Environmental Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Environmental Factors

The era of Haussmann’s Paris was a time of extreme industrial transformation and cultural progress. The number of Paris's inhabitants was rising steadily and the ancient cities were quickly becoming overcrowded. As a result, Paris became home to various new diseases. Haussmann was determined to transform the entire city into a functioning urban center, and in order to do so, he had to deal with the various new environmental factors. 

Photo from thearthistoryarchive.com

One important issue that was dealt with was the size of the streets. As they were, the streets in Paris were tiny and unable to support the growth of the population. Haussmann saw to it that streets were significantly widened and as a result, overcrowding was relieved and the risk for disease outbreaks was lowered. Haussmann's plan also included lining the streets with Chestnut trees. These not only help to maintain geometric and symmetrical aesthetic, but also proved to make the city more beautiful and improve air quality. 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Gobelins-pantheon.jpg

Once the previously filthy Paris was cleaned, many environmental factors were improved including air quality and circulation, water cleanliness, and green spaces.In terms of water, Haussmann commissioned engineer Belgrand to construct 600 kilometers of aqueduct between 1865 and 1900. This greatly improved hygiene. 

Before the renovation, green spaces in Paris were uncommon. With inspiration from the parks he saw in London, Haussman hired Jean-Charles Alphand (his future successor) to create large, open green spaces for all to enjoy. These parks enhanced the cities beauty and created peaceful places to relax and enjoy nature. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Night.jpg

The city of Paris would in no way be what it is today without Haussmann. His vision and transformation of the city not only improved many areas of the environment but bettered the city as a whole.

Works Cited:
http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-Architectural-Paris.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haussmann's_renovation_of_Paris#Green_spaces
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Night.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Gobelins-pantheon.jpg