A STUDY ON THE DESIGN CHANGES OF ORNAMENTS AND THE BIDDING SYSTEM IN THE PARIS OPERA

A study on the cost reduction strategies in the Paris Opera Part 2

Abstract

This study aims to figure out the increased amout of spending in the decorations of the Paris Opera by comparing the estimated cost with the final expenditure. We will also try to locate the reason of the increase and to analyse Garnier's efforts to reduce the cost of the decorations such as the bidding system. The studies show that the increase of the cost came mainly from design changes of the decorations during the construction and reveal that Garnier's idea of respecting shapes and harmony rather than materials is seen in his cost reduction strategies.