Etienne - Louis Boullee, was the infamous architect of the 18th century, where he excelled through his career with almost no physically standing works. Boulle was known as the paper architect where his hand drawings depicted the notion of science and the way in which this concept was used in order to magnify and quantify the poetry of a public space. Boullee traditionally believed in the psychology of the viewers where his objective through his drawings was to represent not only unique but also emotive architecture. Through his works, Boullee experimented with vast forms and volumes in aims to suggest such complex emotions in a cohesively philosophical yet natural manner. As Boullee’s most known projects never came into fruition, I believe there is room to explore the notion of how technology has evolved to bring such works to life as well as delving into the themes of contemporary architectural strategies and how we can bring Boullee’s past works to life.
Through this exhibition I intend to explore not only the concept of how humans interact with public spaces, but also the way in which us humans experience such space. The architecture of Etienne Louis Boulle intended to evoke specific stories and feelings. The key notion of how modern-day technologies can reimagine Boullee’s approach to utilizing vast volumes and forms, natural light and shadows to convey a sense of poetry, often lost in contemporary architecture, will be explored.
The poetry of space and feelings evoked when entering and navigating these moments of upmost importance. One must consider this aspect when designing structures for the human and their interaction with the universe.
Poetry, romanticism and mysticism. Geometries, forms and volumes. Light and shadow. Components representing human interaction, elements missing within contemporary architecture.
Nicka Bazvand presents to you the exhibition - The Introspection of Light and Verse Etienne Louis Boullee and the Poetry of our Environment, which contains a collection of works inspired by those of Boullee. This exhibition will examine the interplay between light and shadow and the emotions in which they induce upon us as individuals alongside our environment. Firstly, light will be explored through the physicality of models as well as digital renders and drawings which have been curated in aim to immerse the viewer into a particular space and mindset.
Etienne – Louis Boulle, the infamous architect of the 18th century with, almost no surviving built works he only excelled with hand drawings which engaged his reputation within the Architecture community. Over time it became known thatBoulle designed with intention and on such a vast scale, where his key focus was that of envisioning neoclassical buildings. Ultimately these structures were proven to be impossible to develop and further unmanageable to construct. This was suggested by ancient works being formulated into a new concept of monumental design. Boullee intended that these new building would possess the calm, idealist beauty which he believed classical architecture explored.
Boulle believed that such vast forms and structures hold a considerable amount of power. The pure geometries displayed in his works reflected the visions of a particular movement dedicated to abstract reasoning and autonomy of an individual. Boulle discovered the poetry of volumes and their precise emotional effects on the human being, their mind and their way of life. Through discovering the prosperity of volumes and
Boulle believed that through his works as well as his research he could amplify the poetry of any existing space. He believed traditionally in the psychology of the viewers where he aimed to create distinctive architecture. He proceeded to imagine concepts to a new social order. ²
Through the review of the works developed by Etienne – Louis Boulle it can be concluded that the psychology of space is crucial. Our environment in turn influences our emotions where light, form and function need to be considered. Architecture as we know it offers human beings an avenue to develop their own feelings and interpret a space and their stories in a specific way when compared to the next person. This interpretation soon becomes poetic where human expression portrays the psyche of architecture and allows us to convey our deep unconscious thoughts.³ The poetry of our environment naturally occurs through not only the immediate form of a structure but also the and hue of light that filters into a space and in turn the shadows which are cast. “The Intersection of Light and Verse,” curated by Nicka Bazvand will explore these notions where you will immersed and transcended into different dimensions.
1 “The Futuristic Architectural Designs Created by Etienne Louid Boullee in the 18th Century,” Open Culture, last modified, 15th of Febuary 2023, accessed 25th of March 2023. https://www.openculture.com/2023/02/the-futurist-architectural-designs-created-by-etienne-louis-boullee-in-the-18th-century.html
2 “Etienne Louis Boullee (1728-1799),” Architectural Review, Anthony Vidler, last modified 21st of November 2016, accessed 25th of March 2023. https:// www.architectural-review.com/essays/reputations/etienne-louis-boullee-1728-1799
3 “The Art and Psychology of Space,” Binghatti, last modified, 26 September 2022, accessed May 4th 2023. https://binghatti.com/the-art-and-psychology-of-space/
Vast geometries have been used to develop these models where the interplay between light and space is discovered, producing dynamic and everchanging patterns which transform the environment around us. Inspired by the Cenotaph originally designed by Étienne Louis- Boullee, these structures aid viewers in understanding the experience Boullee intended if we had the opportunity to interact with his hand drawn structures. His pure intention here was the enlightening of the human emotion. When light enters, reflects and thus disperses, a sense of wonder and awe is almost always induced, creating a poetic scene allowing a connection to form between the viewer and the natural world.
Large volumes have been utilised to develop these models where the language of natural standing walls and ceilings have been manipulated. The distinction of positive and negative light has been emulated with a purpose. Stark light entering the space forms theatrical contrasts which in turn contours the space below. These models have been developed with the aim to challenge the perception of the observer, giving individuals the room to form transformative reactions. Immersive atmospheres are shaped allowing exploration of the mind, where deep contemplative power may be held.
Etienne Louis Boullee discovered that the shadow was always inseparable from the light. In the eye of Boulle the shadow which was the purpose and thus the perfect perception of light. The positive light which penetrates such structures does shine for light, however shines to dazzle, inspire and paralyze. Through his work, Boulle evidently applies this philosophy to places such as libraries, churches, museums and palaces. The concept of and poetry in which he evokes through light and shadow is inspiring.
Through this collection and curation of four physical models, the key focus was to emulate the philosophy of poetics and psychology and aid observers in understanding the emotions in which Boulle intended his audience to feel.
Using white cardboard at 1:100 scale 10x10m cubes were formed, after these volumes and masses were shaped and cut out in order to create light and shadow. When a light is shone above the voids, shadows and contours reflect the surfaces. Each cube tells a different story and dependent on how you interpret such reflections will be the poem you create within your mind. Tools used to develop these models included white cardboard, scale ruler, fine line markers, pencils, glue gun and a cutting board.
“Etienne Louis Boullee (1728-1799),” Architectural Review, Anthony Vidler, last modified 21st of November 2016, accessed 25th of March 2023. https:// www.architectural-review.com/essays/reputations/etienne-louis-boullee-1728-1799
4 Francisco Martinez Mindeguia, “Etienne - Louis Boullee, Newton’s Cenotaph, 1780-93,” Mindeguia, accessed 5th of May 2023 http://www.mindeguia. com/dibex/Boullee_Newton-e.htm
May 2023
Curated by Nicka Bazvand
For Jessica Blair
Griffith University Gold Coast School of Architecture
Paying homage to Boullee and his hand drawn designs, this three-part collection depicts the relationship between paper, pen and form. Inspired by vast geometries that are seen through the works of Boullee, as well as the repetition that is seen throughout neoclassical architecture, a contemporary spin is seen to evoke a sense of nostalgia. From the neoclassical era to the modern day, these volumes are seen through all forms of architecture.
Etienne Louis Boullee was known for his hand drawings, he saw a higher value and possibility to evoke emotion through said art pieces, aiding in putting the human mind on a pedestal. Boullee believed that through painting and drawing, critical representations regarding the environment and the individual could be formed. Due to Boullee’s key interest in social reform, as an artist, he focused on idealising and illustrating the notion of what architectural forms and volumes could aspire.
Paper, fine line markers and copic markers were used throughout this collection. The experimentation of volumes and forms is evident where homage was paid to Boullee the paper architect.
5 “Drawing on the Sublime: Presentation of the Unrealized Project and the Subordination of the Real,” Object Territories, accessed 5th of May 2023. https://object-territories.com/new-page
6 “Etienne-Louis Boull e - Architectures de papier Lise Cuykens - Alba Gonzales - Miguel De Rafael,” Vimeo, last modified 2013, accessed 5th of May 2023. https://vimeo.com/51741373
Curated by Nicka Bazvand
For Jessica Blair
Griffith University Gold Coast - School of Architecture
May 2023
From the neoclassical era to the modern day, technology has advanced to an immense degree, allowing us to bring the visions of Boullee to life. This digital render of a church inspired by those developed by Boullee, is taken over by contemporary architectural strategies creating a sense of unity, essential to our modern world. Striking, imposing structures are at the core of neoclassical church design, however the addition of vast window shafts in contemporary architecture has transformed the way humans experience such sacred spaces. The open and inclusive style highlights both natural lighting and the connection humans have to their environment. Through the manipulation of spacial relationship using light and shadow, a sense of curiosity and wonder is created. These senses promote the transcendent qualities of the spiritual
Boullee was known for his hand drawing of churches and funery monuments. He seeked out the picturesque value and effect in interior perspectives through his drawings where light is present at the altar ravishingly highlighting grand sets of stairs. Boullee draw with the intention to portray such a sublime experience. The key objective through his art works revolving churches and funery monuments was that of arousing deep worship, evoking a sense of grandeur. He intended to depict emotions of joy, even magnificent, in those celestial beings who chose to experience these grand spaces.
Using digital programs was at the forefront of this collection. As Boullee did not have access to the digitilisation and visualisation phase of design I believed it was appropriate to pay homage to this new found technology. Initially Sketch Up was used in order experiment with structures and window shafts, Later the same program was used to develop the design of this modern-day church. Vast volumes were used and linear window shafts were added in order to emulate the repetition of shapes and columns which can be seen through the hand drawings of Boullee. Later, Twin Motion was used to render the Church, where lighting was adjusted to different times of day to allow the viewers to feel a sense of awe and wonder and even mystery. Premier Pro was later used to capture the dancing lights and bring the Church to life and highlight the poetic nature of the space.
1 “The Futuristic Architectural Designs Created by Etienne Louid Boullee in the 18th Century,” Open Culture, last modified, 15th of Febuary 2023, accessed 25th of March 2023. https://www.openculture.com/2023/02/the-futurist-architectural-designs-created-by-etienne-louis-boullee-in-the-18th-century.html
2 “Etienne Louis Boullee (1728-1799),” Architectural Review, Anthony Vidler, last modified 21st of November 2016, accessed 25th of March 2023. https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/reputations/etienne-louis-boullee-1728-1799
3 “The Art and Psychology of Space,” Binghatti, last modified, 26 September 2022, accessed May 4th 2023. https://binghatti.com/
4 Francisco Martinez Mindeguia, “Etienne - Louis Boullee, Newton’s Cenotaph, 1780-93,” Mindeguia, accessed 5th of May 2023 http://www.mindeguia.com/dibex/Boullee_Newton-e.htm the-art-and-psychology-of-space/
5 “Drawing on the Sublime: Presentation of the Unrealized Project and the Subordination of the Real,” Object Territories, accessed 5th of May 2023. https://object-territories.com/new-page
6 “Etienne-Louis Boull e - Architectures de papier Lise Cuykens - Alba Gonzales - Miguel De Rafael,” Vimeo, last modified 2013, accessed 5th of May
