Cross-Section of the Bibliotheques Sainte-Genevieve
Modern architecture is basically associated with simple and functional designs, which are free from excessive ornamentation and "unnecessary" details. The concept of buildings as volumes enclosed by massive materials had given way to a concentration on space supported or enclosed by light, thin materials. The idea of enclosure was de-emphasized, so that structural elements themselves came into focus. A conscious attempt to assimilate modern technology is another characteristic. Technical progress in the development of materials was evident in the construction of the Crystal Palace in 1851. In the ensuing years iron, steel, and glass determined the form of many buildings, but irrelevant ornament persisted. As late as 1889 the Eiffel Tower found a public not yet ready to accept pure structure as beautiful. By mid-century, modern architecture and city planning, influenced by new technology and mass production, were dealing with increasingly complex social needs. Important characteristics of modern architectural works are expanses of glass and the use of reinforced concrete.
Overhead diagram of the Bibliotheques sainte-Genevieve
Modern architecture began to appear in Europe partly in response to the industrialization of the marketplace, and standardization of usable building materials. In the case of Labrouste and the Bibliotheques sainte Genevieve, the design of the library was influenced by both factors. Labrouste decided to use cast iron and steel as the main frame of the library's structure, for two reasons, cost and weight. The Design of the library was completely unique at the time, and was the first building to support the entire weight of the ceiling on the four walls of the building, so that the ceiling was actually suspended above the ground, and floated without any center supports, so that Labrouste could use on every square inch of space inside the library. To pull this off, Labrouste decided to capitalize on a new technology of the time, which was being mass produced in France, steel beams. As for the interior plan of the library, Labrouste designed a series of arcaded columns. Yet he encountered a problem, how could he carve arched column out of stone, which would be able to share the weight of the ceiling, without breaking? Stone simply could not support the weight, and steel was rigid, and could not be molded. The answer lay in cast-iron. Labrouste selected steel and cast iron, not only because of their superior strength, but their low cost.