Roman Architecture

Exploring Major Roman architecture was heavily influenced

Architectural by Greek architectureA but also

incorporated elements from other cultures.
Roman architecture is known for its use of
Styles arches, vaults, and domes, which allowed for
larger and more complex structures. The
most famous example of Roman architecture
Introduction to Architectural Styles
is the Colosseum in Rome, which was used
Architecture has been an essential part of for gladiatorial contests and other public
human history, reflecting the culture and spectacles.
values of societies throughout time. Through
the centuries, different architectural styles Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian
have emerged, each with its unique features Introduction to the Classical Orders of
and characteristics. In this presentation, we Architecture
will explore some of the most significant
architectural styles throughout history, from The three classical orders of architecture,
ancient Greek and Roman architecture to Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, were first
modern styles that shape our cities today. defined by the ancient Greeks and later
adopted by the Romans. Each order is
Greek and Roman Architecture characterized by its distinctive column
design and architectural details, and they
Greek and Roman architecture have had a have been widely used in buildings
profound impact on the development of throughout history.
architecture throughout history. Both styles
were characterized by a focus on symmetry, The Doric Order
proportion, and the use of columns and
pediments. The Doric order is the oldest and simplest of
the three orders, characterized by its sturdy
columns with no base and a capital
Greek Architecture consisting of a circular echinus and square
abacus. It was used extensively in ancient
Greece, particularly in temples and public
buildings.

The Ionic Order

Greek architecture is known for its emphasis The Ionic order is characterized by its
on simplicity, harmony, and balance. The slender columns with a base and a capital
most notable feature of Greek architecture is consisting of volutes, or spiral scrolls, and
the use of columns, which were used to an echinus. It was used extensively in
support the weight of buildings and create a ancient Greece, particularly in temples and
sense of order and proportion. The three public buildings, and was later adopted by
main types of columns used in Greek the Romans.
architecture are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
The Corinthian Order Cathedral in Paris and the Cologne
Cathedral in Germany.
The Corinthian order is the most ornate of
the three orders, characterized by its slender Features
columns with a base and a capital consisting Pointed arches
of acanthus leaves and small scrolls. It was Ribbed vaults
developed in ancient Greece but became
Flying buttresses
popular during the Roman Empire,
particularly in monumental buildings such as
the Pantheon.
Renaissance Architecture
The Renaissance period in Europe, from the
14th to the 17th century, marked a
significant shift in architectural styles. It was
characterized by a return to classical forms
and motifs, as well as an emphasis on
symmetry, proportion, and the use of
mathematical principles in design.
Renaissance architecture was heavily
influenced by the work of Italian architects
such as Brunelleschi, Alberti, and Palladio.
It featured a greater emphasis on the use of
columns, arches, and domes, as well as a
focus on creating harmonious and balanced
compositions.

Gothic Architecture Some of the most notable examples of

Renaissance architecture include St. Peter's
Gothic architecture emerged in the 12th Basilica in Rome, the Palazzo Rucellai in
century and lasted until the 16th century. It Florence, and the Chateau de Chambord in
is characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed France.
vaults, and flying buttresses.
The style originated in France and spread Baroque Architecture
throughout Europe,
with notable Characteristics
examples including
Notre-Dame Baroque architecture is characterized by its
ornate details, grandeur, and theatricality. It
features dramatic curves, elaborate clean lines, simple forms, and the use of
decoration, and opulent materials such as modern materials such as concrete, steel,
marble and gold leaf. and glass.

Examples Key Characteristics

Some of the most famous examples of
 Simplicity and minimalism
Baroque architecture include the Palace of
 Use of modern materials
Versailles in France, St. Peter's Basilica in
 Clean lines and simple forms
Rome, and the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
 Emphasis on function over ornamentation
Famous Examples
Art Deco  The Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies
van der Rohe
Art Deco is a style that  The Seagram Building by Ludwig Mies
emerged in the 1920s and van der Rohe and Philip Johnson
1930s, characterized by its  The Lever House by Skidmore, Owings
use of geometric shapes and & Merrill
bold colors. It was
popularized in the United
States and Europe, and was Postmodern
often used in the design of buildings, Postmodern architecture is characterized by
furniture, and other decorative arts. its playful and eclectic style, often
incorporating elements from past
Symmetry and geometric shapes, including architectural styles in unexpected ways. It
zigzags, chevrons, and sunburst motifs. emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against
the strict modernist style that had dominated
Use of bold colors, including black, gold, architecture in the mid-20th century.
and silver, as well as pastel shades such as
peach, pink, and blue.
Historical References
Postmodern architects often incorporate
Incorporation of materials such as glass,
historical references and allusions into their
chrome, and Bakelite, as well as exotic
designs, such as classical columns or arches,
materials like sharkskin and zebra skin. but in a more playful and ironic way than
Modernist Architecture traditional architecture. This can create a

sense of whimsy and humor in the design.

Modernist architecture emerged in the early
20th century as a response to the industrial
revolution and the need for functional and Mix of Materials
efficient buildings. It is characterized by
 Postmodern architecture often features a mix Distinctive Features
of materials, textures, and colors, creating a Islamic architecture is characterized by the
visually dynamic and interesting building. use of geometric shapes, intricate patterns,
This can include the use of bright colors, and calligraphy. The use of domes, arches,
unusual materials like glass or metal, and the and courtyards are also common features.
juxtaposition of different styles and forms.
Cultural Significance
Postmodernism Islamic architecture is closely tied to Islamic
culture and religion. It has been used to
express the power and wealth of Islamic
rulers and to create spaces for worship and
community gatherings.

Futurism
Futuristic
architecture is
Characteristics characterized by
Postmodernism is an architectural style its sleek lines, use
of modern
that emerged in the late 20th century as a
materials, and
reaction against the rigid and austere emphasis on
forms of modernism. It is characterized functionality. It
by a playful and eclectic approach to often incorporates
design, often incorporating historical elements of technology and science fiction
references and elements of popular into the design.
culture.

Examples
 Portland Building in Portland, Oregon Deconstructivist
 AT&T Building in New York City Architecture

Islamic Architecture Deconstructivism is a

movement that began
in the 1980s and is
characterized by the
fragmentation,
distortion, and
dislocation of
architectural elements.
It challenges
traditional notions of form and function,
often creating structures that appear chaotic
or disjointed. Deconstructivist architects
seek to create buildings that provoke thought
and question the status quo.

Key Characteristics
- Fragmentation of form
- Nonlinear shapes and forms
- Dislocation of architectural elements
- Playful use of materials and textures