History of Architecture

Pre-historic Architecture

11,600 BCE

The prehistoric age of Architecture involved simple structures built with readily available materials like stone, wood, animal hides, and clay, primarily for shelter and protection. Using these material humans constructed caves, huts made of mammoth bones or wood, and megalithic monuments like stone circles (like Stonehenge) and dolmens, reflecting early human attempts to shape their environment.

Egyptian age of Architecture

3500 BCE

Egyptian Architecture is renowned for its monumental scale, use of durable materials like limestone and granite, and iconic structures such as pyramids, temples, and tombs. Ancient Egyptian architecture is characterized by it's use of axial alignment, extensive use of columns, and the incorporation of religious and ceremonial elements.

Neo Gothic era

1905 BCE

Gothic Revival emerged in the 1700's, with Sir Horace Walpole remodeling his home, Strawberry Hill, in the United Kingdom, drawing inspiration from medieval Gothic architecture.In the early 20th century, Gothic Revival ideas were adapted to modern architecture, including private homes and skyscrapers, giving rise to the Neo-Gothic style.feature strong vertical lines and an emphasis on height, with pointed arches, decorative tracery, gargoyles, and pinnacles.

Beaux arts architecture

1895 BCE

a late 19th-early 20th century neoclassical style originating in France, is characterized by grand, symmetrical designs, classical details like columns and pediments, and the use of high-quality materials like stone and marble.

Art Nouveau

1890 BCE

a movement prominent from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Characterized by its organic, flowing lines, natural motifs, and a rejection of traditional architectural forms, often featuring floral designs, asymmetry, and the use of materials like iron and glass.

Victorian era

1840 BCE

Victorian architecture is unique for it's ornate details, asymmetrical designs, steep roof lines, and the eclectic borrowing of styles from the past, resulting in a diverse range of building styles. Victorian architecture's appeal stemmed from its eclectic mix of styles, ornate detailing, and asymmetrical designs, showcasing craftsmanship and a sense of grandeur, reflecting the era's romantic ideals and economic prosperity.

The revival of Greek architecture

1790 BCE

Adapted characteristics from Pantheon,Greek,and Roman architecture. Buildings having Greek Doric columns are typically rather thick, often tapering towards the top, always fluted, and have complicated rules for the entablature above the columns. Additionally, the columns go straight down to the floor (stylobate) with no distinct base. Many government buildings within the United States were built using this style of architecture for example the Congress building located in Washington DC.

Rococo Architecture

1650 BCE

defined by it's intricate decorative elements, including scrolls, vines, shell-like shapes, and delicate geometric patterns, creating a sense of whimsy and opulence. Rococo was primarily focused on interior design. Wealthy patrons in France preferred to remodel their interiors rather than reconstruct entire buildings, resulting in lavishly adorned rooms.

American Colonial era

1600 BCE

features a symmetrical front view facing a road or street with a balanced, rectangular shape, along with having two stories. These elements created homes that were practical, efficient, and reflective of the settlers’ European architectural influences.

Baroque architecture

1600 BCE

Originated from Italy,Baroque architecture is most famous for its grand, opulent churches, characterized by irregular shapes, dynamic forms, and extravagant ornamentation.Baroque architecture commonly used materials like stone, brick, stucco, wood, marble, and gold, often employing them for both structural and decorative purposes, creating elaborate and opulent designs.

The Renaissance era

1400 BCE

characterized by its emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical elements such as columns, arches, and domes, marked a revival of ancient Roman and Greek principles. Utilizing materials like stone, marble, brick, and stucco, often incorporating rusticated quoins and ashlar masonry for facades, while also employing timber trusses and domes for structural elements.

Gothic Architecture

1100 BCE

As mentioned before the Gothic era ventures even deeper into complex designs. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc a French architect and a master of this style designed and created many of these structures included Sainte-Chapelle which is depicted as a stunning creation to the entire world

Classical Architecture

850 BCE

consisting of Roman and Greek architecture including the famous Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. Made with: brick,concrete,stone,and terracotta. Emphasized on symmetry, balance, and proportion, featuring elements like columns, and pediments, often built with durable materials like stone and marble.

Romanesque Architecture

500 BCE

Romanesque Architecture is more described as a medieval European style having structures built with thick walls, rounded arches,barrel vaults,and is focused on more stability and strength. Materials consisted of stone, brick, limestone, and granite. From this many churches, cathedrals, abbeys, castles, and other public and domestic buildings were built.

Early Christian Architecture

373 BCE

Characterized by the use of the basilica plan, mosaics, and Christian symbolism, while adapting Roman motifs and structures to Christian themes. Early Christian architecture primarily featured basilicas, modified from Roman models, and centralized structures like mausoleums, Using materials available which was:stone, brick, and concrete.

Modern Architecture era

May 5, 1893

a movement that dominated the 20th century, emphasized functionality, minimalism, and the use of new materials like steel, glass, and concrete, rejecting traditional ornamentation and embracing open floor plans. The idea that a building's design should first consider what it will do for its users. The earliest sighting of modern Architecture was in mid 1893 during the Chicago world fair.