1.

Classical Architecture

 Time Period: Originated in Ancient Greece and Rome (circa 5th century BCE to 5th
century CE).
 Key Characteristics:
o Symmetry and Proportion: Emphasis on geometric harmony, where the
structure is balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
o Columns: Classical orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) form the basis of the
columns used in these buildings.
o Use of Pediments: Triangular spaces above doors or windows, often adorned
with sculptures.
o Domes and Arches: Domes became prominent, especially in Roman architecture,
while arches were key structural elements.
 Notable Examples:
o Parthenon (Athens): A Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena,
characterized by perfect proportions and symmetry.
o Pantheon (Rome): Known for its massive dome with an oculus, symbolizing the
connection between the temple and the heavens.

2. Gothic Architecture

 Time Period: 12th to 16th centuries.

 Key Characteristics:
o Verticality and Light: Tall structures with pointed arches and ribbed vaults to
allow for large windows, which often contained intricate stained glass.
o Flying Buttresses: External supports that transferred the weight of the building to
external columns, allowing for thinner walls and more windows.
o Ornate Decoration: Detailed facades, spires, and intricate sculptures.
 Notable Examples:
o Notre-Dame Cathedral (Paris): Famous for its flying buttresses, stained glass
windows, and grand verticality.
o Chartres Cathedral (France): Known for its beautiful stained glass and the
perfect example of the Gothic style's intricate design.

3. Baroque Architecture

 Time Period: 17th to mid-18th centuries.

 Key Characteristics:
o Dramatic Expression: Baroque buildings aim to create awe and grandeur, often
with the use of exaggerated forms and large-scale spaces.
o Curves and Ornamentation: Extensive use of curves and complex forms, with
ornate details in both the exterior and interior.
o Light and Shadow: Dramatic contrasts of light and shadow used to enhance the
architectural form.
 Notable Examples:
 o St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican): Designed by Michelangelo and completed by
Bernini, it represents the zenith of Baroque architecture with its grandiose scale,
lavish decoration, and domed structure.
o Palace of Versailles (France): A symbol of absolute monarchy, with extensive
use of symmetry, gold detailing, and magnificent gardens.

4. Renaissance Architecture

 Time Period: 14th to 17th centuries, starting in Italy.

 Key Characteristics:
o Return to Classical Antiquity: Drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman
architecture, focusing on symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns and
domes.
o Geometric Forms: A focus on simple, geometric shapes like the circle and
square.
o Harmonious Proportions: Based on the belief that the proportions of the
building should reflect the natural proportions of the human body.
 Notable Examples:
o St. Peter's Basilica (Rome): A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with a
grand dome designed by Michelangelo and beautiful symmetrical designs.
o Florence Cathedral (Italy): Known for its large dome, designed by Brunelleschi,
which was an engineering marvel of its time.

5. Modern Architecture

 Time Period: Late 19th century to present.

 Key Characteristics:
o Minimalism: Clean lines, simple shapes, and a "form follows function" approach,
eliminating unnecessary decoration.
o Innovative Materials: Use of steel, glass, and concrete to create structures that
are lightweight, durable, and efficient.
o Open Floor Plans: Spaces that flow into one another without a reliance on walls
and partitions.
 Notable Examples:
o The Guggenheim Museum (New York): Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this
museum is known for its organic shape and lack of traditional right angles.
o Bauhaus School (Germany): Founded by Walter Gropius, it emphasized
functional design, with a focus on simplicity and industrial materials.

6. Neoclassical Architecture

 Time Period: Mid-18th century to early 19th century.

 Key Characteristics:
o Classical Revival: A revival of Greek and Roman classical architecture, but with
a more restrained and refined approach.
 o Symmetry and Simplicity: A focus on clean lines and simple, symmetrical
facades.
o Columns and Pediments: Strong influence of the Greek Doric or Ionic columns,
as well as triangular pediments above windows and doors.
 Notable Examples:
o The White House (Washington, D.C.): A neoclassical building that draws
inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
o The Pantheon (Paris): A neoclassical building that combines classical elements
with modern innovations.

7. Art Deco Architecture

 Time Period: 1920s to 1940s.

 Key Characteristics:
o Geometric Patterns and Bold Colors: Use of geometric forms such as zigzags,
chevrons, and sunbursts, often in bold colors.
o Luxurious Materials: The use of expensive materials like glass, steel, chrome,
and lacquer, alongside ornamentation.
o Streamlined Forms: A focus on clean, streamlined shapes, with smooth, curved
surfaces.
 Notable Examples:
o Chrysler Building (New York): Famous for its elegant, soaring spire and bold
Art Deco decoration.
o Palais de Chaillot (Paris): A monumental structure combining Art Deco style
with classical elements.

8. Victorian Architecture

 Time Period: Mid-19th century to early 20th century.

 Key Characteristics:
o Ornamentation and Detail: Highly decorative, with intricate woodwork,
elaborate cornices, and steep roofs.
o Eclectic Styles: A mixture of various styles, including Gothic Revival, Italianate,
and Second Empire.
o Asymmetry and Irregularity: The emphasis was on creating visually stimulating
and eclectic facades.
 Notable Examples:
o The Painted Ladies (San Francisco): Famous for their bright colors and
Victorian architectural details.
o The Houses of Parliament (London): A fine example of the Gothic Revival
style combined with Victorian elements.

9. Brutalism

 Time Period: Mid-20th century (1950s to 1970s).

 Key Characteristics:
 o Raw Concrete: Often uses rough, unfinished concrete as the main material, with
exposed surfaces.
o Bold Geometries: Heavy, blocky, and angular forms that appear monumental and
imposing.
o Function Over Form: Emphasis on functionality rather than decorative elements.
 Notable Examples:
o Barbican Centre (London): A complex of buildings known for its massive
concrete forms and functional, utilitarian design.
o Boston City Hall (Boston): An example of Brutalism, with a heavy use of
concrete and bold, angular shapes.

10. Sustainable (Eco-friendly) Architecture

 Time Period: Late 20th century to present.

 Key Characteristics:
o Energy Efficiency: Buildings are designed to reduce energy consumption, often
through the use of passive solar heating, green roofs, and smart climate control.
o Use of Recycled and Natural Materials: Focus on using sustainable, low-impact
materials and reducing waste.
o Integration with Nature: Buildings are designed to blend with or enhance the
natural environment.
 Notable Examples:
o The Edge (Amsterdam): A highly sustainable office building with energy-
efficient systems and smart technologies.
o The Crystal (London): A sustainable building that showcases renewable energy
sources and environmentally friendly construction.

11. Deconstructivism

 Time Period: Late 20th century.

 Key Characteristics:
o Fragmented Forms: Architecture that appears chaotic, fragmented, and
disordered, rejecting traditional harmony and order.
o Dynamic Shapes: Buildings are often jagged or distorted, creating a sense of
movement or unpredictability.
o Non-linear Designs: Emphasis on shapes that don't adhere to traditional, straight-
line forms.
 Notable Examples:
o Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao): Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum features
curving, fragmented shapes and an innovative use of titanium.
o Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles): Also designed by Frank Gehry, it
showcases swooping curves and sharp angles, challenging conventional design
norms.

These architectural styles not only define the aesthetic and structural qualities of buildings but
also reflect the cultural, political, and technological advancements of the times in which they
were developed. Each style has contributed to the rich diversity of architectural design we see
today.