Throughout the nineteenth century various movements and tren

Throughout the nineteenth century, various movements and trends shaped and changed architecture. Cast iron paved the way for new structures. How was this medium used, and what were the benefits?

Solution

In the mid years of the century, cast iron was used structurally in large buildings such as warehouses and libraries. The Crystal Palace, designed by Joseph Paxton for the 1851 International Exhibition in London, provided a spectacular example of the possibilities of cast iron and glass that had worldwide publicity. The new ferrous building materials were made to conform to the taste for Classical, medieval or other exotic styles (Brighton Pavilion); for example the glass and iron vault for Paddington Station by Brunel and Wyatt was supported on \'Gothic\' columns. In 1889 Gustav Eiffel designed the exhibition tower for Paris which bears his name and provided the same form of publicity for the new material - steel.

During the second half of the 19th century in the United States, it was the possibilities of cast iron and steel in the building of multi-storey unit constructions that were most effectively exploited. After the installation of the first safety elevator by Otis, it became possible to use as well as build tall buildings.