Memorable buildings are known to adopt certain architectural styles that are easily identifiable. A majority of these design elements are still in use as some firm of architects are using timeless principles of designs as a way of inspiring their design projects. You can always check out architecture agency Saint Jean Cap Ferrat on things pertaining construction and renovation projects for your home.
While constructing your project, it's crucial to know different styles. The styles in this article will help you inspire how you can choose a suitable design for your project that an architectural firm will help you realise. Here are some of the most popular styles.
Victorian style
This building style refers to buildings that were constructed during England's Queen Victoria's reign. Unlike other styles, this style does not limit itself to a particular design as it can be used to refer to the revival of Tudor, Romanesque and Gothic elements.
This style was mostly used in residential designs in the industrial revolution. A majority of the homes in the U.S, Australia and the U.K. utilised this style. Most Victorian homes share one characteristic: the 'dollhouse' look as they have vivid colors, asymmetrical designs, and elaborate trims. Some famous Victorian buildings include; Balmore Castle, Postcard Row, Osborne House and Royal Albert Hall.
Villa style
The villa will always have a central place in terms of western culture history. Villa style architecture involves the ideology of constructing a home away from the city within a natural setting by an architectural firm. It has always captured the imagination of wealthy architects and patrons. The design of the villa has changed over time and has even had its location changed to urban areas in garden settings or suburban areas. The villa style architecture will always remain an architectural design that has been revived and reimagined across Western Europe and other parts of the world.
Neoclassical style
Just as the name suggests, neoclassical designs act as a revival of the classical style. It is reminiscent of the Roman and Greek forms and this led to the 18th-century buildings looking like Roman and Greek temples. This style is defined by its free-standing columns, massive buildings, uncluttered appearance and clean, elegant lines. The most common examples are the White House in the USA, the General post office located in Dublin and the Bank of England building found in Liverpool.
Modern style
This style refers to an umbrella term covering a wide range of styles that became famous at the beginning of the 20th century. Several architects used this style until the end of World War 2. This style prioritises a simple form, lack of ornamentation, clean structure and function over form. Moreover, this style takes advantage of the advanced technology in concrete, steel and glass.
Post-modern style
Since the modern style was rigid and had austerity, this style was launched in the 1960s. Most post-modern designs involved artistic ornamentation and decorative ideas into the building as opposed to clean lines used by modern styles. This post-modern style declined to be categorised under one type of style. Therefore, this style drew inspiration from mixing several styles.
For various buildings, mixing several of these styles resulted in somehow whimsical and hybrid designs. Some buildings that incorporated this style include; Vanna Venturi located in Pennsylvania, Dancing House in Prague and SIS building in the U.K.
Art deco style
This style is well known in the art deco movement. This movement happened in Europe and the U.S. in the 1920s and it spanned the realms of homewares, fashion and building styles during the Great depression. You can find some of the art deco architectures in France and Paris. This influenced the emergence of iconic sky scrappers like Rockefeller center, Chrysler Building and Empire State building.
Buildings that incorporate the art deco designs use chrome steel, aluminum, decorative glass, and terracotta materials. They also feature geometric and ornate details like pyramids, florals or stylised sunbursts, zigzags, pyramids and chevrons. Most art deco buildings feature bright, opulent colors accented with contrasting gold, white, silver or black. They also feature decorative geometric windows, spires, parapets and fragmented triangular shapes.
Tudor style
This type of architecture emerged during the Tudor period and this style incorporates storybook cottages and an old warm charm. Homes that were built using this style combined Gothic and Renaissance design elements to create a transitional style. This style was also reborn in the USA at the beginning of the 1890s and remained to be popular throughout the 1940s.
Homes that use this style features unique half-timber detailing and long vertically placed wood beams that create a two-toned outside look.
Arts and crafts style
This style originated in Great Britain during the 19th century and slowly made its way to the USA. At the start of the 20th century, this style encompassed interior design, fine art, textiles and many more. Several styles were born from the arts and crafts style such as the Bungalow-style homes. These were thoughtfully constructed structures that were originally made for working-class families.
Homes that use this style are symmetrical. Meaning they are low to the ground and mainly designed for minimal upkeep and efficiency. They also feature large fireplaces, several windows and panels and open floor plants, among other features.
Conclusion
There are many styles that firm of architects can help you choose from and make your project look great. The built environment has a varied list of architectural designs that come with overlapping styles which have made their way around the world. Most of these styles adapt to cultural needs, climates and landscapes.