Comparative Analysis
Comparative Analysis
FAR 1205
Architectural Communication 2
History of Architecture
Narrative Report
19th and 20th Century Architecture
Section : ARCH1E
I. History
Neoclassical Architecture
Characteristics
– inspired by the classical architecture of Greek temples and the religious, military,
and civic architecture of the Roman Empire
– symmetrical shape and focused broadly on the entire volume of a structure
Elements
Grand scale volumes
Dramatic columns
- classical orders such as Doric Ionic and Corinthian were used.
Simple geometric forms
Doric Greek or Roman detailing
- clean lines and simple, delicate forms are the focus of Neoclassical architecture.
It prefers a more subtle and sophisticated look, avoiding excessive ornamentation
and intricate detail.
Domed or flat roofs
Greek Revival
Characteristics
– proportion and symmetrical plan typically defined by the use of classical
elements
– monumental and the use of columns which are usually made from more
accessible materials such as stucco or stone and painted white.
Elements
Columns
- The columns are usually of the Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian order painted
in white.
Pediments
- triangular pediments above the entrance supported by the columns. Often
serves as a decorative element on the façade.
Low pitched gable roof similar to those of classical temples.
Façade
- symmetrical façade usually constructed with stone or stucco
Portico
- the principal porch or entrance and was roofed and usually open at the
sides, supported by regular arrangement of columns.
Entablature
- the building's or portico's upper portion
Elements:
Pointed Arch
- use of pointed arch in windows and/or doors
Roof
- steep-pitched roofs usually with steep cross gables
Bargeboards
Façade
- carved or turned porch posts and dormers
Finial
Board and batten siding
Victorian Architecture
Characteristics
– The different styles of architecture and their influences are mixed together from
various times and regions. It drew inspiration from Gothic, Romanesque,
Renaissance, and even exotic elements from other cultures.
– Complicated and asymmetrical shape
- Ornate detailing specially in the exterior façade windows, doors, and roofline.
Elements
Porches and Verandas
Bay windows
Dormer
Tower and turrets
Roof
- steeply-pitched gable roof
Finial
Beaux-Arts Architecture
Characteristics
– The style is monumental, with multicolored marbles and lavish statuary.
– Ornamental and symmetrical style of design
– Grand and imposing in size and scale structure
Elements
Columns
- classical orders such as Doric Ionic and Corinthian were used.
Pediments
- triangular pediments
Flat or low-pitched roof
Balustrades
- a decorative extension of the Classical Greek colonnade on a smaller
scale.
Arched window and doors
Symmetrical façade
- decorative garlands, floral patterns or shields
Art Nouveau
Characteristics
– Asymmetrical shape, extensive use of arches and free-flowing curved forms
– Organic form, feminine lines, and ornamental designs
Elements
Window
- stained glass and intricate window panes
Organic motifs
- nature-inspired repeating design patterns include depictions of organic
shapes
Ornamentation
- stylized versions of leaves, flowers, vines, insects, animals, and other
natural elements.
Sullivanesque Style
Characteristics
– Louis Sullivan's geometric and organic style is embodied by the Sullivanesque.
– The Sullivanesque style is characterized by ornamental decoration, simplicity in
design, and uninterrupted elements that express height.
Elements
Intricately patterned, wide decorative cornice
Vertical bands of windows
Terra cotta or plaster panels with sculptural ornamentation
Flat roof with deep projecting eaves
Porthole windows at cornice level
Large round or Syrian arch at entry
Curvilinear and entwined decorative pattern
Commercial Style
Characteristics
– Some structures in the Commercial style have very plain designs with little
ornamentation or reference to earlier architectural styles.
– These simple commercial structures foreshadowed the design of even taller and
more simplistic modern skyscrapers.
Elements
Flat roofs
Steel and beam construction
Masonry wall surface
Three-part windows or projecting bay windows
Decorative cornices
Craftsman Style
Characteristics
– Craftsman house exteriors emphasize harmony with the natural environment.
– It is defined by their bungalow-inspired layouts and appealing designs.
Elements
Low-pitched, gabled roof
Front porch
Tapered columns
Partially paned door
Multi-pane instead of single-pane windows
Single dormers
Stone details
Exposed rafter tails and beams under deep roof eaves
Knee braces
Commercial Style
Characteristics
– Horizontal lines
– Handmade craftsmanship
– Simple and natural woodwork
– Open concept first floor
– Flow from inside to outside
– Natural materials and motifs
– Massive walls of windows
Elements
Large central chimneys
Interior wood banding
Brick or Stucco exteriors
Cantilevered, flat roofs
Rows of windows
Expressionism Style
Characteristics
– Organic forms
– Symbolism
– Use of materials
– Dramatic use of Light and Shadow
Elements
Cave-like interiors
Pointed edges, surfaces, and intersection
Tower-like interiors
Use of glass, concrete, and crystal materials
Art Deco Style
Characteristics
– Modern and traditional building materials
– Ornate, geometric detailing
– Consistent detailing
– Bold use of contrasting colors
– Fragmented shapes
– Decorative, geometric windows
– Parapets and spires
Elements
Roof
- Flat roofs were commonly used in the art deco movement, with details
emphasizing corners and entrances.
Windows
- The windows in art deco design are purposefully designed to contrast
with the surrounding walls by blending solid and void forms.
Entrances
- Doorways are sometimes surrounded by ornate pilasters and pediments
Materials
- Builders achieved this look by using materials like stucco, concrete, terra
cotta, steel, and aluminum.
Bauhaus Style
Characteristics
– Function follows forms
– Basic color scheme
– Integrated design
Asymmetry over symmetry
– Minimal material palette
Elements
Roof
- flat roof
Wall
- glass curtain walls
Industrial materials
- use of steel and concrete
International Style
Characteristics
– Free plans
– Rectilinear forms
– Light-weight materials
Lack of ornamentation and color
– Flat surfaces
Elements
Roof
- flat roof
Window
- ribbon windows
Industrial materials
- use of steel, glass and reinforced concrete
Glass curtain walls
Elements
Large interior open space
Wall
- glass curtain walls
use of steel frames
Brutalist Style
Characteristics
– Rough surfaces
– Massive forms and unusual shapes
– Expression of structure
Elements
Use of modern materials such as steel, glass, and stone
Small windows
Use of raw exposed concrete exteriors
Sharp lines, cold and solid facades
Organic Style
Characteristics
– Harmony and connection with nature
– Use of renewable materials
– Passive solar design
Elements
Living roofs, potted plants, and water features
Open-floor plans
Plenty of windows to allow natural light to illuminate spaces
Plenty of ventilation to increase air flow
Deconstructivism
Characteristics
– Surface manipulation
– Fragmentation
– Non-rectilinear shapes
Elements
Smooth exterior surfaces
Window frames often hidden in the walls
Simple metal frame doors