Architecture

Another Historical Source

Another Historical Source

Buildings of all kinds have their own

stories: their planning, construction,
occupation, changing uses, site of events

Buildings also are constructed in

particular styles unique to their times
and location but also with an eye to their
functions

Architectural Styles

Buildings may go through many changes of use over time

but their architectural style is usually based on their original
use (with later modifications possible)

Uses:
Religious (e.g., churches, temples)
Royalty & Nobility (e.g., palaces, castles)
Public (e.g., parliament, hotel, theatre, museum)
Domestic (e.g., townhouse, apartment)
Commercial (e.g., market, department store, stoa, office
tower)
Industrial (e.g., factory, warehouse)

Architectural Styles

Reading architectural styles entails the

observation of details:
Materials , Columns & Capitals, Arches, Roofs &
Gables, Vaults, Domes, Towers, Doors & Porches,
Windows, Stairways, Chimneys & Fireplaces,
Ornamentation

By looking at these pieces and putting them

together you can identify the architectural
style within the context of location

Architectural Styles
Lets

learn about a few architectural

styles youre likely to encounter
during the study of history and then
see if you can identify them from
photographs.

Romanesque (circa 8001100)

A medieval effort to capture the power of the

Roman Empire

Characterized by a massive quality, thick

walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin or
semi-circular vaults, sometimes with large
towers and decorative arcading.

Often have a dark quality

Each building has clearly defined forms and

they are frequently of a very regular,
symmetrical plan (e.g., cruciform or Latin
cross floorplans) so that the overall
appearance is one of simplicity

Identified all across Europe . Remarkably

consistent in style; Pre-cursor to the Gothic
style

Used mostly in the building of castles and

especially churches

Gothic (circa 1150-1500)

Characterized by the pointed or ogival

arch; rectangular or trapezoidal vaults;
flying buttresses; vertical and height
emphasis.

Also characterized by the abundance

of light through windows; detailed
ornamentation; sense of majesty

Identified all across Europe with some

regional variations. French, German
and Belgian styles emphasized height
while English Gothic emphasized
expansive horizontal lines as well.
Islamic influences can also be found.

Follower of the Romanesque style and

pre-cursor to Renaissance architecture

Renaissance (circa 14201650)

Initially the Italian rejection of the

elaborate Gothic style

Reincorporated orders & pediments,

strong horizontal entablatures, flat
ceilings and Greek or Roman motifs

Very symmetrical

Simpler style in Italy than elsewhere in

Europe. Less adherence to the rules
beyond Italy (e.g., England often
combined Gothic and Renaissance
styles)

Baroque (circa 1545-1650)

A sub-group of Renaissance architecture

that adopted the humanist ideals of the
movement

Renaissance architecture placed emphasis

on symmetry, proportion, geometry and the
regularity of parts as they are demonstrated
in the architecture of Classical antiquity
particularly Ancient Rome.

Renaissance architecture included orderly

arrangements of columns, pilasters and
lintels, as well as the use of semicircular
arches, hemispherical domes, niches and
aedicules.

The baroque style was directly related to

the Counter-Reformation in the Catholic
Church. It was theatrical is style
demonstrating intensity, drama, colour,
light and shade, sculpture and painting.

What style is it?

What style is it?

What style is it?

What style is it?

Other Student Activities

Have

students:

Research an architectural style and report on it with

examples (explore lesser known styles: Indian,
Chinese, Japanese, etc.)
Identify important buildings and research
significant inhabitants or events throughout history
Choose a local building are research its style and
history
Identify the function of buildings and explain how
the form is appropriate
Build replicas of buildings or towns they are
studying in history (use diverse materials)

Architeacher

Architectural Styles

Architecture and Aesthetics (note links to Sensory, Formal, Technical and Expressive
Elements)

Recycling Buildings

Maintaining the Unique Quality of a Community

Community Planning: Understanding the Built

Environment