Architecture: From Ancient to Modern Times

Architecture has come a long way from ancient times to modern days. The ancient Greeks and Romans built structures that stood the test of time, with many still existing today, such as the Parthenon and the Colosseum.

The Romans were particularly skilled at building large public spaces, like the Forum Romanum, which was a hub of activity in ancient Rome. They also developed the use of arches and domes, which became a hallmark of ancient Roman architecture.

From ancient times to the Middle Ages, architecture continued to evolve, with the introduction of new materials and techniques. The Gothic style, characterized by its pointed arches and ribbed vaults, emerged in Europe during the 12th century.

The philosophy of architecture is a branch of philosophy of art that deals with the aesthetic value of architecture and its relation to cultural development. Philosophers like Plato and Michel Foucault have explored the nature of architecture.

Architecture is not just about building structures, but also about creating something that has a lasting impact on society. Theorists like Gilles Deleuze and Robert Venturi have questioned whether architecture is distinct from building.

The origins of architecture are fascinating. Building first evolved out of the dynamics between needs and means, with shelter, security, and worship being key drivers.

In different parts of the world, people used various materials to construct their homes. For example, in Norway, people used wood and elevated levels, while in Lesotho, they used rondavel stones.

The choice of building materials was largely determined by what was available locally. In Ireland, the Yola hut was a common type of dwelling, and in Romania, peasant houses were built using traditional materials.

Here's a brief look at some examples of traditional building materials:

As people developed and refined their building skills, architecture became a respected craft. Vernacular architecture continues to be produced in many parts of the world, with local communities using traditional techniques to build their homes.

Planning is not architecture. It's a very architecture adjacent concept that helps create architecture, but it's not the same thing.

Most architects are involved in master planning, land-use planning, and urban development planning, which inform how cities and regions are developed. These efforts have value and add to the built environment, but they're not architecture.

Research is not architecture either. It's researching, theorizing, and writing papers about architecture, but it's not the actual thing.

Architecture has a rich history, and understanding the different periods can help us appreciate the art and craft of building design. The Renaissance period, from around 1400 onwards, saw a revival of Classical learning and humanism, which emphasized the role of the individual in society.

During this time, buildings were designed by specific architects, such as Brunelleschi and Michelangelo, and the cult of the individual began to emerge. The revival of the Classical style also led to advancements in science and engineering, affecting the proportions and structure of buildings.

The Renaissance period was followed by the Early Modern and Industrial Age, where architecture continued to evolve and branch out into different styles, including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Gothic Revival. In fact, the Château de Maisons in France, designed by François Mansart, is a notable example of Baroque architecture from this period.

Here's a brief overview of some notable architectural styles from the Early Modern and Industrial Age:

The Industrial Revolution also brought about changes in architecture, with the rise of mass production and consumption leading to the creation of ornamental products and vernacular architecture.

The Renaissance period was a time of great cultural and artistic transformation in Europe, marked by a revival of Classical learning and a focus on individualism. This led to a new era of architectural innovation, with buildings being designed by specific architects rather than being anonymous.

During this time, the Classical style in architecture experienced a revival, influencing the proportions and structure of buildings. The level of structural calculations involved was still within the scope of the generalist, allowing artists to design bridges.

One notable example of Renaissance architecture is the Florence Cathedral in Florence, Italy, which was built between 1294 and 1436 by Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi, and Emilio De Fabris. The Château de Chenonceau in France, built by Philibert de l'Orme in 1576, is another notable example.

The cult of the individual had begun, and buildings were being ascribed to specific architects, such as Brunelleschi, Alberti, Michelangelo, and Palladio. The Hall of Perspective from Villa Farnesina in Rome, built by Baldassare Peruzzi between 1505 and 1510, is a prime example of this focus on individualism.

Here are some notable Renaissance architecture examples:

Prehistoric periods were marked by the emergence of early human settlements. These settlements were mostly rural and date back to the Neolithic era.

One of the earliest known examples of prehistoric architecture is Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, which was founded in the 10th millennium BC and abandoned in the 8th millennium BC.

Göbekli Tepe is not the only notable example of prehistoric architecture, as the Goseck circle in Germany dates back to 4900 BC.

The Cucuteni-Trypillian culture in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine also left behind impressive archaeological sites, including miniature models of their regular houses, which were full of ceramic vessels.

Excavations have also uncovered dwellings at Skara Brae in Orkney, Scotland, which provide a glimpse into the lives of prehistoric people.

In some cases, these early settlements grew and evolved rapidly, such as Çatalhöyük in modern-day Turkey and Mohenjo-daro in modern-day Pakistan.

Here are some notable prehistoric archaeological sites:

The European Medieval period was a time of great architectural innovation and creativity. This was largely driven by the construction of abbeys and cathedrals, which were often the largest and most complex buildings of their time.

Guilds of craftsmen played a crucial role in organizing trades and creating written contracts, particularly for ecclesiastical buildings. These contracts have survived to this day, providing valuable insights into the lives of medieval craftsmen.

The role of architect was often combined with that of master mason, or Magister lathomorum, as they are sometimes described in contemporary documents. This highlights the close relationship between architecture and construction during the medieval period.

Architectural knowledge was shared across Europe through the movements of clerics and tradesmen, leading to the development of pan-European styles such as Romanesque and Gothic. These styles can be seen in buildings like the Durham Cathedral in the UK, which was constructed between 1093 and 1133.

Here are some notable examples of European medieval architecture:

Fortifications were also a significant part of the medieval architectural heritage, with examples found across the continent from the Balkans to Spain and from Malta to Estonia.

The Early Modern and Industrial Age was a time of great change and innovation in architecture. During this period, various styles emerged, including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Gothic Revival.

The Château de Maisons in France, designed by François Mansart, is a prime example of Baroque architecture, built between 1630 and 1651. Its intricate details and ornate decorations were characteristic of this style.

Rococo architecture, on the other hand, was exemplified by the pièce de la vaisselle d'or in the Palace of Versailles. This style was marked by lighthearted and ornate decorations.

Neoclassical architecture, as seen in the west facade of the Petit Trianon in Versailles, was characterized by its use of classical elements and proportions. It was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1764.

Gothic Revival architecture, as seen in the interior of All Saints in London, was popular in the 19th century and featured elements of Gothic architecture. It was designed by William Butterfield between 1850 and 1859.

The Museum of Ages on Victory Avenue in Bucharest, Romania, is an example of 19th-century Eclectic Classicist architecture. Its design was influenced by various styles, including classical and Renaissance elements.

The Zollern II/IV Colliery in Dortmund, designed by Paul Knobbe, is an example of 19th-century industrial architecture. Its design was influenced by the need for functional and efficient buildings.

Here is a list of notable architectural styles from the Early Modern and Industrial Age:

Postmodernism emerged as a reaction against modernism and brutalism in the 1970s and 1990s. This architectural movement sought to revive the decorative richness of historical styles.

Architects like Charles Moore, Michael Graves, and John Outram were among those who contributed to the postmodernist movement. Their buildings, such as Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans and the Cambridge Judge Business School in the UK, showcased a mix of historical and modern elements.

The Dancing House in Prague, designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry, is a notable example of postmodernist architecture. Its colorful and curvaceous design is a departure from the more austere and modernist styles of the time.

Postmodernist architects drew inspiration from historical buildings and incorporated elements such as ornamentation, texture, and color into their designs. They rejected the idea of buildings as mere functional structures, instead seeking to create spaces that were rich in human experience.

Here are some notable postmodernist buildings: