Folly
|
| Hodson’s Folly was built in 1887 by John Hodson so that he could keep a watchful eye on his daughters bathing in the river while overseeing his nearby fish hatchery. The land used was common land which Hodson, who was at one point a butler’s assistant at Pembroke College, had annexed without permission. As a speculative builder, Hodson excelled: his building sports a coat of arms, showing a swan in a rain storm, and the summer house and its garden are in many ways a Cambridge college in miniature. (From the University of Cambridge website.) |
In architecture, a folly is typically a costly building that has been constructed for no specific purpose, or for which the original purpose has become obsolete or obscured over time. Its primary function is decorative, although it is sometimes also meant to demonstrate wealth or symbolise virtues.
In some instances, the construction of follies served as a method of employment for those who sought work. They also created projects for artisans who may have been struggling during difficult times.
Follies were often whimsical or eccentric structures that were made to project a false sense of age. For instance, they were made to look like ancient ruins (or sham ruins) despite being relatively modern constructions.
They were frequently constructed as towers, and like eyecatchers, they serve to create a focal point in a landscape, often on the grounds of a stately home. This attracts visual attention or otherwise punctuates the vista with a sense of drama.
Authentic ruins found on estates served as the original model for follies, which were first introduced in the 17th century. They became increasingly popular through the 18th and 19th centuries, adopting more exotic locations and depicting more fanciful eras.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.