How has architecture changed over the years?
Dimitri Kutch
2025-05-13 04:00:21
Count answers: 4
When we look at architecture throughout history, we can see that there have been many distinct trends and traditions that have made their way into the architecture of today. Up to the end of 12th century, architecture design revolved heavily around Greek, Romanesque and Gothic trends. The inclusion of columns, entablature, arches, stained glass windows, clustered columns and pointed spires created a grandiose era of design. The Renaissance era brought perspective and well-proportioned buildings and structures into the forefront of design around the world. This was swiftly followed by the inclusion of geometric shapes; art nouveau, symmetry and intricately designed ornamentation – Beaux Arts. The Neogothic era saw the world building upwards in the form of skyscrapers and gargoyles featuring highly as a means of protection – physically from rain and spiritually from evil spirits. Modern architectural trends such as Bauhaus saw cubic shaped houses complete with a flat roof and smooth cladding. The post-modern design took elements of era’s gone by and re-invented historical trends. Structuralism, deconstructivism, and brutalism came and went, but all have made their mark on architecture today, with many structures having listed building status. These days, architecture is largely designed using computers to ensure accuracy and uses a range of bricks, steel, and other sustainable materials in place of stone.
Damaris Kris
2025-05-13 00:25:19
Count answers: 2
The way we design and build has transformed over the centuries. From ancient, almost-forgotten civilisations to the modern era, architecture reflects advancement in technology and materials, and the changing requirements and tastes of society. This is the era that saw the rise of gothic architecture, recognisable by towering cathedrals of the most intricate details, pointing arches and flying buttresses. Symmetry and proportion were on the rise. This period introduced opulence and theatricality, as architects embraced ornate detailing and elaborate decoration. In the 18th and 19th centuries, our understanding of science and machinery was greater than ever, which influenced architectural styles, resulting in an increase in utilitarian designs and the birth of modernism. Architects like Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright championed the idea that "form follows function," emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation. Postmodern architecture emerged in response to what some felt was the rigidity of modernism, with creative designs with historical references being encouraged. Green building practices, energy-efficient design, and smart technologies are reshaping the way buildings are conceived and constructed.
Bernie Dicki
2025-05-12 23:00:48
Count answers: 3
Architecture, like any form of design, goes through changes. We are fortunate that the grand scale of some of these structures mean that we have examples of the changing facade of building design stretching back tens of thousands of years. Indeed, the oldest free-standing building that still remains mostly intact – the Göbekli Tepe in Turkey – was built around 10000 BCE.
Classical architecture introduced symmetry as a prerequisite of great architecture, with soaring columns, vaults and domes made possible by mathematical accuracy and the Roman invention of concrete. The Byzantine period saw the merging of classical building design with Middle Eastern traditions, including the use of coloured bricks and elaborate mosaics.
The Romanesque style incorporated rounded arches, thick walls and heavy palisades, while Gothic architecture allowed for larger, taller buildings with improved materials. The Renaissance saw a return to Classical ideals, with beautiful new buildings created in the Roman style using modern materials and techniques.
The Baroque style was elaborate and extravagant, doing away with symmetrical design in favour of irregular shapes and opulent ornamentation, while Neoclassicism chose to forgo elaborate towers in favour of more classical ideals. Neo-Gothic design took inspiration from Gothic cathedrals, applying its principles to modern buildings like skyscrapers. Modern building design seeks to embrace function over form, with the technology to build quickly, but still embracing past styles and techniques.
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