Haussmann Architecture
Haussmann eliminated many of the city's mazelike
streets and removed more than 12,000 medieval
structures during this dark time when Paris was filthy,
overcrowded and infested with disease. He redesigned
the city with a network of wide, stately boulevards, built
40,000 new buildings and cleared space for Les Halles
marketplace and the Palais Garnier (home of the Paris
Opera Ballet). The namesake Boulevard Haussmann
runs east to west through the 9th arrondissement, near
Palais Garnier. He created other structures and public
plazas while modernizing the town's sewers, fountains
and viaducts as well.
But it was Paris' cavalcade of enchanting apartments and
their uniform facades that ultimately transformed the
streetscape, making way for a more cohesive, unified city
and fulfilling Napoleon III's vision. Lining the city's
graceful avenues, these refined Haussmann-style
buildings shaped the magnificent town we know today
while accounting for about 60% of Parisian architecture.
What are some characteristics of Haussmann
architecture?
Although Haussmann-style structures can vary, they
were designed to fit certain standards.
Buildings in this style were required to be between 12
and 20 meters (about 39 to 65 feet) high and consist of
no more than six stories. Initially, stairs were the only
means of reaching different floors. Elevators were added
later.
Carriage entrances that connect to a courtyard were
likely. These entrances allowed the nobility to enter with
their horse-drawn carriages.
"Pièrre de taille"−−also known as ashlar or freestone−−
was the material of choice. This stone has a light gray
color and is cut or "dressed."
The ground floor of a Haussmann-style building usually
accommodated shops, as did the first level, also referred
to as the mezzanine. This level has lower ceilings than
the upper floors.
The second floor was intended for the upper class and
nobility; it's where wealthy Parisians lived. This level
boasts the highest ceilings of all the floors−−usually at
least 10.5 feet−−as well as a wrought iron wraparound
balcony. This level also has the most ornate interior.
Ceiling heights are lower on the third and fourth levels,
and the interior detailing is simpler.
The fifth floor was not meant for nobility but offered
running balconies to visually balance the building's
exterior.
The sixth floor or attic space was reserved for servants.
Nowadays, since the highest floor of a Haussmann-style apartment building promises sweeping views of the city's
rooftops, these apartments are often in high demand.
Haussmannian architecture is marked by dormer
windows and mansard roofs, which had to be angled at
45 degrees to allow the maximum amount of sunlight on
the streets below.
Interiors of Haussmann buildings were as elegant as the
exteriors. They typically featured herringbone and
chevron parquet floors, elaborate plaster or wood
moldings, large rooms with tall windows, built-in
wardrobes and shelves, marble fireplaces, French doors
and tomette terra-cotta tiles, on occasion.
Square footage varies in Haussmann-style apartments.
Some flats offer one bedroom and bath, while others are
sprawling family apartments with three or four bedrooms
and several bathrooms.
The architectural heart and soul of Paris, Haussmann
buildings can be found throughout much of the city.
However, the greatest concentration is in the 8th, 9th,
10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 20th
arrondissements.
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