Moorish Architecture
Grand Arches of the Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain



The following continues our travel trough time exploring the history of architecture started last week.

The history of architecture is vast and varied, encompassing numerous styles and periods. Here’s a brief overview of some key architectural styles you mentioned:

Islamic Architecture (7th century onwards)

Islamic architecture is noted for its intricate tile work, large domes, and minarets. It evolved from the 7th century onward, spreading across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia. Key features include the use of geometric and floral patterns, calligraphy, and a focus on creating intricate indoor environments. Notable examples include the Alhambra in Spain, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and the Taj Mahal in India.

European Medieval Architecture (5th to 15th century)

Medieval architecture in Europe is characterized by the heavy, dark, and often fortress-like structures of the Romanesque period, which later evolved into the pointed arches and intricate stone carvings of the Gothic style. This period saw the construction of many churches, castles, and fortifications. Notable examples include the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Tower of London.

Renaissance Architecture (14th to 17th century)

Emerging in Florence, Italy, Renaissance architecture was characterized by its symmetry, proportion, and geometry, drawing inspiration from the classical architecture of ancient Rome and Greece. This style emphasized columns, pilasters, and semicircular arches. Important figures include Filippo Brunelleschi and Andrea Palladio. Notable buildings include St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Early Modern and the Industrial Age (18th to early 20th century)

This period marked significant changes due to the Industrial Revolution, which introduced new materials like iron and steel. The architecture from this era includes the development of structural steel and glass buildings and the beginning of modernist architecture. This era also includes the Art Nouveau movement, which emphasized curved lines, natural forms, and elaborate decorations. Notable structures from this period include the Eiffel Tower and the Crystal Palace.

Each of these periods reflects the social, cultural, and technological changes of its time, offering a rich tapestry of styles and innovations.


Persian Architecture
The Jameh Mosque in Isfahan, Iran




Maghal Architecture
The Taj Mahl Agra, India




Ottoman Architecture
The interior side view of the main dome of the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Turkey



Armian Architecture
Interior of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral
The first Cathedral in the world founded 303 year ad




Byzantine Architecture
Apse of the Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
Decorated in the 5th century with this glamorous mosaic




Carolinguan Architecture
Interior of the Theachen Cathedral Aachen, Germany 765-805




Romanesque Architecutre
Interior of the Durham Cathedral Durham UK




Gothic Architecture
Stained Glass Windows of the Sainte Chapelle Paris 1194-1220




The Florence Cathedral
Florence, Italy 1294-1436
by Arnolfo di Cambio Filippo Brunelleschi




The Hall of Perspective from Villa Farmesina
Rome by Baldassare Peruzze 1505-1510




The Villa la Rotonda
Vicenza Italy
1567-1592




The Chateau de Chenonceau
France, by Philbert de Lorme
1576




Baroque Architecture
The Chateau de Maisons France
1630-1651




Rococo Architecture
The Piece de la Vaiselle d’or
Palace of Versailles, France




Neoclassical Architecture
The West Facade of the Petit Trianon
Versailles 1764 by Anges Jacques Gabriel




Historicist Archiecture
in this case Gothic Revical
Interior of the All Saints London 1856-1859




19t Century Eclictic Clasicist Architecture
The Museum of Ages on Victory Avenue
Bucharest, Romania
Late 19th Century




19th Century Industrial Architecture
Les Halles, Paris, 1850




Orentalist Architecture
The Eden Theatre
Paris 1880s




Architecture of a National Style
In this case Romanian Revival
The C.N. Campeany House Bulevardul Dacia Bucharest 1923




Art Nouveau Architecutre
The entrance of the Castel Berange, Paris
1895




Beaux Arts Architecture
The CEC Palace on victory Avenue Bucharest 1897-1990

Florence Cathedral w added dome
Italy

The history of architecture is rich and diverse, reflecting various cultural, technological, and aesthetic influences over the millennia. Here’s a brief overview of the key periods and styles you mentioned:

Origins and Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular architecture refers to structures built using local materials and traditional methods, often without formal architectural training. These buildings are typically designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials, and reflecting local traditions. It is the most widespread form of building.

Prehistoric Architecture

The earliest forms of human-made structures were often simple shelters made from stone, wood, and other natural materials. Notable examples of prehistoric architecture include the stone megaliths of Stonehenge in England and the earthen mounds built by indigenous peoples of North America.

Classical Era

Classical architecture primarily encompasses Ancient Greek and Roman architecture. This period is marked by the development of architectural orders, including Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Structures from this era emphasized symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns. Key examples include the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome.

Asian Architecture

Asian architecture is diverse, spanning several countries and cultural influences.

• Chinese architecture is known for its pagodas, imperial palaces like the Forbidden City, and its emphasis on balance and symmetry.
• Japanese architecture is noted for its minimalist design, use of wood, and structures like the traditional tatami-matted rooms and Shinto shrines.
• Indian architecture features intricate carvings and expansive spaces, as seen in the Taj Mahal and ancient Hindu temples.

Each of these architectural styles reflects the materials, climate, and social structures of their respective cultures. This brief overview touches on some of the major highlights, but each region and period offers much more depth and specific examples that illustrate the evolution of architectural design.


National Congress of Italy
by Oscar Niemeyer




Wood and elevated level
Norway




Rondavel stones
Lesotho




Yola hut
Ireland




Peasant houses in the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
Romania




Gobekli Tepe
Turkey




Goseck circle
Germany




Miniature of a regular Cucuteni Trypilian house




Excavated dwellings at Skara Brae
Orkney, Scotland




Mesopotamian architecutre: reconstruction of the Ishtar Gate in the Pergamon Museum
Berlin, Germany




Great Pyramin of Giza
Giza, Egypt




Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens
Athens, Greece




The Maison Carree
Nimes, France




The Garni Temple from Garni
Armenia architecture




Indian architecture
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh




Chinese architecture
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
Temple of Heaven




Japanese architecture
The Himeji Castle
Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan




Khmer architecutre
The Bakong near Siem Reap, Cambondia