Quote: "Neoclassical architecture, sometimes referred to as Classical Revival architecture, is an architectural style produced by the Neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France."
A discussion of the key architectural elements of neoclassical architecture, including pediments, columns, entablatures, and pilasters.
Neoclassical style: An architectural style that emerged in the 18th century and was inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.
Symmetry: A key feature of neoclassical design, which involves using geometric balance and harmonious proportions.
Columns: Neoclassical architecture often features columns inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. Examples include Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns.
Pediments: Triangular structures often used above the entrance to a neoclassical building. They are typically adorned with sculptures and other decorative elements.
Entablatures: Horizontal elements that span the tops of columns and support the roof. They are often decorated with friezes, cornices, and other ornamental features.
Cornices: A decorative element that crowns the entablature and hides the roofline. It can be simple or highly ornate, depending on the style of the building.
Architraves: A horizontal beam that spans between the tops of two columns or pilasters. It is often decorated with molding or other decorative elements.
Pilasters: Rectangular columns that project from a wall and serve a decorative or structural purpose. They are often used in neoclassical design to reinforce columns or create a sense of rhythm in a building's facade.
Palladian style: A sub-style of neoclassical architecture that is influenced by the work of Italian architect Andrea Palladio. It emphasizes symmetry, proportion, and the use of pediments and columns.
Rustication: A technique used to give the appearance of rough stone or masonry. It is often used at the base of a neoclassical building or on its corners to create a sense of solidity and permanence.
Balustrades: A railing system that is often used on balconies and terraces. It is typically made up of a series of balusters, which are small vertical columns, and a top rail.
Interior design: Neoclassical design extends beyond the exterior of a building and can include furniture, decorative arts, and other elements found within a space. Neoclassical interiors often feature rich materials, ornate details, and a sense of grandeur.
Geometric shapes: Neoclassical architecture relies heavily on geometric shapes and forms, including squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles.
Color: Neoclassical buildings are often painted in neutral colors, such as white or beige, to emphasize their clean lines and symmetry. However, brightly colored decorative elements, such as friezes and pediments, can be used to add interest and contrast.
Historical context: Understanding the historical and cultural context of neoclassical architecture can help you appreciate its unique features and origins. Neoclassicism emerged during a time of political upheaval and intellectual revival, and its architecture reflects these influences.
Pediments: A triangular or semicircular decorative feature placed above an entrance or window, often containing sculpture or relief work.
Columns: Often used as decoration, columns are cylindrical or tapered vertical structural elements that support the roof or the entablature.
Pilasters: A flattened column or rectangular shape attached to the wall, used for decoration.
Capitals: This is the crown or head of the column or pilaster, and comes in many different styles, including Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian.
Entablatures: The horizontal elements that rest on the top of columns or pilasters, which may include a frieze or cornice.
Bas-reliefs: Sculptural elements that are usually flat with only slight protrusions, often depicting mythology or other historical events.
Statues: These are often placed in prominent positions in or around buildings, and are usually made of marble or bronze.
Arches: Rounded or pointed arches are often used in Neoclassical architecture, and can be found in entryways or porticos.
Balustrades: Horizontal railings supported by a series of vertical posts or balusters, used on balconies or terraces.
Moldings: Decorative features that give definition to the shape and structure of a building, often made of plaster or wood.
Ornaments: This category includes stucco work, friezes, medallions, and other decorative features used in the decoration of walls, ceilings, and facades.
Spires: Tall, pointed structures often found atop church towers, steeples, and other buildings, used as a decorative element.
Quote: "The Neoclassical movement began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France."
Quote: "The prevailing styles of architecture in most of Europe for the previous two centuries, Renaissance architecture and Baroque architecture..."
Quote: "The Neoclassical movement aimed to strip away the excesses of Late Baroque and return to a purer and more authentic classical style, adapted to modern purposes."
Quote: "The development of archaeology and published accurate records of surviving classical buildings was crucial in the emergence of Neoclassical architecture."
Quote: "In many countries, there was an initial wave essentially drawing on Roman architecture, followed, from about the start of the 19th century, by a second wave of Greek Revival architecture."
Quote: "This followed increased understanding of Greek survivals."
Quote: "As the 19th century continued, the style tended to lose its original rather austere purity in variants like the French Empire style."
Quote: "The term 'neoclassical' is often used very loosely for any building using some of the classical architectural vocabulary."
Quote: "In form, Neoclassical architecture emphasizes the wall rather than chiaroscuro and maintains separate identities to each of its parts."
Quote: "The style is manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament..."
Quote: "In its architectural formulae, the style is an outgrowth of some classicizing features of the Late Baroque architectural tradition."
Quote: "Therefore, the style is defined by symmetry, simple geometry, and social demands instead of ornament."
Quote: "In the 21st century, a version of the style continues, sometimes called New Classical architecture or New Classicism."
Quote: "Neoclassical architecture, sometimes referred to as Classical Revival architecture..."
Quote: "The Neoclassical movement began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France."
Quote: "Renaissance architecture and Baroque architecture already represented partial revivals of the Classical architecture of ancient Rome and ancient Greek architecture..."
Quote: "Followed, from about the start of the 19th century, by a second wave of Greek Revival architecture."
Quote: "The style tended to lose its original rather austere purity in variants like the French Empire style."
Quote: "The style is manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament."