The Architectural Discourses in Classical Utopias and Their Modern Impact: The Cases of Utopia (1516), New Atlantis (1627), and The City of the Sun (1623)

Klasik Ütopyalardaki Mimari Söylemler

Abstract

Although utopias emerged from ancient myths, they became widespread with the Renaissance and Reformation movements. Periodically evaluated, the first time imaginative textual literature was handled as an idea and a fiction of the future was with the works of Thomas More (1516), Francis Bacon (1627), and Tommaso Campanella (1623), which are defined as classical utopias. As expression of their period, these works criticize the moment in which they are situated and contain discourses that reflect many futuristic design approaches such as science, technology, architectural production and urbanism.
Thinkers such as More, Bacon and Campanella made social and political criticisms in their works and supported scientific developments. Classical utopias inspired by the Renaissance, influenced the ideal society and city designs of many thinkers in later periods. In these designs, the use of space and materials formed the basis of the discourses, where sometimes existing materials were modified and sometimes new materials were defined. Therefore, tracing the architectural discourses in utopias can be considered part of the effort to build the future.
The aim of this study is to determine the use of materials within the framework of architectural discourses used in classical utopias and to compare this use with modern architectural practices. The content analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. Thomas More’s “Utopia” (1516), Francis Bacon’s “New Atlantis” (1627), and Tommaso Campanella’s “The City of the Sun” (1623) were analyzed to determine the use of materials in the architectural discourses of classical utopias.Finally, the possible implications of these material uses on later architectural approaches are discussed.
The discourses on material use in Thomas More’s “Utopia” (1516) are quite remarkable. In particular, the depictions of stone bridges, lightweight door systems and heat-insulated materials have significant meaning when compared with periodic and modern developments. Especially in the 18th century, the bridge systems developed by the French engineer Jean Rodolph Perronet attracted attention with the use of arches that could easily span wide distances. More also depicts a light and technological door system for house doors, paralleling lightweight door systems constructed with materials such as steel, aluminum, wood and plastic in later periods. Finally, More notes that the ceilings and windows of the houses are equipped with heat-insulating materials and glass. Considering the development of insulation technologies after the industrial revolution and the diversification of insulation materials in later periods, there are similarities with More’s depictions.
The discourses on the use of materials in Tommaso Campanella’s “The City of the Sun” (1623) also show similarities with developments in later architecture and construction. The emphasis on the iron gate in the work points to the historical and technological use of iron. With the technological advancements in later periods, steel door systems began to be used as light and durable materials. The interior wall design and marble stairs refer to the changes in building materials during the Renaissance. Developing technology and the use of materials have enabled the design of more free organic forms in wall designs. The modern dome design described by Campanella evokes the special use of glass in later architecture. The description of the spatial organization of conference halls, gathering spaces, academies and halls in the work refers to the evolution of the spaces used since antiquity. The use of modern materials as sound insulation and the use of electrical energy in the design of architectural structures with the industrial revolution in the field of lighting have had a significant impact.
The descriptions of the structures in Francis Bacon’s “New Atlantis” (1627) contain remarkable details. The guest house details the use of brick and glass, especially colored bricks and aesthetic glass. The large halls, one of the administrative buildings of the city, are used as meeting spaces and have similar features to modern conference halls. Observatories are defined as structures where meteorological events are examined and analyzed. Specialized buildings such as medical rooms, optical spaces and sound laboratories are also described in the text The architectural designs and materials used in these buildings have changed in parallel with historical and technological developments.
The examinations show that the architectural designs of classical utopias contain ideas about the future by associating them with their present.The architectural design and material use in utopias are still considered reference points in the field of architecture and are expected to continue to play this role in the future. Therefore, the impact of utopias on architectural thinking and building material use is a crucial element to consider in the development and evolution of the discipline of architecture.