Cenotaph for Sir Isaac Newton Étienne-Louis Boullée

boullée, cénotaphe à newton (1784)

boullée promoted idea of making architecture expressive of purpose, doctrine detractors termed architecture parlante ( talking architecture ), essential element in beaux-arts architectural training in later 19th century. style notably exemplified in proposal cenotaph english scientist isaac newton, 50 years after death became symbol of enlightenment ideas. building 150 m (500 ft) tall sphere, taller great pyramids of giza, encompassed 2 large barriers circled hundreds of cypress trees. though structure never built, boullée had many ink , wash drawings engraved , circulated in professional circles in 1784. boullée s cenotaph isaac newton funerary monument celebrating figure interred elsewhere. small sarcophagus newton placed @ lower pole of sphere. design of memorial creates effect of day , night. night effect occurs when sarcophagus illuminated sunlight coming through holes in vaulting. gives illusion of stars in night sky. day effect armillary sphere hanging in center gives off mysterious glow. thus, use of light in building s design causes building s interior change appearance.