Changes in Architecture throughout history

Changes in Architecture throughout history

I . Introduction

Architecture is the art and science of designing and building shelter for various human activities by enclosing space . At its best , it is a major art form that combines usefulness with beauty . When designing a building , the architect considers the structural system and materials to be used , the purpose of the building , and the size , shape , location , and contours of the site . He or she must also understand the working or living patterns of the people who will occupy or use the building

Architecture

may be religious , domestic , governmental , commercial , or industrial . It expresses the interests and ideals of a civilization , and reflects the ways of living and the construction methods of the era in which it was produced . The Christian religion became a dominant influence in medieval Europe and is expressed in the Gothic cathedrals High-rise office buildings reflect the importance of business of 20th-century life (Squire , 2003

Architecture has been influenced not only by religious , political social , and economic conditions , but also by the climate and available building materials of a region , and by inventions and scientific discoveries . In far northern lands of forests , heavy snow , and little sunlight , for instance , wooden structures with steeply sloping roofs and many windows became common . In southern lands where wood is scarce and there is little rain and much sunlight , buildings were often made of sun-dried brick , with flat roofs and only a few small windows . With the technological advances of the 20th century , regional differences in architecture became less obvious (Musgrove , 2000 . The importance of climate and natural resources diminished with improved methods of transportation and with improved heating ventilation

Architectural styles differ in structural methods , building materials and surface ornamentation . Three principles of building have governed architectural style - post and lintel , the arch , and the cantilever

The purposes of this are to understand and have an in-depth study on the changes in architecture throughout time

II . Background

A . The Renaissance

The Renaissance period in architecture began in Italy in the 15th century . By the end of the 16th century , Renaissance architecture had spread throughout Western Europe . Although it was inspired by Roman architectural forms , Byzantine and Gothic construction methods were used and improved on

The Renaissance movement developed in each country along national lines . There were several common characteristics , however . The Romans s of architecture and the round arch were reintroduced and used for both structural and ornamental purposes . A major concern of renaissance architects was the external effect of a building . Horizontal lines and the symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors emphasized balance and serenity . The dome , raised on a drum , became a prominent feature . Church building continued , but there was more emphasis on the construction of houses and civic buildings (Caudill , 2001

Emphasis on the importance of the individual was a major aspect of the Renaissance period . For the first time , individual architects were recognized and honored

III . Discussion

A . Prehistoric Architecture

Early humans had neither time nor skill...