“Architecture is my delight, and putting up and pulling down one of favorite amusements”.-T. Jefferson, 1824

Thomas Jefferson ArchitectureThomas Jefferson Architecture

Interior of Monticello dome

Rotunda, University of Virginia

Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 into a wealthy family in Virginia. The family’s money and influence offered Jefferson access to many books. It was time spent with these books that helped shape his design preferences. As a young adult, Jefferson spent 5 years admiring buildings and gardens while working as Minister and Ambassador in Paris, France. It was after this trip that Jefferson decided to design and build his own home.

A Fitting Beginning…

On Your Own!On Your Own!

Read a book about Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson drawingsJefferson drawings

On your own!On your own! Design a Jefferson-style home.

More!

A Monumental Middle… Jefferson made many achievements during the middle part of his life. His political career carried him all the way to the presidency. He founded the University of Virginia. He designed many of the campus’ buildings as well as buildings in Washington DC and throughout the country. All the while, he continued to make plans for his lifelong dream…a completely custom-built home. The following slides show some of the buildings Jefferson designed.

Did you know?Did you know?Jefferson won second place in the competition to design the White House.

Thomas Jefferson was influenced by the Pantheon in Rome when he chose the features for University of Virginia’s Rotunda. He designed it to represent the “authority of nature and power of reason”.

Influence - Dictionary.com

{the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.}

Think about it!Think about it! Compare and contrast features of the buildings.

Jefferson was also influenced by the Maison Carree in

France when he designed the

Virginia Capitol Building in

Richmond, Virginia.

Interior and exterior views of the dome at the Library of Congress in

Washington DC

Did you know?Did you know?

This building was built in 1800 then destroyed by a fire during The War of 1812. In 1897, Jefferson donated his personal collection of books. With over 128 million books, manuscripts, films, photographs, sheet music and maps it is now the largest library in the world!

Thomas Jefferson Pumping Station Chicago, Illinois

Originally designed to hold and pump water

for the city.

The grounds of Jefferson’s second home in Poplar Forest, Virginia.

The house was built to provide a view of the

garden from any room.

Got a nickel? Flip it over and you’ll see Thomas Jefferson’s dream home called Monticello completed in 1808.

What architectural features do you see? Hint: use your architecture glossary as a resource

Bull’s-eye

window

Brick bondsCornice with

dentils

cupoladome

Bright idea!Bright idea! To explore Jefferson’s home in 3D, go to

http://explorer.monticello.org/

pediment

Deck-on-hip roof

Doric column

-Thomas Jefferson Memorial Washington, D.C.

1743-1826Calculate!Calculate! How old was Jefferson when he died?

An Appropriate End…