什麼是新古典建築

18世紀和19世紀早期的現代古典主義（以其當時所流傳的名稱）。此一運動關注於整個古典體式（volumes）的邏輯，而非古典復生主義（參閲Greek Revival）傾向重新使用古典的成份。新古典建築的特色是宏偉的規模；幾何形式的素樸性；希臘（尤其是多利斯型的，參閲order）和羅馬的細節；採用引人注目的圓柱；對於空白牆壁的偏好。對於古代素樸風格的新的趣味，反映一般對過度的洛可可風格（Rococo style）的反動。新古典主義在美國和歐洲頗為興盛，幾乎每個主要的城市都有範例出現。俄羅斯的凱薩琳二世，如當時任何一位法國或英國的作品所提倡的一般，將聖彼得堡（St. Petersburg）改造成一個新古典建築無可倫比的收藏地。不到1800年，幾乎全部新的英國建築都反映出新古代的精神（參閲Adam, Robert、Soane, John）。法國最大膽的創新者是勒杜，他在新古典建築的發展中扮演核心性的角色。在美國，新古典主義在整個19世紀繼續繁盛。

Neoclassical architecture

Modern classicism (as it was known at the time) of the 18th and early 19th century. The movement concerned itself with the logic of entire Classical volumes, unlike Classical Revivalism (see Greek Revival), which tended to reuse Classical parts. Neoclassical architecture is characterized by grandeur of scale; simplicity of geometric forms; Greek, especially Doric (see order), or Roman detail; dramatic use of columns; and a preference for blank walls. The new taste for antique simplicity represented a general reaction to the excesses of Rococo style. Neoclassicism thrived in the U.S. and Europe, with examples occurring in almost every major city. Russia's Catherine II transformed St. Petersburg into an unparalleled collection of Neoclassical buildings as advanced as any contemporary French and English work. By 1800 nearly all new British architecture reflected the Neoclassical spirit (see Robert Adam, John Soane). France's boldest innovator was C.-N. Ledoux, who had a central role in the evolution of Neoclassical architecture. In the U.S., Neoclassicism continued to flourish throughout the 19th century.