Social Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Social Factors

Haussmann's modernization of Paris during Napoleon III's rule was a response to the overpopulation of the districts and the growing concern of "infectious" air, brought upon by the popular miasmatic theory of disease in the mid-nineteenth century.  Not only did Haussmann transform the city streets and building architecture, but he also changed the social composition of Paris.

The city renovations were concentrated mainly in the center and west portions of the city.  As a result, the cost of living in those areas rose over that of living in the east and the outskirts of the city.  This created a social imbalance between the rich and the poor; wealthier people lived in the west while the less fortunate ones lived in the east.  Prior to Haussmann's renovations, society was divided according to the building floor.

Photo from thearthistoryarchive.com

The new city attracted very many people looking for work in the newly-renovated city.  Many of them moved to the outer parts of Paris.  The social zones that were formed were intentional; Haussmann, under the direction of Napoleon III, considered the effect of sprawl on the behavior of the lower-class community.  Revolutions in 1789 and 1848 had left an impression in Haussmann's mind to design the new city in a way so that they may not happen again.  The spread of the community kept it disorganized and less likely to develop mob behavior.

Works Cited:
http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-Architectural-Paris.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rue-monge-angle.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Pissarro_002.jpg