Monumentality versus Suitability: Viollet-le-Duc's Saint Gimer at Carcassonne
Lucy Marion MacClintock
One of Viollet-le-Duc's first original neo-Gothic designs was the small parish church Saint Gimer at Carcassonne, built from 1852 to 1859. Here, Viollet-le-Duc eschewed monumentality and grandeur in favor a simple, plain, inexpensive design which would be suitable working-class neighborhood. Contrary criticisms his restorations as being insensitive regional Gothic styles, architect demonstrated an acute concern for fidelity local building traditions. In addition, he recognized historical importance Cistercian, Dominican, Franciscan orders southern France, by adopting certain elements plan, proportions, articulation monastic types. Thus reveals principles thought must govern 19th-century building: economy, austerity, creation gracious sense space.
Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians