Friday, March 27, 2009

sur les méandres de . . .

Today is the birthday of Georges-Eugène Haussmann (March 27, 1809 – January 11, 1891), better known as Baron Haussmann. He was an urban planner who left an indelible imprint on Paris, France.

Baron Haussman's work destroyed much of the medieval city of Paris. He began a wide-reaching program of municipal improvements, including the creation of wide avenues through Paris's mass of small streets, a new water supply and sewage system. During his administration, 71 miles of new roads, 400 miles of pavement, and 320 miles of sewers were added to Paris; 100, 000 trees were planted, and housing, bridges, and public buildings were constructed.

"Between the Revolution of 1789 and Haussmann's renovation of Paris in the 1860s ideals changed from those of a politically motivated city to those of an economically and socially centered city. Modern technology such as railroads and gas lamps were conveniences which the rising bourgeoisie could enjoy in their leisurely lifestyle. New spaces that were created during the renovation encouraged the bourgeoisie to flaunt their new wealth, creating a booming economy. All of these examples of the changes occurring in Paris during this time period can be seen in representations of the city. There are two views of Baron Haussmann: One depicts him as the man who destroyed Old Paris, and the other as the man who created New Paris." direct quote source (1)

Elected a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1867, the year of the International Exhibition in Paris, Baron Haussmann stated, "My qualification? I was chosen as demolition artist" (Memoires, 3 vols., 1890-1893).

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