Considered as a foundation of modernism, rationalism is a conception adapted to the concept according to which humans are naturally rational. Rationalist architecture has a very institutional aspect in the use of sober facades, clean lines, balance, repetition and recurring use of gray. Rationalism, meaning “reason-based thinking,” 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, there might not have been previous periods that refuted the idea of ​​the building as a machine, viewing ornamentation as unnecessary. Rationalism evolved over the centuries, reappearing several times, creating "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 is of importance due to its recurrence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not 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 ornate designs , and a more simplistic and stripped-down approach. This stylistic period could be compared to a teenager going against the traditional habits of his parents. In this case, rather than the risk of poor life choices (in the case of the teenager), a new style emerged that allowed architects and designers to explore what a building has to offer in terms of stylistic, without resorting to ornamentation. The Newton Cenotaph by Etienne-Louis Boullée (1728-1799) was a concept created with the aim of becoming a commemorative piece for Newton. This design was never built; however, the drawing was well known and now constitutes an important piece of the Enlightenment (rationalism); the “500-foot-diameter sphere is embedded in a three-tiered cylindrical base, giving the impression of a buried volume. Boullée cleverly completes the figure of the sphere with a pair of flanking curved ramps. "Newton was seen as symbolizing the ideals of the Age of Enlightenment, regardless of the fact that he had died 150 years previously, and therefore became an important inspirational figure in this movement, particularly for Boullée, rationalism is one fundamental elements of modernism, postmodernism and design history as a whole, as this stylistic period highlighted the ideas of minimalist design, exemplified by the use of clean lines, flat planes/surfaces, the removal of ornamentation because it 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 found. throughout the three eras of this movement in different forms..