Quote: "An architectural style is a set of characteristics and features that make a building or structure notable or historically identifiable."
The various styles of architecture, including Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, Victorian, Modern, and more.
History of Architecture: Understanding the origin and evolution of architectural styles is essential when learning about different styles, as it provides a framework for understanding the context and design principles of each style.
Elements of Architecture: These include design elements such as form, space, light, material, and texture. Understanding these basics helps in identifying and analyzing the different stylistic features of various architectural styles.
Ancient Architecture: Studying the ancient architectural styles of different civilizations, such as Egyptian, Greek, and Roman, provides the foundation for understanding classical architecture which heavily influenced later architectural styles.
Gothic Architecture: The Gothic architectural style of the medieval period is characterized by its use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and the flying buttress. It is one of the most recognizable architectural styles and has a significant impact on the Renaissance and subsequent styles.
Renaissance Architecture: The Renaissance architectural style emerged in the 15th century and was heavily influenced by classical architecture. It was characterized by its use of symmetry, proportion, and classic forms, such as columns, pilasters, and pediments.
Baroque Architecture: The Baroque style originated in Italy in the 17th century and is known for its grandeur, theatricality, and ornate decoration. It was characterized by its use of dramatic curves, enormous domes, and heavily ornamented facades.
Neoclassical Architecture: The Neoclassical style emerged in the 18th century, largely influenced by the rediscovery of classical architecture. It was characterized by its use of classical forms, such as columns, pediments, and domes, and a focus on symmetry and proportion.
Modern Architecture: Modern architecture emerged in the early 20th century and was characterized by its rejection of traditional styles and a focus on functionality, minimalism, and simplicity. It includes various sub-styles such as Art Deco, Modernism, Brutalism, and Postmodernism.
Sustainable Architecture: Sustainable architecture emphasizes environmentally conscious design principles, including passive solar design, green roofs, natural ventilation, and use of sustainable materials. It is essential in contemporary architectural practice.
Contextual Architecture: Contextual architecture is concerned with the context in which a building is designed and built, taking into account the environment, social and cultural aspects of the site. It emphasizes a dialog between the existing context and the new design.
Vernacular Architecture: Vernacular architecture refers to the buildings constructed using local materials and traditional construction techniques. It reflects the local culture, climate, and geography and is an essential part of the cultural heritage of a region.
Digital Architecture: Digital architecture is the use of computational design tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), parametric design to create innovative and complex architectural forms. It is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary architectural practice.
Art Deco: A style from the 1920s and 30s characterized by bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and lavish ornamentation.
Classical: Also known as Neoclassical, was a popular style for government buildings in the 18th century, featuring Greek and Roman columns and pediments.
Colonial: A style popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, consisting of symmetrical facades, steep-pitched roofs, and dormer windows.
Craftsman: A style that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing handcrafted details, natural materials, and simple forms.
Gothic: Originating in the 12th century, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate stone carvings.
International: Emerged in the 1920s, characterized by minimalist forms, straight lines, and metallic elements.
Modern: An umbrella term for a wide range of styles that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by sleek, simple forms, and an emphasis on function over ornamentation.
Postmodern: A reaction to modernism, characterized by a playful mixing of historical styles, bold colors, and whimsical ornamentation.
Prairie: An early 20th-century style, inspired by the prairie landscape of the American Midwest, featuring low, horizontal lines and overhanging eaves.
Romanesque: A style that emerged in the 10th century, characterized by heavy stone construction, rounded arches, and barrel vaults.
Victorian: A style popular in the late 19th century, characterized by ornate decoration, asymmetrical facades, and steep roofs.
Brutalist: A style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring raw, rough materials and a heavy, fortress-like appearance.
Quote: "It is a sub-class of style in the visual arts generally, and most styles in architecture relate closely to a wider contemporary artistic style."
Quote: "A style may include such elements as form, method of construction, building materials, and regional character."
Quote: "Styles therefore emerge from the history of a society."
Quote: "When a style changes, it usually does so gradually, as architects learn and adapt to new ideas."
Quote: "Architectural styles often spread to other places, so that the style at its source continues to develop in new ways while other countries follow with their own twist."
Quote: "Renaissance ideas emerged in Italy around 1425 and spread to all of Europe over the next 200 years, with the French, German, English, and Spanish Renaissances showing recognisably the same style, but with unique characteristics."
Quote: "One example is the Spanish missions in California, brought by Spanish priests in the late 18th century and built in a unique style."
Quote: "After an architectural style has gone out of fashion, revivals and re-interpretations may occur."
Quote: "For instance, classicism has been revived many times and found new life as neoclassicism."
Quote: "Vernacular architecture is listed separately. As vernacular architecture is better understood as suggestive of culture, writ broadly... it technically can encompass every architectural style--or none at all."
Quote: "In and of itself, vernacular architecture is not a style."
Quote: "A style changes it usually does so gradually."
Quote: "Reflecting changing fashions, beliefs and religions, or the emergence of new ideas, technology, or materials which make new styles possible."
Quote: "They are documented in the subject of architectural history."
Quote: "The new style is sometimes only a rebellion against an existing style, such as postmodern architecture."
Quote: "It usually does so gradually, as architects learn and adapt to new ideas."
Quote: "Other countries follow with their own twist."
Quote: "Revivals and re-interpretations may occur."
Quote: "The Spanish mission style was revived 100 years later as the Mission Revival, and that soon evolved into the Spanish Colonial Revival."