In the article the author writes - “One of the buildings that most dramatically illustrates the possibility for
change inherent in this (Beaux Art) system is Labrouste’s Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve in Paris …”. P.
276.
Why Labrouste, a former stellar student of Ecole des Beaux Art who took second place in Grand Prix,
wanted to break the Beaux Art tradition? How he achieved that in his two famous designs: Bibliotheque
SainteGenevieve and Reading room in the National Library of Paris (Bibliotheque Nationale de France)?
However, do you think in the process of breaking with the Beaux Art convention, did Labrouste maintain
any continuity? Did he use any Beaux Art principles at all? Discuss in reference to plan, elevation, formal
articulation, ornament, architectural and structural elements.
You may like to compare Labrouste’s design with a typical Beaux Art design, for instances the example
from your text book on P. 275 or with Garnier’s Paris Opera P. 286-287
Sample Solution