Quote: "An architectural style is a set of characteristics and features that make a building or structure notable or historically identifiable."
Understanding the evolution of architectural styles can help one appreciate the significance of different designs and their unique features.
Classical architecture: Architecture inspired by ancient Greek and Roman styles, characterized by symmetry, use of columns, pediments, and domes, and the concept of the golden ratio.
Gothic architecture: Architecture that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages and is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and the extensive use of stained glass.
Renaissance architecture: Architecture that emerged during the Renaissance period in Italy and is characterized by a revival of classical forms, clean lines, and mathematical proportions.
Baroque architecture: Architecture that emerged during the 17th century in Europe and is characterized by ornate decorations, rich colors, and dramatic effects.
Neoclassical architecture: Architecture that emerged in the 18th century in Europe and the US and is characterized by a return to classical forms, or a reinterpretation of those forms, typically emphasizing columns, domes, and pediments.
Art Nouveau architecture: Architecture that emerged in the late 19th century in Europe and is characterized by stylized organic forms, asymmetry, and a rejection of traditional symmetry and form.
Art Deco architecture: Architecture that emerged during the interwar years of the 20th century and is characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and the use of exotic materials.
Modern architecture: Architecture that emerged in the early 20th century and is characterized by a focus on function and simplicity, typically using new materials such as steel, glass, and reinforced concrete.
Postmodern architecture: Architecture that emerged in the late 20th century and is characterized by a rejection of the austere functionalism of modernism and a return to Classical and other traditional forms, often in a playful, ironic manner.
Contemporary architecture: Architecture that is being produced today and is characterized by an emphasis on sustainability, the use of new construction technologies, and a continued dialogue with the traditions of the past.
Art Deco: Characterized by bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and metallic finishes.
Baroque: Elaborate and ornate details with dramatic curves and scrolls.
Bauhaus: Minimalist and functional design with clean lines.
Beaux-Arts: Grand, symmetrical designs with ornate details and classical motifs.
Brutalism: Raw, unfinished concrete structures with an emphasis on function over form.
Byzantine: Domes, arches, and intricate mosaics.
Classical: Symmetry, balance, and proportions inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
Colonial: Influenced by the architecture of European colonizers in America.
Contemporary: Incorporating modern design elements such as steel and glass with a focus on functionality and energy efficiency.
Deconstructivism: Unconventional shapes and forms breaking the traditional rules of architecture.
Egyptian Revival: Architecture inspired by ancient Egyptian motifs and design elements.
Gothic: Characterized by tall, pointed arches and ribbed vaults, often with stained glass windows and ornate details.
Greek Revival: Architecture inspired by ancient Greek aesthetic and design elements.
International Style: Minimalist design with an emphasis on function over form and the use of modern materials.
Italian Renaissance: Inspired by classical Italian architecture and characterized by symmetry, proportion, and balance with ornate details.
Japanese: Characterized by an emphasis on simplicity, clean lines, and the use of natural materials.
Modernism: Minimalism with an emphasis on clean lines and the use of modern materials and technology.
Neoclassical: Revival of classical styles with a renewed emphasis on symmetry, balance, and ornate details.
Postmodernism: An eclectic style incorporating elements of historical and contemporary design.
Prairie Style: Characterized by horizontal lines and organic designs, incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone.
Queen Anne: Characterized by asymmetrical design, turrets, and ornate details.
Romanesque: Characterized by rounded arches, thick walls, and ornate details.
Victorian: Ornate and decorative style characterized by gingerbread details, turrets, and bay windows.
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."