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My third architectural experience provided an in depth study of the Fontainebleau
Chateau.
This chateau started as a hunting retreat in the middle ages and evolved
through each kingdom and empire. The interesting effect is that each addition
attempted to retain elements of the preexisting chateau and added on in a similar
language inherent to its own era.
The effect is a somewhat rambling chateau that
has been architecturally touched by most of modern French history. The medieval core was added onto by
Francois Iere, which was then significantly enlarged by Henri IV, then Louis XIV, and XVI made significant
alterations and additions. Napoleon favored this chateau and then used its famous
curved stair for the
abdication speech.
A private tour through the chateau
provided access to a theater currently in a state of abandon. Careful study
of the interior design of the chateau led to higher understanding of the relations
between the ceilings - either plafond francaises or caisson, and the intricate wood inlay or parquet flooring details.
A design project allowed for
the extensive study of the sculpture collection known as the Primatrice Bronzes.
The sculptures (Tireur
de Pin Bronze, Rimoleur
Bronze) could one day be relocated to the room known as the Salle de la Belle Cheminee. This room suffered transformations into a theater and
then a fire which destroyed all interior decoration.
 A current project at the chateau is
the restoration of the facades and roof of the Cour Henri IV. This will become a
music institute after approximately 4 years of work. The investigation process
achieved a detail that is rarely provided to a restoration architect. Every wall,
ceiling, and floor had the interior
finishes removed in order to reveal the structure. It ideally revealed all the
hidden surprises that occur in working with existing buildings.
 A day away from the Chateau provided another
chateau experience, at Vaux le Vicompte.
This chateau was designed not for a king but a private home. One architect, one design,
and a relatively coherent building. The chateau hosts gardens designed by Le Notre which have symmetrical sculpted forms
as well as optical illusions in depth of space and ‘hidden’ grand canals.
 A visit with the architect en chef for
Versailles provided yet another
chateau or two, but this one with the return to technical restoration. Within minutes
of arriving at the chateau I was climbing the scaffolding to examine the exterior walls.
The stone is a yellow hue calcaire or limestone. The analysis of whether the stones are to be retained, repaired,
or replaced in kind was identical to the process that I am familiar with on my projects
of Chicago Skyscrapers. Here the buildings are blessed with a longer history, and in
Chicago they are located on buildings taller than most in France, but the material
element is the same: stone on an existing building. The preservation discussions
progress from that similarity on structural integrity, material condition, and authenticity
values.
 A visit from my friend and personal web designer,
Rick Bogaard allowed for a weekend of Paris touring including a trip to the top
(naturally) of the Eiffel Tower.
My next visit will be to the Compagnons du Devoir de la Tour de France.
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