[RR9] the Whimsical Royal Pavilion & the new Modern Era

The Royal Pavilion was built from 1818-1822 for the Prince of Wales. The architect was John Nash who specialized in the white Neoclassical palaces that were super popular in this time period. The Royal Pavilion, however, is a strange hybrid of the Eastern and Western style architecture that is quite fantastical and imaginative.

http://austenonly.com/2011/06/22/the-royal-pavilion-brighton-and-dress-for-excess-part-2/

Given the manor house style that was common in England during this time, with the central house and two flanks, the Royal Pavilion follows this basic schema for its design. However, the roof, columns, and minurets quickly depart from there. Looking at the plan (below) the building is quite symmetrical in plan, which was also quite common during the time period.

http://austenonly.com/2011/06/22/the-royal-pavilion-brighton-and-dress-for-excess-part-2/

In this period of colonialism and international trade, it is hardly shocking that different cultural influences would be reflected in the architecture of the noble elite. In the image below of two women in period dress, there is a corner of the front facade that shows some of the Arabic influenced geometrical decoration. This type of architectural statement clearly announces the worldliness of the Prince of England and his far reaching power.

http://austenonly.com/2011/06/22/the-royal-pavilion-brighton-and-dress-for-excess-part-2/

This building was also innovative structurally, as it has a foundation that is mostly steel. Additionally, its dome was supported by a cast-iron structure. This feature announced the modern era. Another view of the facade and dome at dusk is below.

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/4/40/BrightonRoyalPavilion.jpg

According to the official Royal Pavilion website, "the completed Royal Pavilion was considered progressive for its time.  It was designed to incorporate the latest technology and equipment to meet the king’s demands for warmth, comfort and convenience." Some of these amenities included:

- Gas lighting, which was introduced for the first time to illuminate the painted-glass windows.
- The kitchen had the latest gadgets.
- Local springs provided fresh water, and there was a flushing toilet in the King's chambers.
- Artist-designers Frederick Crace and Robert Jones combined opulent decoration with the finest furnishings for the interiors.
- Regency gardens of the fashionable naturalistic style with winding paths and drives (seen below).

http://www.gardens-guide.com/gardenpix/0171_RoyalPav.jpg

I find the Royal Pavilions to be highly imaginative and indulgent for a time period that was obsessed with the Neoclassical style. I find that this building follows heavier on the "delight" spectrum for me, which is quite interesting since John Nash was infamous for his other work solidly falling within the firmness and commodity side of the equation. As far as Reverberations goes, I find that this building does an excellent job of taking the expected and turning it upside down. Interestingly, the next project that King George and John Nash work on together is Buckingham Palace, which is back in the strict conservative Neoclassical style that is so present in England in this time period. To me, this building is an excellent example of why allowing your imagination to run wild in design can create something new and rewarding, and that perhaps challenging the norms and standard conventions should be encouraged in certain circumstances.