Some Popular Architectural Styles From Around the World: What You Need to Know About Each

1. Some Popular Architectural Styles From Around the World: What You Need to Know About Each

2. Introduction • Jim Rohn once said: “Whatever good things we build end up building us.” • Architectural structures have always moulded civilizations with ancient tales of valour and determination, love and devotion ensconced in them. These ancient structures disclose a world of information about the eras, cultures and histories around which they revolve. As a result, architecture makes use of tangible and concrete styles to depict deeper, abstract motives and themes. • Over the hundreds of centuries through which architecture as a creative means of expression has existed, humans have experimented with architectural styles and varied patterns in innumerable intriguing ways. The best colleges for architecture seek to enlighten their students with as many such styles as possible, so that they possess sufficient knowledge about each and create their own unique permutations from the same. Come along, as we take you through some popular architectural styles from across the world and the defining characteristics of each:

3. The Ancient Greek Architecture • From its ornate pillars to its iconic curlicue patterns, Greek architecture has served as the base and an inspiration for many different structures, including Greek amphitheatres, temples, stadia and so on. For this reason, reputed B. Arch courses ensure an incorporation of ancient Greek architecture as part of their curricula. • The three major subsets of ancient Greek architecture are the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. The Doric style is chiefly characterized by stone constructions comprising of plain columns with smooth surfaces. Here, the pillars of the structure directly rest above the floor of the structure, with no elevated platforms or “stylobates” to support them. This architectural style soon paved way to the Ionic and the Corinthian styles, which are respectively defined by their scroll-shaped embellishments situated right over the pillar, and the slender columns decorated with acanthus leaves and scroll patterns.Even in terms of the structure of the circularly built amphitheatres and stadia, Greek architecture set a benchmark in architectural history.

4. 2. Roman Architecture • Ancient Roman architecture is heavily inspired from the canonical Greek architectural ideas; however, it also actively built on this style to come up with its unique architectural interventions. For instance, the Romans established the elegant triumphal arches, which are essentially the classic architectural gates with arched passageways. • The sturdy arches and pillars introduced by the Romans allowed for the construction of extremely sturdy and heavy structures, as well as majestic designs. Roman architecture played with the basic themes characterizing the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles, but their unique perspectives to these traditional designs provided a sense of authenticity to this style.

5. 3. Gothic Architecture • With its intricate traceries and classic buttresses, gothic architecture is a fundamental aspect of all major architectural courses in India and around the world. Majorly prevalent from the 12th to the 16th Centuries, the gothic architectural style found its foothold in architecture with the iconic Abbey of Saint Denis in Paris. Ever since, this French architectural movement never looked back and paved way for innumerable such structures in Europe and eventually across the world. • One of the defining characteristics of Gothic architecture is its pointed arch. Some other classic features include its intricately-patterned sculptures, tall frames, buttresses and brick constructions make Gothic structures popular settings for movie shootings and continue to be studied and treasured across generation

6. 4. Islamic Architecture • Islamic architecture has extensively contributed to this field for centuries on end. Inspired from a host of ancient architectural styles – including the Roman, Persian and Byzantine schools, as well as the Mughal and Chinese designs – Islamic architecture is resplendent with traditional as well as contemporary secular architectural designs. The defining characteristics of Islamic structures are their majestic domes, arabesque designs, surfaces embossed with Islamic calligraphy art, interior archways, intricate geometrical patterns and of course, the minarets in all their splendour and glory. It is evident that Islamic architecture is synonymous with attention to detail – the intricate perfection and thoroughly planned structural finesse are unparalleled and continue to intrigue architects as well as students from B. Arch courses worldwide.

7. 5. Baroque Architecture • Born in the vibrant 17th and 18th Century Baroque era characterized by a revolution in the fields of art, music, literature, painting and other creative fields, the Baroque architecture brought in a refreshing perspective to the architecture world. This architectural style was inspired by the Roman style but presents an interesting revamping of the same. • It was originally developed to present the strength of the Roman Catholic Church; subsequently, it consists of classic defining features like sprawling naves; extravagant interiors; intricately patterned ceilings; vibrant luminescence afforded by candles, chandeliers and other such props; and unfinished patterns and elements that give it a mystical feel.

8. Conclusion • The world of architecture has evolved in a multitude of ways and continues to be constantly shaped by the various architectural innovations being carried out worldwide. The best aspect of architecture is that it beautifully combines the concrete with the abstract and the technical with the artistic to produce remarkably appealing results. The best interior design colleges in Mumbai and other cities seek to tap the potential in this field and encourage students to attain new pinnacles. • At Aditya College, our expert faculty teaches with the mission to inspire young aspirants to study the existing architectural styles while also developing the skills and calibre to develop something innovative. Click here to know more about us and start your journey into architecture today!