2. What is
architecture?
• Architecture is the art and
technique of designing a
building or a building
environment. It is the artistic
and technical process that
involves the elaboration of
organised and creative spaces to
house different types of human
activities. Architecture is the
arrangement of the parts or
elements that make up buildings
or urban spaces, in general.
• This art consists of the set of
principles, standards,
techniques and materials used
by the architect to create an
architectural space. The
architect is the professional
3. • At different times in history, each civilisation built architectural
designs based on its own elements. The inspiration for these
particularities lies in the culture, tradition and way of life of the
respective societies.
Architectural Styles
4. Modern
Architecture
The modern architecture is inspired
in the industrial revolution.
Architects give preference to the use
of iron , glass and concrete as the
main materials of their works. The
designs of industrial character have
simple , geometric shapes, and unlike
classical architecture, have little or no
ornamentation. One of the most
striking building types in modern
architecture was undoubtedly the
skyscrapers.
5. This architectural style is often confused with
modern architecture, but in reality, they are
different and portray different periods.
Contemporary architecture consists of a set of
different styles and one of the most prominent
features of post-modernity is pluralism.
Contemporary architects prioritise the use of
natural light and, above all, the integration of
construction with the environment, without
causing negative impacts on the environment.
The works are generally of an irregular shape,
with large windows (a means of obtaining more
natural light) and they use recyclable materials.
This style also tends to incorporate new
technologies.
Contemporary
Architecture
6. Sustainable Architecture
• Considered a strong strand within contemporary architecture, the sustainable
architectural style began to become popular between the 1980s and 1990s.
• As the name suggests, architects seek to ensure the Sustainability of the
environment, making sure that the constructions do not cause negative impacts
on nature.
• For this, there are some principles that characterise sustainable architecture,
such as
• Planning the construction work based primarily on all the natural
surroundings (ecosystems, hydrography, geology, etc.), as well as the climatic
conditions of the site;
• Reducing as far as possible the consumption of energy used in the construction
work, prioritising the use of clean/renewable energy sources;
• Using ecological, recycled and regional materials (avoiding the environmental
wear and tear that the transport of materials could cause);
• Ensuring that the final work is integrated within the environment;
• Ensuring water saving during the construction of the building, as well as
providing the appropriate infrastructure so that the building is be able to save
water (installing timers / sensors in taps and showers, for example);
• Ensuring that the building produces energy in a sustainable way (installing
solar panels, for example).
7. Greek Architecture
• The temples built in carved stone are the main
works.
• One of the main characteristics of this style is the
use of columns. These were divided into three
distinct architectural models, either by shape or
by form:
• the Doric features columns with rigid lines and
flat capitals
• The Ionic which characterized by the lightness
and elegance of the columns
• the Corinthian, with the upper part (capital)
ornamented in the shape of leaves
8. Roman Architecture
• Roman architecture is part of the classical phase of
architectural styles.
• Through their works, Roman architects wanted not
only to express an idealisation of beauty, but also to
represent the reality lived by citizens.
• Unlike Greek architecture, this one kept its
constructions predominantly in urban areas. It was
common to plan temples, spas, aqueducts and
amphitheatres.
• Aesthetically, Roman architecture is characterized by
the valorisation of arches. Moreover, the buildings
used to have large vaults and internal spaces free of
columns.
9. Gothic Architecture
• The main buildings of this period were the churches,
which brought together some of the strongest features
of the Gothic period:
• ogival arches;
• vaults formed by a set of ogival arches;
• facades with three arches;
• a buttressed arch.
• These structural innovations meant that, for the first
time, buildings could have greater verticality. Hence,
Gothic cathedrals are known for their imposing
vertical elevation.
• In addition, Gothic architecture also placed great
value on decorative façades. It was common to use of
expressive sculptures, lace, richly detailed balustrades
and colourful stained glass/rosace windows.
10. Renaissance Architecture
• Symmetry valorisation
• Horizontality in form;
• Columns supported by corbels;
• Pediments alternation;
• Semicircular arches;
• Enhancement of delicate and articulated feature
The Renaissance architecture opposes to
the Gothic style. It values aspects that
refer to the concepts of
anthropocentrism, the symmetrical
perfection with rigorous proportions and
the "man-reason".
Some characteristics of Renaissance
architecture are :
11. Reason for choosing this topic
•The reason for choosing this topic is not only
because architecture is the art that I most
admire and like, but also because it is the
occupation I want to have in the future.
