Architecture and Symbolic Structures in Expositions Architecture and Symbolic Structures in Expositions The world’s first exhibition was held in London in the year 1851. This exhibition set an extremely high standard for any future exhibition of the same kind. The French following this exhibition felt that their achievements had been undervalued. This and their long standing livery between the French and the English led the French to organize their own exhibition. This event took place in Paris, in the year 1855, and was intended for the formation of a commercial “ reprisal” against the Briton’s. The products of the Britons had dominated in the world’s exhibition of 1851.
The event was organized with the aim of restoring the position, which French had of pre-eminence. The organizers wanted this event to be larger that the London exhibition, and it was seen to it that no expense was spared in organizing and planning of this event. Nevertheless the Paris exhibition event of 1855 was not as successful as the London affair of 1851. In London, the event proceedings were followed with mixed feelings from the viewers, the event had gone deep into a financial hole while the event in London had raised an immense profit which was used for the good of the country (Gelernter, 2008).
The Eiffel tower was built during the world exhibition of 1889. This exhibition conducted to commemorate the French revolution of 1789. The Eiffel tower was only meant to last for the length of the exhibition, but the organizers of the exhibition left it to stand till today. Many people feared that the tower would not fit into the architecture plan of Paris. Artists also complained that the construction would be an advent of structures that lack individuality. The citizens of Paris did not like the structure at first. They argued that the government had been extravagant in the 1889 centennial celebration since the tower was scheduled for demolition shortly after the exhibition. However, when the tower was completed, the people had a chance to visit it, and this made them realize that the tower was one of the world’s greatest modern works in architecture (Giebelhausen, 2008).
The Chicago world fair was held in Chicago in the year 1893 and was for the celebration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America. The exhibition featured almost 200 new buildings that were built purposely for the exhibition. All the buildings were of neoclassical architecture lagoons and canals and cultures and people from all over the globe (Giebelhausen, 2008).
If I were to hold such an exhibition, I would conduct it in New York City. This is one city that has buildings constructed through the use of modern architecture and some space can be found to construct temporary buildings. These buildings will be constructed through the use of advanced architectural designs and technology. The exhibition would feature architectural works from top architects in the country. The best symbol that would be used in such an event is a reconstruction of the liberty statue at the heart of the city. This would be appreciated by the people and would be a reflection of what the America people believe in.
References
Gelernter M. (2008). A history of American architecture : buildings and their cultural and technological context. Mancheste: Manchester University Press.
Giebelhausen M. ( 2008). The architecture of the museum : symbolic structures, urban contexts. New York: Manchester University Press.
