Royal saltworks of
Arc-et-Senans is a beautiful historical factory used to extract salt during 18th
and 19th centuries, which is now listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage
Sites. It is located in eastern France, in the city of Chaux and right next to
the forest Chaux. The architect was Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, a famous royal
architect during the reign of Louis the 15th and the Louis the 16th.
The construction began in 1775 with the approval of the king (Louis the 15th)
and finished in 1779, ten years before the French revolution has started. When
it was finished, Louis the 16th was ruling the country, so his name
was carved on the entrance. Although the first plan in a square form was not
accepted, Ledoux was successful with his second plan, which was in a semi-circular
pattern. The realized plan has eleven stone buildings around the semi circle
consist of a monumental entrance (including a wash house, bakery, prison and a
guard post), administration building, two workshops on the left and right sides
of the administration building, four buildings for the labors, two pavillions
for taxes and a stable. Wood was another element used in the construction. It was
also a significant element in salt making and, unfortunately, it started to
diminish as time passed. Ledoux decided that carrying wood would cost higher
than transporting water. So, he also built a 20 km canal from Saline to the
forests. As a whole, Ledoux’s saltworks constructed on a fifteen km square area
is a unique masterpiece in terms of ornament, form, function, material and
technology used, and style.
The site welcomes you with a
magnificent entrance. It has eight Doric columns which represent the birth of
architecture since Ancient Greek. Behind the columns, there are sculpted stones
and an artificial grotto. If we consider the entrance as a theater stage, the
columns would be the curtains that cover the surprising cave at the back. If we
analyze the alignment of the entrance, administration building and the stable,
we can also say that it represents an evolution, which starts from a cave
(grotto) and ends with a temple (administration building). Furthermore, Ledoux
wanted to build something more original with the columns and established a new form
for the administration and management building at the center where he used the
columns for the second time. This new order was a combination of cubic and
cylindrical stones that were put one after another. Other essential motifs are
seen in the shape of vase and pouring water situated on the outer walls of the
work stations in order to glorify the decoration.
( Artificial Grotto )
(the motifs on the walls)
(the original columns in front of the administration building)
( Doric columns in the enterance)
Simple geometrical
shapes such as circles and quadrangles were used in the form of the site.
Ledoux was a perfectionist. He prevented everything that contradicts with the
simplicity. For instance, the buildings do not have chimneys. (The windows
facing the walls are used to get rid of the smoke and to air the buildings. The
windows facing inside the site are only used for decoration) Woods and gardens are
situated at the back of the semi circle right next to the diameter since he
wanted to conserve the huge open space in the middle. There is a harmony
between the buildings and the green area. The buildings are ordered in terms of
superiority and purpose. The buildings that are related to production are
aligned in the diameter, whereas the lodgings are located on the arc. Additionally,
rectangle-shaped stones are used around the windows, doors and the corners. The
variety in tecture, color of the stones and bricks also signify the hierarchy.
For instance, the administration building stands out more since its collosal
volume and original columns placed in the front while it is ornamented with
beautiful stones.
Furthermore, the
saltworks has been used for many different purposes throughout the history. The
salt making activities continued in the royal saltworks until 1895. At the
beginning of the 20th century, the site housed Spanish refugees. In
1940, German troops used it as a residence. In the following years, the site
was used as a concentration camp for gypsies. Luckily, in 21st
century, Royal Saltworks provided much better facilities compared to the last
century. Now, the site is open to public. There is a museum dedicated to Ledoux
which hosts events and exhibitions going on throughout the year.
Interestingly, the power of
authority is seen all around the site. The shape of the site looks like an eye.
And the hole at the top of the administration building gives the feeling that
people are watched all the time inevitably. The huge green section and the
alignment of the buildings in a semi-circular shape increase security.
Moreover, the semi circle site is covered with a wall to isolate the area. It
protects the factory from both internally and externally. All the workers were
controlled before they quit in order to protect the valuable salt. On the other
hand, it was also a helpful tool to keep the facory away from the external
threats such as refugees hidden in the forest or smugglers. Ironically,
Ledoux’s utopic site reminds me of “1984”, George Orwell’s dystopia where
citizens were watched all the time and got orders from the government. They
were never able to see the ruler but always felt his existence. The hole at the
top is a powerful symbol for authority.
Additionally, the novel technique Ledoux used
in the columns of the administration building is a groundbreaking development considering
the classical usage of columns since the Ancient Greek period. The site is also
one of the first examples of industrial architecture. Ledoux is a philosopher
architect who uses geometry in a very meaningful way. He creates a wonderful
site both functionally and aesthetically.
Citations
"Claude Nicolas Ledoux, La Saline De Chaux,XVIII° ,
(analyse Simplifiée )." - Art Air(e) " Arts Plastiques" N.p.,
n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
La Saline D'Arc Et Senans [part 1]. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3UxmwvemB4>.
La Saline D'Arc Et Senans [part 2]. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5qq149RcbI>.
"Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans." Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
"Www.salineroyale.com." Www.salineroyale.com.
N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
Photographs used
in the paper
Birdseye view of the site. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 11
Feb. 2014.
Digital image. Http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_0203_0019-500-342-20100504121949.jpg.
N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
<http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5305/5623811603_5d6945555b.jpg>.
Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_GkkoFgeqF8eQOVDEWenMmZ8sSHzwvwWJ35cABpgBCqnCSbDadBcXTPlaSUYSdoO2uJ-Sk1HmOogNjvWC-ud_6X9_vNzaYT_EL45FC0OSWVDPULiy4c0RwwdYwmqswlCgD1uWUz21AE5/s1600/IMG_5355.jpg
The Motif on the Walls. Digital image. N.p., n.d.
Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
<http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/8e/26/73/8e2673e56cb881875a5006368bedf403.jpg>.
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