In this article, we’ll be talking about how architecture evolved over time. There are several theories as to why certain styles of building were more popular than others, but one thing is for sure – our built environment has changed quite a bit!

The earliest buildings had no interior or exterior decorations beyond natural features like windows and doors. It was not until the Renaissance that architectural decoration became popular. During this era, large castles would have richly decorated interiors with painted wall panels, sculptures, and elaborate tapestries.

Modern skyscrapers also draw inspiration from this style. Buildings such as The Chrysler Center and One Wall Street both feature dramatic vertical lines and patterns designed to inspire awe. Many believe that the top of these structures looks like an infinity pool because it reminds people of water.

After the Second World War, modernism took over. This style called for stark, geometric shapes and bare walls. Materials were either glass or concrete, and nothing else.

These new buildings made people feel very isolated in their surroundings. Fortunately, today people feel connected through technology, so this less-than-friendly effect seems mostly neutralized.

The Roman Empire

After Rome conquered its first city-state in Italy, it quickly expanded into other parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region. This empire-building was fueled by two things: need for more land to satisfy their growing population, and an internal desire to conquer new territories as proof of Roma’s greatness.

Rome built upon what they learned from their earlier empires. They borrowed many ideas about how to run a government and manage resources including how to use propaganda to influence people, how to organize military units, and how to build effective roads and transportation systems.

However, the Romans made some significant changes to this borrowing process. Rather than taking credit for the concepts themselves, they reworked them to make them work better for their culture and society. For instance, instead of using propaganda to gain support for your policies, the Romans used rhetoric to appeal to people’s emotions which makes sense given that most cultures are emotionally driven.

Another example is their approach to organizing military units. While Greeks and Carthaginians organized soldiers into special classes or guilds with specific rules and privileges, the Romans didn’t have anything like that. Instead, they let anyone join the army if they were willing to put in hard work and meet tough standards.

The Middle Ages

During this time, architectural styles were mostly defined by one style or element. For example, most buildings had their own defining shape-the roof or tower, for instance. There was no such thing as an abstract building; every structure was either clearly shaped like a house or a boat or flagpole or whatever else they wanted to design.

This is called greece domus (house) architecture. This type of architecture lasted from around 300 BCE until roughly 1500 CE, when more complex designs began emerging. These new designs incorporated several different parts that shifted emphasis depending on what needed emphasizing at any given moment.

The word “mosaic” comes from the Greek words móságos (meaning “wise counselor”) and skhíra (meaning “to throw together,” referring to how some say mosaic art originated). A mosaic pattern is made up of many small pieces all fitting together seamlessly.

That concept applies well to these evolving styles we now call Renaissance, Gothic, Neoclassical and so forth. They are designed in ways to emphasize unity, but also repeat patterns of integration and separation.

The Renaissance

During this period, architecture truly flourished as every country experimented with their own style. These styles were not limited to one type of building but included everything from how people built houses to what materials they used in buildings.

This is called the Italian Renaissance or simply referred to as the Renaissance. Artists and designers during this time focused on exploring new shapes and forms by using proportion and mathematics.

Their designs flowed naturally out of these fundamentals and incorporated them into all aspects of art and design. For example, the proportions of human figures are rooted in the mathematical ratios that exist between the length of the legs, arms, torso, and head.

The way artists draw humans is influenced by these proportions too. Modern day artist look for ways to express themselves through drawing natural bodies and faces. Ancient Greeks and Romans did the same!

Remnants of the Renaissance can be seen today in many different types of buildings and structures. Some examples include the red roofs you see often in European countries, tall arches, and large windows. All of these influence the flow of space and create an open feeling.

Another important element of the Renaissance was decoration. Different material and pattern choices add depth to the painting or structure. In fact, some say that beauty lies in the details!

Overall, the importance given to aesthetics has not changed much over the past few centuries.

The Baroque Era

During this era, architecture flourished in terms of creativity but little emphasis was put on practical use or efficiency. Buildings became more elaborate as architects were trying to impress others with their skills. This is what made the Baroque style famous.

The Italian architect Giovan Battista Palladio designed many beautiful buildings that are considered part of the baroque style. His best-known works include his country mansions and villas. These have strong classical proportions, which make them feel very elegant.

Other well known artists from this time period include Antonio Salucci who built churches with rich decorations and Michelangelo Buonarroti, also known as “the sculptor” due to his work including creating sculptures such as the David!

These two men influenced later baroque styles, particularly rococo. The term rococo comes from the word Romanian, referring to the lush decoration seen in this style.

This style is characterized by heavily decorated shapes and patterns. For example, large flowing curves or curved lines called gandhara. These touches emphasize beauty over function.

Rococo is typically associated with French baroque art but it can be seen in other baroque styles like the Italian one mentioned before. Artists used similar materials and techniques, making for similarity in look among pieces.

The Industrial Revolution

During this period, we refer to as the Enlightenment or Age of Reason, architects experimented with new styles and concepts that would eventually influence present day design.

The industrial revolution brought about an explosion in production of manufactured goods and materials. This growth was due to the development of factories built using systematic layouts and precision engineering.

Engineering became more important than artistic expression as buildings had to be efficient for function- how well they served their purpose.

This shift away from the use of classical motifs and shapes is what made room for other trends such as Art Deco and Streamline Moderne.

Artists and designers adapted by creating bold patterns and shapes which were unified by common elements like horizontal lines or vertical columns.

The Modern Era

During this era, architects began to emphasize clean lines and proportions over elaborate decorations and lush textures. This new style was referred to as Neoclassical or Classical Revival.

Neo-classicism focused heavily on large columns and pilasters with proportionate ratios between them. There were also strong vertical rhythms created by windows, doors, and other features. Materials used included marble, granite, limestone, and brick.

Architects also emphasized horizontal lines, which made up the floors, walls, and staircases of buildings. Spaces suchas courtyards and atriums were incorporated into designs. These spaces would house amenities for people, like restaurants or lounges.

A significant influence during this era was the use of Palladian styles. Named after Rome’s Villa Palladio, this structure type has a symmetrical façade that is balanced by both its size and position. Buildings in this style have parallel rows of windows along with an entrance framed by two wide steps.

Popular Architecture

There are several popular architectural styles that people seem to agree upon and recognize as beautiful. These include Neoclassical, Minimalist, Gothic, Art Deco, and perhaps my favorite, Chippendale.

Neoclassicism is characterized by large columns and walls made up of square tiles or bricks. This style originated in Greece around 500 BC and was later adapted for use all over Europe and the Americas. Artists often used classical references and motifs when designing buildings using this style.

Minimalism comes from an artistic concept called dichotomy. Dichotomies can be described as two opposing things that work together to create more emphasis on one element over the other. For example, if your room has only a bed, then there’s not much else it could emphasize beyond the size of the bed.

A minimalist interior would probably not feature any decorations aside from maybe some pillows. A similar effect can be achieved with white furniture and white wall colors.

Gothic architecture features arches, vaults, and ribbing. It originates from France and England during the Middle Ages and continues to influence modern day design. Buildings built during this time period typically have elaborate decoration and structure.

Art deco is another style that still has lots of fanfare today. It was coined in 1920 after a collection of decorative arts were placed into the category “deco-style.

Famous Architects

The word “architect” comes from the Greek words architetes, which means builder or maker of buildings, and architecton, which refers to an officer who administers state affairs in Athens. Therefore, your average architect is someone with a degree, position, and salary that oversees construction of building and houses.

But what most people don’t realize is that not every famous architect has their own unique style. Some architects blend together styles and influence other designers’ styles, making it hard to identify where their design ideas came from.

With this article, we will take a look at some of the more well-known architectural styles and how they were influenced!

Let’s get started.