Eclectic Anachronism
When architecture took a step forward towards the end of 18th century and the start of 19th century, it was like the style were stepping onto half grounds, one foot stuck in the past of the classical language, of decorations and representations while one foot entered the realm of technological advancements after the industrial revolution, appealing to functionality and potential of new materials studied.
The Railway Station by William Powell Frith
This dilemma sparked the pattern of experimental steps taken throughout the period, a struggle towards establishing any clear identity within the society and therefore architecture. With the progress of the developing society, architecture was seen as an alternate medium of just trying to express the current political situation or religious motifs, they actually were assigned contemporary functions, whether as factories or transportation stations. So the buildings were built to accommodate these contemporary needs however in the same classical forms. Perhaps, this conflict between the anachronistic utilisation of opposing elements of developed function but primitive forms is what solely creates the confusion during this period in time.
18th and 19th century eclecticism were taking steps back to the past, even though the society was quickly developing and the involvement of technology became inevitable. One way was the urge to retreat back to the Gothic representation which were seen as more rich and exciting, representing the times when people were happy whilst commenting on the negative impacts that industrialisation brought upon the physical environment.
Contrasts Illustrations by A.W. Pugin
On the other hand, some were taking steps way back to the connotations of nature, resisting to accept the idea of industrialisation but wanting to focus more on inspirations from nature and organically abstracted forms. This was called the movement of the 'Art Nouveau' where architecture was lost in the society that was progressing too fast thus grasping onto nature, a consistent aspect in environment that remains the same through all changes in time.
Through the eclectic collage of styles chosen for each element within a collective building, the mixing of too many styles eliminates the capability to identify any collective idea. With numerous aspects fighting against each other within one space, it is impossible to distinguish any key motifs, it is to say that architecture was in a complete mess, failing to satisfy neither a clear functionality of the space or the aesthetic of an expressive portrayal of the society utilising the space.














