Innovations, Theories, and Influence of Robert Adam - Essay Example

the first project is a written paper about an important designer or influential architect whose innovations fall within the time frame of this You may select from antiquity to victorian england in the 19th century . your paper should be clear and concise explore the innovations, theories and influence of that designer. concentrate on his or her interior design innovations and not purely the architectural innovations. include illustrations. only one of the sources should be from internet. double line plus illustrations. Considered to be the greatest architect of the 18th century, Robert Adam was also regarded by many as one of the world's first interior designers. Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland in 1728, Adam led the neo-classical era of architecture in England and Scotland from the mid-1700's until his death in 1792. Adam rose to be one of the most influential architects in Great Britain employing the famed Neo-classical style of architecture.This achievement is reminiscent in many of his works all across the United Kingdom. After he earned fame on the completion of the remodeling of the Syon House, a Tudor-style convent situated at the outskirts of London, Adam was commissioned to build new structures and remodel existing structures which include, the Osterley Park in Middlesex and the Kenwood House, to fit the Neo-classical genre. But most importantly, Adam's works of genius can be witnessed today in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland where his designs of various structures and interior decoration continue to elicit awe and respect. Adam's stylistic influence in architecture has been massive and long lasting. However, his influence and innovative ideas on interior design and intricate attention to details even on his tiniest of creations earned him the reputation as one of the greatest masters of interior design. He employed more flexibility and integrated aspects of classic Roman design which manifested hints and mixtures of Greek, Byzantine and Baroque creations. THE ADAMESQUE STAIR HALL ORNAMENT One of his most influential creations, the Osterley House, manifests Adam's genius and innovations in the design of interior delineating the Roman classical details on this particular work. 1The house features coffered Roman ceilings, apses, pilaster and grotesques reminiscent of the age of Antiquity. Adam's inclusion of the Etruscan dressing room gave the Osterley Park creation its most original and distinctive aspect, as Adam's utilization of this design is the finest 18th century variation of the Roman motif. Furthermore, at Kenwood House, Adam built a vaulted library, celebrated as his most intricate and beautiful creation. The vaulted library boasts of its soft blue palette balanced by white columns and hints of gilts, a creation unfamiliar in that era apparent only in that age's most intricate porcelains. Adamesque Door Surround THE ROOM The aforementioned innovative designs are typical of Adam who mixed neo-Gothic features with 'Etruscan' and 'Egyptian' motifs, considered minor features of the 'Adamesque' movement. Adam's style is unique, in that, it includes ornamentations reminiscent of the Roman motifs 2such as framed medallions, vases, urns and tripods, arabesque vine scrolls, sphinxes and gryphons. His distinct interior design also includes 3flat grotesque panels, pilasters, painted ornaments such as swags and ribbons and intricate color schemes. Adam's room arrangements, ornamental ceilings, chimneypieces and furniture characterized a 'greater unity and architectonic quality' in many of their features which are found missing or lacking in the works of his contemporaries. Although he was more famed for his architecture, his works on the interior and decoration of it, are of more lasting importance. 4The Pompeiian features and influence are evident in his decoration and setting of interiors, which give them the feeling of perfection and intricacy as Adam values ornamental balance and open spaces. THE STAIR HALL Most designers contend that Adam's name should be put in the same line as the names of the most famous furniture designers such as Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite, and Thomas Sheraton although he rarely designed and created cabinets and commodes. Adam stands out among the great architects of the previous centuries, as he was one of the first who considered the furniture worthy of the attention of the architect. 5In his time, most architects focused their efforts on the designs of the faade of the building or the building as a whole. However, Adam tried to fit everything to his classic interiors making all items and details in the room suit his walls and panels. Unlike many architects, Adam designed every item and the entire equipment of many structures including counterpanes and even workbags. ADAMESQUE WEDGWOOD ADAMEQUE GILDED MIRROR 6Although furniture was not Adam's principal concern, Adam showed great skills for his design of chairs, tables, commodes, sofas and screen, employing Chippendale for some of his commissioned work. His uniqueness and ingenuity likewise appeared on the furniture he created as well on capers, fire irons, ceilings, chimneypieces fans, urns, honeysuckle, patera and the fragile wreathsall taken from the features of the Roman designers of antiquity who also inspired the artistry of the Renaissance and 18th century art. Adam's interior design, manifested in all of his creations from the smallest to the biggest item, was distinct and unique typical of his work of art. In particular, the Adam furniture is 7characterized with less rectangularity, sometimes employing tiny Chinese details on some of his products as well as French influenced features in minute details. He also initiated the design features on oval chair, classical in style, but with hints of the Empire mood. His designs of chairs and sofas also show simplicity, small and finely made, low and narrow backs, usually classical in features. In the case of his dining furniture, Adam generally employs urns on pedestals flanking the dinner table sometimes using wood such as mahogany but his fondness of satinwood manifested in many of his work. . THE ADAM INTERIOR Adam used minimal carving and employed them in fine and in low relief fashion. 8He likewise used inlay in a sparing way but later on began to employ colour, gilding, marquetery, and even ormulu ornaments. He favored painting more and used the idea he derived from the French. This, including the exquisite inlays on fine wood, was one of Adam's major innovations in interior design. In order to imitate the feel and texture of marble, furniture was painted, usually made of white wood, in a soft colour, on which he applied embellishments in the form of flowers and panels, scrolls and figures. Although he did not originate this practice, many of the interiors designed by Adam reflected these features. THE ADAMESQUE PANEL STAIR HALL POST Until today, the influences of Robert Adam are evident in many structures in England and Scotland, withstanding the test of time, of weather and changes in trend and genre. Adam's distinct and flawless designs such as the Etruscan vase ornaments are exhibited at the Etruscan Dressing Room at Osterley Park, Middlesex - the only of his eight designs that survive. Adam died in London in 1792 but his legacy in design hasn't disappeared from our consciousness. WORKS CITED Stillman,Dannie. English Neoclassical Architecture. 2 vols ed. 2, London: Oxford University Press, 1988. Bolton, Arthur. The Architecture of Robert & James Adam. 2 volumes. 1785-1794. Eileen Harris, Robert Adam. The Genius of His Interiors (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. 2001. Harris, Eilen. Robert Adam. The Genius of His Interiors. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. 1984. Roth, Leland M. Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History and Meaning, First, Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 397. Eileen Harris, Robert Adam. The Genius of His Interiors New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. 2001. Read More