Considered a foundation of Modernism, rationalism is a blueprint for the concept that humans are naturally rational. Rationalist architecture has a very institutional feel in its use of simple facades, clean lines, balance, repetition and recurring use of grey. Rationalism, meaning "thinking based on reason", can be described as a style suited to the philosophy that humans are rational beings. This was proposed by Aristotle. This style was necessary for the development of design and architecture. Without this artistic period perhaps there would not have been previous periods that rejected the idea of ​​the building as a machine, considering ornaments superfluous. Rationalism evolved over the centuries, re-emerging several times creating the "three main eras: the 17th century, the beginning of the 20th century and the end of the 20th century". This shows that this stylistic period has a significance due to its recurrence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Looking at the first appearance of Rationalism, The Enlightenment, it is clear to see the contrast between classical architecture, full of elaborate designs, and a more simplistic and essential approach. This stylistic period could be compared to a teenager going against the traditional ways of his parents. In this case, instead of the potential for poor lifestyle choices (in the case of the teenager) a new style was created that allowed architects and designers to explore what a building has to offer stylistically on its own, without the need for ornamentation. The Cenotaph for Newton by Etienne-Louis Boullée (1728-1799) was a concept created with the intention of becoming a commemorative piece for Newton. This project was never realized; however, the drawing was well known and is now an important piece of the Enlightenment (Rationalism); the 500-foot diameter sphere is set within a three-tiered cylindrical base, giving the impression of a buried volume. Boullée elegantly completes the figure of the sphere with a pair of curved ramps that flank it. for Boullée rationalism is one of the fundamental elements of modernism, postmodernism and the history of design as a whole since this stylistic period brought to light the ideas of minimalist design, shown in the use of clean lines, flat planes/surfaces, the removal of. ornaments because they could not rationally be considered important to the structure and use of the building, to name a few. This period embodies the concept of the building as a machine, which is seen in the three eras of this movement in different forms.