Sir John Soane (1753-1837) was an English architect who was
known for his Neo-Classical style. In the 18th Century he
experienced many different architectural styles whilst on a grand tour of Italy
which inspired his work. He also became a professor of architecture at the
Royal Academy and an official architect to the Office of Works before receiving
his knighthood in 1831. The following buildings are examples of Sir John
Soane’s work:
Bank of England
On the 16th October 1788 he was appointed
architect and surveyor of the Bank of England where he remained for 45 years.
During his time he rebuilt much of the bank and extended the site, he also
decided to enclose the building in 1828 by building a windowless wall. The bank
was a very grand building with columns covering the façade. From the plans and
paintings you can see the attempt of designing an open airy space with plenty
of sunlight illuminating the floor space as shown in Fig.2 illustrating the Banking Hall.
He also focused on the heating element within the bank by designing decorative
stoves and flues. Unfortunately none of this work can be seen today as the
building was demolished in the 1920s for renovations.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
This building was the first purpose built public art gallery
in England constructed in 1817. From outside the building you can instantly
recognise John Soane’s style of architecture as the walls are enclosed with
window openings filled with bricks. Like the majority of his outer buildings
the inside space is open with natural light shining throughout the rooms due to
windows being placed on the roof. The building consists of five rooms that are
connected by a series of arches that create an endless sense of space. Due to
using a natural top light this was ideal for viewing paintings and maximised
the wall space for hanging artwork. Many art galleries have since have been
influenced by the designs used in the Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Pitzhanger Manor
This House & Gallery is a major cultural venue in West
London, and was once owned by Sir John Soane. The House shows many features
associated with Soane’s architectural style that where influenced from his tour
of Italy including the Columns, Statues and decorative features on the walls.
Pitzhanger Manor has many similarities to the Soane’s Bank of England building,
although windows have been placed on the front facing wall. Inside the manor is
a series of very decorative rooms some with curved ceilings with unique designs
and patterns. Soane’s idea of using natural light to illuminate the building
has been used again within this piece of architecture.
After looking into the life work of Sir John Soane and his
neo-classical style of architecture, I have come to appreciate his methods of
design. I am interested in the way that he makes the most use of natural light
by careful positioning of windows, to allow the sunlight to filter throughout
the building. From the outside you get the impression that his buildings are
dark and cold due to his use of materials and the use of the enclosed wall,
which then creates a pleasant surprise when you see the inside and are greeted
with large, open, bright grand spaces.
Fig.1 - Sir John Soane
Fig.2 - Bank of England
Fig.3 - Dulwich Picture Gallery
Fig.4 - Pitzhanger Manor
Other examples of Sir John Soane's work:
Fig. 5 - Sir John Soane's Museum (1813)
Fig.6 - Piercefield House (1792)
Fig.7 - Tyringham Hall (1792)
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