Function: Initially it is for King’s residence area for his brothers (Prince of the Blood) but then it became the main location of the Parliament
South Wing in 1732
The current South Wing which includes the massive Hall of Congress.
There is a little changes made to replace the main staircase.
South Wing: Attic
Function: Usually are for the servants.
1732
1837
Number of apartments has been reduced from 1732 to 1837. Ventilation: Intolerably hot in summer and freezing during winter.
North Wing: Ground Floor Plan
The plan during parts of the Ancien Regime.
Green – OperaOrange – Entrance to Museum
The plan as of now.
7. Low Vestibule10. Hallway
48. Opera
ii. How the function or purpose of the building makes the building historically significant and meaningful?
The Hall of Mirrors
Function: Main hall for the imperial ceremonies. Details:
Mirrors along the 17 arches walls A total of 357 mirrors were used in its decoration The principal feature of the room is the seventeen, mirror-clad arches
that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows that overlook the gardens Ornamentations along the ceiling are to celebrate the apotheosis and
richness of the kingLight penetration: The wall of mirrors help to diffuses or spread out the daylight except above the windows, where the details and carvings is shadowy.
Opera House
Function: Main theatre and opera house of the Palace of Versailles. Initially it was planned that Opera serve not only as a theather but also as ballroom or banquet hall. Details:
Constructed entirely of wood and painted to resemble marble in a technique known as faux marble to represent stone
Can seat up to 1200 guests The theme of the decoration is related to Apollo and the Olympian deities.
ConclusionAll in all, the purpose/function of the Palace to be built and been transformed from one generation to another is followed by how important the spaces were going to use. As how stated in D.K Ching's book, the form of the spaces are followed by the functions itself. A good design or not, Palace of Versailles has it own values and beautiful as how it is and the citizen of France should be more aware of preserving this amazing Baroque architecture. Structurally, the spatial planning of the Palace are slight interesting which can be be studied further for future architects/students in this industry.
Reference:
1. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/ Palace_of_Versailles#Hall_of_Mirrors
2. http://www.historylines.net/history/17th_cent/versailles.html 3. http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/versailles-palace.htm 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxIzMr2Ekpo 5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Versailles 6. http://www.livescience.com/38903-palace-of-versailles-facts-
history.html7. http://thisisversaillesmadame.blogspot.dk/2015/03/a-guide.html