The Architecture of Empire: France in India and Southeast Asia, 1664-1962

The Architecture of Empire explores the significant public architecture associated with French imperialism in India, Siam, Vietnam, and Indochina, highlighting the human factor and the adaptation of indigenous styles. It is the first study to encompass the architecture of both the ancien régime and modern empires.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The Architecture of Empire delves into the extensive and intricate realm of public architecture linked to French imperialism across various regions in the 17th and 18th centuries, including India, Siam, and Vietnam. This captivating book offers a comprehensive exploration of the architectural legacy of France's expansive colonial project, spanning from the establishment of the French trading company in the 17th century to the emergence of nationalist movements in the mid-20th century.

Gauvin Bailey, the author of this groundbreaking work, places a significant emphasis on the human element, delving into the lives and stories of the individuals who commissioned, built, and inhabited these remarkable structures. While the architects behind these buildings, both European and non-European, have largely remained anonymous, this book employs extensive archival research to reconstruct their lives, providing valuable context and background for the buildings themselves.

What sets The Architecture of Empire apart is its unique approach to adapting to indigenous styles. Unlike the French empire in the Western Hemisphere, where European architectural influences were dominant, the buildings featured in this book exhibit a remarkable ability to blend with local customs and traditions, regardless of whether they were designed and constructed by European or non-European architects. This intercultural exchange is a testament to the rich and diverse tapestry of the French colonial project.

The Architecture of Empire offers a comprehensive and insightful study of structures that stand as remarkable examples of intercultural exchange within the context of global empires. By examining the lives and contributions of the architects behind these buildings, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of French imperialism and its enduring impact on the architectural landscape of these regions. This captivating work is a valuable addition to the field of history and architectural studies, providing a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between empire, culture, and the built environment.

Weight: 1822g
Dimension: 226 x 265 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228011422