Anatole Alfred Theo. Delangle Paintings

Anatole Alfred Theo. Delangle, known more commonly as Anatole de Baudot, was a French architect, teacher, and theorist who had a significant influence on the development of modern architecture in France. Born on October 14, 1879, in Paris, de Baudot was a disciple of both Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Henri Labrouste, two leading architects of the time who had a profound influence on his approach to architecture and restoration.

De Baudot was deeply interested in the use of new materials and construction techniques. He was an early adopter of reinforced concrete as a primary building material, which was an innovative choice during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1899, he designed the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre in Paris, which is considered one of the first buildings in the world to use reinforced concrete as its structural support.

Throughout his career, de Baudot was also an influential educator, teaching at the École Spéciale d'Architecture in Paris. He advocated for a rational approach to architectural design, emphasizing functionalism and the honest expression of materials. His teachings and writings contributed to the theoretical foundation for the modern architectural movement that would gain prominence in the following decades.

De Baudot's work extended beyond design and teaching. He was involved in architectural preservation and was an advocate for the protection of France's architectural heritage. He was a member of the Commission des Monuments Historiques and played a role in the restoration of several medieval buildings, applying his mentor Viollet-le-Duc's theories about restoration that called for respecting the original spirit and style of the old structures.

Anatole de Baudot's contributions to architecture were recognized in his time, and his legacy continues to be celebrated for his innovative use of materials and his impact on architectural education. He passed away on February 28, 1934, leaving behind a body of work and a set of ideas that would influence generations of architects.