French architect. He was a student of Louis François Trouard (1729-1794), and possibly an apprentice of Pierre Contant d'Ivry (1698-1777). He was one of the most fashionable, successful and celebrated Parisian architects of the late 1700s, known for an eclectic and visionary style that he combined with social ideals. Most of his work is characterized by designs that incorporate simplified, powerful geometric forms. His career as an architect ended when he was arrested during the French Revolution; he spent the rest of his life compiling a book of engravings of his work. //