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14 Architectural Styles and Their Definitive features Blog

Jun 16, 2022

Architecture is part of the fabric of our lives but unless you're a trained architect, you might not have thought about all the various styles out there. It's worth it, though the styles of architecture can be as varied, fascinating and attractive as other type of art or design.

What Is Architecture?

In essence, it is all about building design. The word reflects both products and processes: The end result--a structure that you can feel and see, as well as the process of designing and making that structure.

Each building is an expression of architecture, but it is common to use this term when referring to structures that are interesting, beautiful, well-designed, or other things that are noteworthy. The definitions of what we think is fascinating, attractive and noteworthy alter, however.

A structure that was once thought of as a typical office structure or a home that was unnoticed could become significant with time, especially if that style becomes rare or design preferences change in some manner.

Different types of Architecture

There are as many different types of architectural styles as societies, climates, environments and architects around all over the world. Many forms of architecture are distinctive to an area, a culture, or an individual architect.

But when talking about architecture in general it is common to see a few standout styles that have had an impact on other trends over the ages.

Brutalist Architecture

Emerging in the 1950s in the midst of rebuilding cities following World War II, Brutalist architecture was mostly used to create buildings for institutions such as libraries, town halls and town halls. They also included university buildings, and social housing.

It is most common in UK as well as Eastern Europe, it's a form of modern architecture, and construction materials including steel and concrete typically are on display.

Brutalist architecture was designed to be practical rather than beautiful, although some people do think these buildings are beautiful in their own way.

Modern Architecture

Although it may sound it isn't necessarily architecture designed or produced in the modern day. Also known as modernist architecture, the style appeared at the end of the 19th century and was popular throughout the 20th century.

Modern architecture uses many called "modern" material choices including glass, steel and concrete. The emphasis is on minimalism, rather than ornamentation and decoration in the name of ornamentation.

Neoclassical Architecture

Inspired by the architecture and styles of early Greece as well as Rome, neoclassical architecture is usually grand in scale and can be used even for residential homes. It is typically a combination of geometries, columns and flat or domed roofs, and stones that are light or white.

Neoclassical architecture has been in fashion from the 18th century onward, and many structures are built in this style today.

Art Deco Architecture

Born from the artistic style prevalent in the 20th and 30th centuries Art deco architecture intended to be functional as well as attractive. It's sleek and modern but it's not minimalist. It's also awash with embellishments, especially around windows and doors.

It is also sometimes colorful, with contrasting pastel colors or metal detailing. In the US Art deco architecture is popular and is prevalent in Miami as well as New York but can be found around the country and around the world.

Victorian Architecture

Queen Victoria Queen Victoria ruled Britain through the latter half of the 19th century at the same time Victorian architecture spread throughout the world. The term encompasses a wide range of other architectural styles, including Italianate and colonial revival as well as Queen Anne.

There's lots of variation in this vast umbrella but Victorian architecture generally features high pitched roofs and bricks. It also has ferruginia-painted railings, wrapped-around porches and an asymmetry. The style is more decorative over minimalist.

Contemporary Architecture

Do not confuse it with modern architecture (though it shares some of the elements it) modern architecture encompasses the architecture that is designed and constructed right now. The style can differ wildly, but in general it is minimalist that favors clean lines and open, uncluttered space.

Modern architecture is often built using green construction materials or methods of construction.

Italianate Architecture

Especially popular in the mid-19th period, Italianate design draws influence from Renaissance Italy, particularly 16th-century structures. It is romantic and romantic, and includes porches, bay windows with elaborate details, windows that are rectangular or arched, as well as deep overhanging eaves.

If a building looks like it would fit nicely into a Tuscan rural farm or street cobbled in Rome It's probably Italianate.

Bauhaus Architecture

The Bauhaus was the name of a design school that was established in Germany in 1919. It was a utopian idea and hoped to act as a model for rebuilding Europe after World War I. Bauhaus architecture is simple, and focuses on the practical and pragmatic over ornamentation.

Some other popular themes include geometric designs, symmetry, glass curtain walls, flat roofs, and using modern elements like concrete, steel as well as glass.

Tudor Architecture

The Tudors ruled England between 1485 to 1558. Tudor architecture refers to unique two-toned houses built in this time. The exposed timber beams of a dark color (usually black) contrast with the brickwork.

Although authentic Tudor structures can only be seen in the UK, Tudor-inspired elements are found all over across the world, including two-tone exposed beams (which can be considered purely decorative nowadays).

Greek Revival Architecture

Related to both neoclassical and Italianate architectural styles, Greek revival was a fashionable architectural style during the 19th century which imitated the structures of ancient Greece--temples particularly.

The grand houses and public structures from those of the Greek Revival tradition are simple sophisticated, chic and symmetrical. They typically include pilasters, columns, and a porch.

Beaux-Arts Architecture

If you find minimalism a little boring, then the ornate, grand, and theatrical style of beaux-arts architecture might be the perfect fit for you. Beaux-art architecture (roughly pronounced boe-zarr) is named for the fine arts school located in Paris that taught this architectural style, the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

It overlaps with Neoclassicism and Renaissance as well as Baroque styles. You can look for French and Italian inspiration arching windows and doors as well as grand staircases, arrival halls, columns, as well as cornices.

Industrial Architecture

The building you use to produce goods, like a factory or warehouse is considered to be industrial architecture. However, this style could also apply to apartments, offices, and other structures that are in the style of these industrial constructions. Consider beams and exposed bricks, iron and glass, as well as simple lines.

Arts and Crafts Architecture

The movement of the arts and crafts originated in the mid-19th century as a reaction against industrial production material in the Victorian time. Architecture based on arts and crafts (and design as a whole) was a focus on handcraft and using approachable materials.

It can be difficult to discern some of the art and craft architecture since the style overlaps so much with other styles that were popular at the time. It is advisable to be sure to look for large porches, open beams, roofs with low pitched with enclosed eave overhangs, as well as large indoor fireplaces. A home that is arts and crafts, for example, may look like a quintessential cute cottage.

Cape Cod Architecture

While it's named for the part of Massachusetts in which it is prevalent, Cape Cod architecture can be seen across the US. A typically American style that originated during the 17th century. Cape Cod architecture usually refers to houses, specifically cottages which are tiny basic, square, with a steep sloped roof on which snow may slip off.

Contemporary Cape Cod cottages tend to be larger than the originals however they make use of pine and oak frames, as well as white or light-colored exteriors with darker colored shutters.

Start Identifying Architecture Today

Now that you're familiar with these architectural types, see whether you recognize the styles when walking around your city. Certain cities will offer the most variety of architectural styles in comparison to others, however almost all cities will feature architecture that was inspired by certain trends and styles.

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