Overview
Architecture is the most visible and enduring of all arts, reflecting cultural ideals, technological advances, and aesthetic values across civilizations. From temples to skyscrapers, buildings shape how we move, gather, worship, and live. Design elements—like line, scale, material, and proportion—define structure and experience.
Major Architectural Styles
- Classical: Columns, symmetry, and proportion (e.g., Parthenon, Roman basilicas).
- Gothic: Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses (e.g., Notre-Dame).
- Renaissance: Harmony and revival of classical forms (e.g., Brunelleschi’s dome).
- Baroque: Grandeur, drama, and elaborate detail (e.g., St. Peter’s Basilica).
- Modern: Function over ornament, clean lines (e.g., Bauhaus, Le Corbusier).
- Postmodern and Contemporary: Eclectic, innovative, expressive forms (e.g., Gehry, Hadid).
Design Principles
- Form and Function: Balance between aesthetics and utility.
- Scale and Proportion: Relationship of parts to the whole and to human size.
- Material and Texture: Stone, glass, steel, and how they define space and light.
- Structure: Engineering and construction techniques that support design vision.
Quick Tip
When studying architecture, ask how space influences experience—whether sacred, civic, or residential. Consider how each style reflects the era’s values and innovations.