Although the fireplace is strongly connected to architecture and dwelling, its appearance tends to fade away. Previous research has been done on the technical developments of the fireplace and also on its symbolic value, but the interaction between these two is also interesting to take a look at. What was the influence of the technical developments, mainly during the Industrial Revolution, on the symbolism of the hearth? Can it explain why we, on one hand, still incorporate the hearth, and on the other hand don’t apply it as we used to? In this thesis the development of the fireplace during the Industrial Revolution is researched, combining it with analysis on architectural expression of its symbolic value during this period. The main findings are that the symbolic value of the fireplace saved it from going under when it could have been replaced by central heating systems, and the inevitable reduction of fireplaces has actually increased its specialty. The way we applied and decorated the hearth shows how we valued it, and it proves our intrinsic need for a central point in the domestic environment ... Read more