Architecture and Environment
France’s colonial architecture offers a tangible link to the past. Spanning Africa, Asia, and North America, these historic buildings are a visual reminder of the country’s efforts at expanding its global influence. Keep reading for select examples of well-known and new-to-you sites.
Best Farm, Monocacy Battlefield (Frederick, Maryland)
The Best Farm is an example of a French Colonial plantation in Frederick, Maryland. Located within the boundaries of the Monocacy Battlefield, the former farm originally was constructed by Victoire Vincendière at the end of the eighteenth century. The complex includes a principal dwelling, a secondary dwelling, and a stone barn, all of which exhibit elements of French Colonial architecture.
Baslique Notre Dame d’Afrique (Algiers, Algeria)
Completed in 1872, Baslique Notre Dame d’Afrique adopts a Neo-Byzatine style. Jean-Eugène Fromageau served as the building’s architect. The basilica suffered damage during World War II, and more recently, during the 2003 Boumerdès earthquake. Restoration of the building following the earthquake was completed in 2010. Mass and cultural events are held in the building throughout the year.
This article summarizes the stylistic references and construction techniques used in the development of Canadian cities and towns of New France. Important settlements and fortifications are identified and the evolution of construction processes are summarized. This article is a great primer for those interested in French Canadian architecture and the emergence of a Canadian style.
Former French Concession, Shanghai (Shanghai, China)
Established in 1849, the French Concession eventually became the premier residential and shopping district in Shanghai. The district was created during a period when European powers divided up parts of China. French control over the area extended until 1943. The district is home to buildings constructed in the Art Deco and Neoclassical styles.
Former French Concession, Shanghai (Shanghai, China)
Constructed by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911, the Hanoi Opera House was one of three such buildings constructed by the French in Indochina. The building is based on the Palais Garnier in Paris and incorporates Classical Revival stylistic elements. Vietnamese opera and musical productions are showcased at the opera house.
Church of Mount Bokor (Kampot, Cambodia)
The Church of Mount Bokor was constructed by the French in 1920 and combines Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival styles. Located in the Preah Monivong National Park in Kampot, Cambodia, the French abandoned the church in 1940. It is the second oldest Catholic church in Cambodia.
National Library of Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Designed by French architect Louis Chauchon, the National Library of Cambodia opened in December 1924. The Classical Revival building located in Phnom Penh began with a collection of nearly 3,000 books, most of them in French. The library was housed by French staff until 1951. The library closed under the Khmer Rouge. It reopened in 1980, and now houses a collection of Khmer, French, English, and German-language books.
