Principles and Elements

By incorporating so many different architectural styles, the Palais Garnier is an amalgamation of the principles and elements of design. Numerous materials with different color properties compose its interior and exterior. The scale of the building is impressive, and the influences of baroque and renaissance styles create a distinct and definitive structure that beautifully incorporates the principles and elements of design.

Scale

The Palais Garnier is absolutely massive for its time period and purpose. The building rises to over 184 feet at its highest point. The facade alone is over 100 feet tall. Considering the building was built primarily from masonry, this is impressive on many levels. The detailing and embellishments on the facades work across the different height scales of the structure. Overall, the scale of the building works to impress and awe.

Materials

The way the dense materials of the construction of the building are implemented creates many unique moments. The structure seems to defy gravity with its height and scale. The sheer detail and nuance in the detailing also subvert the expectations of the materials used.

Light and Color

The copper roof of the building is one of a few contrasting colors to the largely monotonous tones of the stone facade. The cool tone is emblematic of many European styles, especially the baroque and renaissance styles. The gold-colored figures adorning the roofline and dome also bring a pop of warmth and reflectiveness to the otherwise dull and abrasive surface. While the masonry facade conveys a sense of density, the color of the material itself is not overwhelming or oppressive to people on the street.

Experience

The grand staircase within the confines of the Palais Garnier creates a dynamic space in terms of elevation change for incoming visitors. Highly ornamented and opulent surfaces permeate the interior. Gold leaf covers the grand foyer, while chandeliers illuminate the space with the help of large windows to let in plenty of natural light.

Technology

The massive stage fly system included in the structure was not a new invention at the time of the Palais Garnier’s construction. However, the massive scale of the fly system is impressive, not only on a visual level but also on a technological level. The chandelier in the main auditorium was initially able to be raised to be cleaned but is now lowered. It uses a massive counterweight to ease movement, and again, while not novel, would have been uncommon for an electric fixture at the time.

Finishes

As mentioned earlier, many different materials line the interior and exterior of the building. Intricate tilings adorn the ceilings, bringing a pop of cool tone colors to the warm tone-dominated space. Beautiful paintings also elevate the grand foyer above, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel.

Furnishings

The main place within the Palais Garnier where furnishings become important is within the actual auditorium itself. Red velvet fabric covers over 1,000 seats across multiple levels. A massive chandelier also dominates this space within a recessed dome. There is also a resturant within the building called L’Opera Restaurant that contains a similar fabric across its timeless furniture that compliments the colors and textures of the stone material of the walls and ceilings.

Telling Stories

Within a city as historic as Paris, the Palais Garnier carves its own place in the landscape. The dense city finds a massive structure for public gatherings. The display of elegance and opulence, especially on the facade of the building, creates its iconic silhouette. The centralized presentation of the structure makes it immediately recognizable and iconic on the Paris streets.

Theories

The Palais Garnier is a culmination of French and European styles. Embodying a new style of construction entirely in some ways, especially in regard to the style of its commissioner, Napoleon III. The building itself is one of the most iconic in Paris, and it has even inspired some other notable works, such as The Phantom of the Opera novel. Overall, the Palais Garnier is a beautiful structure that displays a mastery of many different styles to great effect, making it a landmark and culturally significant building.

Bibliography

• 13/14 The Palais Garnier or the “new Opera” — Architecture — 350-years – Opéra national de Paris (operadeparis.fr)
• Opera Palais Garnier House Paris 3D Model – 3D model by nuralam018 (@nuralam018) [eab427f] (sketchfab.com)
• AD Classics: Paris Opera / Charles Garnier | ArchDaily
• Architectural Buildings of the World: Palais Garnier – WorldAtlas