#evolutionofarchitecture

The Evolution of Architecture:

Humans began constructing buildings with aesthetics in mind around 10,000 BC, or the Neolithic period. Before archaeologists discovered or figured out, humans created stone circles, megaliths, mounds, and unusual structures. Architecture was invented after humans built homes outside caves using basic materials like sticks and rocks. The word architecture can be defined in various ways. It can be an art, a science, a process, or a result. Architecture is the process of planning, designing, sketching, etc, and its result. Furthermore, it’s considered art and has been used for centuries to depict community culture. Architecture surrounds our everyday lives and thrives in urban environments.

Old structures include Stonehenge, Egyptian pyramids and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney structures on the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Years later, the door was created. The purpose of a door was to keep predators from entering homes, and it is still relevant to this day. Slowly but surely, homes evolved over generations, including more rooms and geometric designs. Archaeologists don’t know why older generations began building more complex structures, guessing that people imitated objects like the sun. Eventually, humans invented mud bricks during the Mesopotamian period. During this time, religion was practised and evolving, influencing the designs of structures. Many buildings were created through slave labour, such as the ancient Egyptian pyramids. Places steeped in cultural architecture are Greece, Rome and Harappa. Ancient Greek architects began focusing on the appearance of buildings, rather than just their functional use. They would use planned sketches and even sculptures to design their buildings. The treatise “De architectura” by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio was the first written piece surrounding architecture and the first about the theory of architecture.

Architecture from different places and cultures influenced the designs of buildings, especially as world exploration began to emerge. Countries started to incorporate architecture similar to that of places explorers visited; for example, an architect may visit India and imitate designs from India in Britain. Furthermore, world exploration invented the Romanesque style of architecture during the 10th and 12th centuries; Stonemasons primarily built the churches built during this time. Gothic architecture was created after the Romanesque style, and modern architecture began to develop. Modern architecture continuously evolves. Historic architecture tends to be preserved to keep its cultural significance and materials for the future.

To this day, architecture is influenced by old architecture. For example, the prominent architectural designs of Rome and Greece, i.e., the columns and symmetry, are used in today’s architecture. Courthouses are an example of old architecture being implemented in modern architecture. Furthermore, modern buildings are influenced by Gothic architecture, specifically within urban environments, like skyscrapers within cities. These buildings are similar to the pointed arches seen within Gothic architecture, especially in cathedrals or churches. Modern architecture often implements minimalistic designs, where components are stripped down to create a simple aesthetic. Furthermore, more architects use basic colours like white, grey, and glass as key design features. Due to the climate change problem, architects must reuse materials instead of locally found resources.

References:

https://www.spatialdesignarchitects.com/journal/the-history-of-architectural-design/#:~:text=The%20Origins%20of%20Architecture,basic%20materials%20from%20the%20area.

https://www.thoughtco.com/architecture-timeline-historic-periods-styles-175996#:~:text=Architecture%20started%20in%20prehistoric%20times,past%20influences%20with%20innovative%20designs.

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-architecture-178087

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture

https://www.enginuityadvantage.com/from-ancient-to-modern-how-historical-architectural-styles-shape-todays-designs/#:~:text=The%20Classical%20Foundations,America%20echo%20these%20ancient%20motifs.

Architecture: A Timeline

Prehistoric Times - 11,600 BC to 3,500 BC

Stonehenge, England

The earliest form of architecture was the Prehistoric period. During this period, humans used basic materials like rocks, animal bones and sticks to build huts and domes after moving from caves. Function rather than aesthetic was prioritised, like doors and keeping heat in.

My take: To research and develop this further, I could create basic structures in natural environments like forests, using basic materials such as leaves and sticks. Furthermore, I could document my process through photography and attempt to evolve on related ideas.

Ancient Egypt - 3,050 BC to 900 BC

Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt

Archaeologists and architects are often puzzled by ancient Egypt. They believe the pyramids and tombs represented gods, and enslaved people built the structures. Most of the structures were built during the first three dynastic periods in the Nile valley and Nubia. The flooding of the Nile River destroyed many of the homes built. Furthermore, the houses were built out of sun-baked blocks of mud.

My take: I’ve always been fascinated by ancient Egypt, as there are many mysterieses surrounding the history. I may research Ancient Egypt further, relating it to the unpredictable nature of the brief.

Classical Architecture - 850 AD TO 476 AD

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

Classical architecture was founded in Rome and Greece, and its notable characteristics include attention to detail, symmetry, collums, marble and rectangular windows. Marcus Vitruvius was a Roman architect who created the basic principles of classical architecture in his work "De Architectura". Furthermore, classical architecture influenced architects for years to come and has been remade multiple times. Examples of classical architecture being revived are Neoclassical, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Although, Roman architecture was heavily inspired by Greek architecture, and was created after.

My take: I’ve visited Rome before and was in love with its architecture. I took multiple pictures and explored crucial places like Pompeii and the Vatican. I may use the photography from Rome to begin making work, using the pictures as references or printing them out to collage with. Furthermore, Classical architecture is important as its the fundamentals of many buildings.

Byzantine & Early Christian Architecture - 373 AD to 565 AD

Hagia Irene or Aya İrini Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey

Byzantine architecture was influenced by Roman architecture at first, specifically temples. A big characteristics of Byzatine architecture was domed roofs and bricks. Churches began to get built and buildings started including religious elements, bleeding into features of early Christian architecture. Christian architecture gave new meanings to art, using mosaics and engravings similar to Roman architecture.

My take: I’m interested specifically within the art surrounding this period of architecture. The religious aspects interest me, as I grew up religious and would like to research Christian architecture more. Furthermore, throughout my artistic journey so far I've included religious concepts and using architectural themes would be a new way of working.

Romanesque Architecture - 500 AD to 1200 AD

Maria Laach Abbey, Germany

As the Roman Empire flooded across Europe, much of its architecture influenced different countries during the Medieval period. More and more churches were being built. Romanesque architecture is a blend of Byzantine and Roman architecture, with elements of Gothic architecture. For example, it included domed roofs with pointed arches. Furthermore, architects began incorporating heavier and larger materials to build.

My take: Although I like this style, I’d rather research Byzantine and Gothic architecture more in depth rather than Romanesque. This is due to both periods of architecture being blended rather than its own, whereas Byzantine and Gothic architecture seems more important separately.

Gothic Architecture - 1100 to 1450

York Minster, York, England

This period originated in Europe and mainly started in France. Buildings were taller, and Cathedrals were a staple of Gothic architecture. Despite the dark aesthetic of Gothic architecture, religion influenced the designs, and Gothic buildings are some of the most holy. The word “Gothic” was a derogatory term that began in Europe, commonly associated with ugliness and unorthodoxy. Furthermore, people at this time looked down upon the style as the typical characteristics strayed away from Classical architecture and was compared to the Gothic (German) tribes that destroyed the Roman Empire. Common characteristics are stained glass windows, gargoyles, engravings, flying buttresses, and pointed arches. The name “Gothic” was inaccurate, but remains to describe the style of architecture to this day. Architects in the 19th and 20th century revived Gothic architecture.

My take: Gothic is my favourite style of architecture. For years, I've depicted Gothic architecture within my work. I've always been hypnotised by the style, the history and the emotions surrounding it, as the style has religious elements, it almost seems satanic. This is due to the style going against traditional norms, the origins of its name evidencing this, rendering it political. I may dive into this aspect further. However, I don't know the history related to Gothic architecture, and I must research it further to continue creating artwork at a higher standard. I may explore the unpredictability of the style and how it's evolved, relating to the brief.

Renaissance Architecture - 1400 AD to 1600 AD

Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød, Denmark

Renaissance architecture was a revival of Classical architecture, taking inspiration from Rome and Greece, originating in Italy, England and France. Villas began being built more, specifically in this style. Renaissance architecture spread across Europe, and modern architects take inspiration from this period. Furthermore, Renaissance art was on the rise and incorporated into structural designs.

My take: The link between this period of architecture and Renaissance art formed the idea of creating my own art for each period of architecture and the art of that time. I may create artwork relating to the brief in a timeline format of the evolution of architecture, and incorporate elements of the art style surrounding each period.

Baroque Architecture - 1600 AD to 1830 AD

Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles, France

Baroque architecture was similar to Renaissance architecture, but took elements further. Architects incorporated self-expression using opulent paintings, contrasting colours, and dramatic shapes and ornaments. Art and music evolved during this time, influencing architecture; famous musicians included Bach, Monteverdi and Corelli. Baroque architecture inspired Rococo architecture between 1650 and 1790.

My take: I'm intrigued by the relation of music and architecture during this time, as music created within this period set the fundamentals of today's music. I may research the musical aspect further.

Victorian Architecture - 1840 AD to 1900 AD

Carson Mansion in Eureka, California, USA

Victorian architecture began in England and spread to various countries, including Australia, North America, and New Zealand. Although this period of architecture has its own characteristics, many other styles of architecture originated during this period across the world. Neoclassicism began during the Baroque period and bled through to Victorian architecture, 1730 to 1925. Art Nouveau (1890 to 1914) and Beaux Arts (1895 to 1925) architecture started near the end of Victorian architecture, influencing these styles. The rise of the middle class and wealth began during the Victorian period. Furthermore, typically Victorian houses were built to include people from different backgrounds and income levels, rendering this period a crucial point in architectural history. Victorian houses paved the way for semi-detached, detached and rows of terraced houses, usually for factory workers. Although these styles of homes began with large rooms and high ceilings, they started including smaller houses for low-income workers, and families with servants on the bottom floor. By the end of this period, Victorian homes began including modern conveniences like sanitation, cold and hot running water, and gas.

Reference:

What Is Victorian Architecture?

My take: Victorian architecture was one of, if not the most critical, periods, as it was the beginning of politically motivated architecture. Poverty has always been, and still is, a problem for humans, but during the Victorian period, architects and society started considering people of different classes. Although there was still a lot to work on at the time, it was the beginning of something. However, segregation within different classes and cultures is still a problem, so this may have made it worse, in a way. I may look into this further, and delve into the political side of architecture, i.e. slave labour and various classes.

Modern Architecture - 1900 AD to Present

Villa Savoye, Poissy, France

Modern architecture refers to multiple recent styles of architecture that are relevant to architecture in the present day. Architectural styles within the contemporary period are Neo-Gothic, 1905 to 1930, Art Deco, 1925 to 1937, Post-Modernism, 1972 to present, and Neo-Modernism and Parametricism, 1997 to present. Modern architecture is often a revival of a previous style of architecture, or taking elements of older styles and transforming them into another style and taking ideas further, or in another direction. An example of this is Neo-Gothic architecture. Neo-Gothic architecture was a Victorian style influenced by cathedrals and elements of medieval architecture, inspired by the Gothic revival that started in the 17th Century. Furthermore, this style of architecture was applied to modern buildings and converted previous styles of architecture into its own style.