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Mansard in Architecture refers to a style of hip Roof characterized by two slopes on each of its four sides with the lower slope being much steeper, almost a vertical wall, while the upper slope, usually not visible from the ground, is pitched at the minimum needed to shed water. This form makes maximum use of the interior space of the Attic and is considered a practical form for adding a story to an existing building. Often the decorative potential of the Mansard is exploited through the use of convex or concave curvature and with elaborate Dormer window surrounds. It was popularized in France by the architect Francois Mansart (1598-1666). Sections of the Louvre , such as the central portico of the Richelieu Wing. display this style of roof. At a time when French houses were taxed by the number of floors below the roof, this feature had the added benefit of exempting the upper floor from taxation. A revival of the Mansard occurred in the 1850s rebuilding of Paris . The style of that era in France is called Second Empire . Another revival of the style occurred in the United States and Canada during the late 1800s as one of any number of expressive forms adopted by Victorian architects. In the Second Empire style, the Mansard roof was typically used to top a tower element, rather than across the full width of the building. |
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