Thomas Jefferson Architecture “Architecture is my delight, and putting up and pulling down one of favorite amusements”. -T. Jefferson, 1824 Rotunda, University of Virginia Interior of Monticello dome

A Fitting Beginning… On Your Own! Read a book about Thomas Jefferson. 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. On Your Own! Read a book about Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson drawings

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

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

Influence Compare and contrast features of the buildings. {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.} Influence - Dictionary.com 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”. 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? 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.

What architectural features do you see? 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 dome cupola Deck-on-hip roof Bull’s-eye window Brick bonds Cornice with dentils pediment Doric column Bright idea! To explore Jefferson’s home in 3D, go to http://explorer.monticello.org/

An Appropriate End… 1743-1826 Calculate! -Thomas Jefferson Memorial Washington, D.C. 1743-1826 Calculate! How old was Jefferson when he died?