Claude-Nicolas Ledoux was a prominent French architect born in 1736, known for his innovative designs and contributions to the neoclassical style. He is best recognized for his work on the Saline Royale, a saltworks in Arc-et-Senans, which showcased his unique approach to architecture and urban planning. Ledoux emphasized the relationship between buildings and their environment, often incorporating symbolic elements into his designs. In addition to the Saline Royale, Ledoux created several notable structures, including the Barrières de Paris, a series of toll gates around the city. His ideas influenced later movements in architecture, particularly utopian architecture, as he envisioned cities that harmonized with nature and promoted social order.