ARCHITECTURAL HISTORICISM

THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE
PRESENTATION BY ADEELA BEEGAM PV
WHAT IS HISTORICISM?
-the theory that social and cultural phenomena are determined by history
all human actions and ideas have to be explained historically according to their specific historical causes and context.

EXAMPLES ARE:.
•City Districts.
•Streets.
•Squares.
•Gardens and Parks.
•Churches and Houses of Prayer.
•Hotels.
•Villas and Palaces.
•Public Buildings.
GOTHIC REVIVAL

Gothic Revival emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the neoclassical styles dominating
architecture. It gained momentum during the 19th century, fueled by a renewed interest in medieval art
And architecture.

Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, Gothic Revival architecture

drew inspiration from medieval cathedrals and castles. Decorative elements

such as tracery, gargoyles, and spires were prominent in this style.

Initially associated with religious buildings, Gothic Revival later found expression

in various structures, including universities, government buildings, and private

residences. It became a versatile style used for both public and private architecture.
GOTHIC REVIVAL
• Romantic Movement Influence: The Gothic Revival was closely tied to the Romantic movement,
emphasizing individualism, emotion, and a fascination with the past. Architects sought to evoke a
sense of mystery and nostalgia through the use of Gothic elements.

• Features like pointed arches, intricate tracery, and elaborate detailing were inspired by a
romanticized view of the medieval past. Notable examples include the Palace of Westminster in
London and the Strawberry Hill House, both reflecting the fusion of Gothic elements with the
romantic ideals of mystery and imagination.
NEO CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE

Neo-Classical architecture, prevalent in the 18th and early 19th centuries,

Neo-Classical architecture drew heavily from the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.
BUILDING FEATURES:
Prominent use of columns, especially Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, along with triangular
pediments.
Clean Lines and Simple Forms: Avoidance of excessive ornamentation, favoring clean lines and simple
geometric shapes
.Use of Porticos: Incorporation of grand entrance porticos, often supported by columns, providing a
sense of grandeur.
Tripartite Division: Buildings often divided into three main parts – a base, middle section, and top.
Classical Motifs and Decorations: Employed classical motifs like friezes, metopes, and classical
sculptures to enhance architectural elements.
Emphasis on Rationality: Reflects Enlightenment ideals, with an emphasis on rationality, order, and
intellectual clarity in design.
Us capitol
partheno
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Ecole militaire
Frieze and motif
RENAISSANCE REVIVAL

• The Renaissance Revival, 19th-20th century movement, sought to revive artistic styles,
architecture, and ideals from the original Renaissance period (14th-17th centuries) in Europe.
Characterized by ornate designs, classical motifs, and a fascination with humanism, it influenced
various disciplines, including art, literature, and architecture.
• Artistic Rediscovery:Embraced classical aesthetics, reviving techniques like chiaroscuro and
perspective.Artists like Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci served as inspirations.
• Architectural Resurgence:Buildings mirrored Renaissance structures with domes, arches, and
symmetry.Prominent use of columns, pilasters, and decorative elements.

Elgin and winter garden theatres,toronto

VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE
• Distinctive Silhouettes:Victorian architecture is known for its diverse rooflines, including steep
gables, turrets, and towers.Varied roof shapes contribute to the iconic silhouette of Victorian
homes and buildings.
• Rich Color Palette:Victorians embraced vibrant colors, both for exterior and interior
design.Painted in multiple hues, Victorian buildings often featured contrasting colors to highlight
architectural details.
• Intricate Ironwork:Ornate wrought iron elements, such as balconies, railings, and verandas, are
common in Victorian architecture.
• The use of ironwork adds a decorative and whimsical touch to the facades of Victorian building

St.pancras renaissance hotel,London

ARTS AND CRAFT MOVEMENT
• The Arts and Crafts Movement was, in many ways, a precursor to modern architecture and
design. This Movement's emphasis on basic forms, asymmetry, and stripped-back design provides
a foundation and framework for the later, modern designs to emerge from twentieth century.
• clarity of form or structure, variety of materials, asymmetry, traditional construction and
craftsmanship.

by William morris
BEAUX-ARTS ARCHITECTURE
• Beaux-Arts architecture originated in France in the 19th century, particularly in the École des
Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Paris. It became influential in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries.
• Beaux-Arts architecture is known for its eclectic and grandiose style, drawing inspiration from
classical Greek and Roman architecture. It often incorporates elements such as columns, domes,
and symmetry.
• he style was particularly popular for designing public buildings, institutions, and monuments.
Notable examples include museums, train stations, and government buildings.
• Eclectic and Ornate Style: This architectural style is known for its eclectic and grandiose approach,
featuring ornate detailing, decorative elements, and a sense of opulence. The emphasis on
ornamentation contributes to the overall grandeur of Beaux-Arts buildings.

Palais garnier,paris
ART DECO
• Art Deco is an influential design style that emerged in the early 20th century, flourishing in the
1920s and 1930s.
• Geometric Shapes: Art Deco embraces bold geometric forms, featuring straight lines, zigzags, and
symmetrical patterns, reflecting a modern and industrial aesthetic
• .Luxurious Materials: The style often incorporates opulent materials like chrome, glass, and
mirrors, conveying a sense of luxury and glamour.
• Iconic Motifs: Art Deco is characterized by distinctive motifs such as chevrons, sunbursts, and
stylized flora and fauna, contributing to its unique and recognizable visual language.

Empire state building

COLONIAL REVIVAL
• Colonial Revival refers to a design and architectural movement in the United States during the
late 19th and early 20th centuries. It sought to revive the architectural styles and elements of the
American colonial period, drawing inspiration from the early English and Dutch colonial
settlements.
• olonial Revival drew inspiration from the architectural styles of the American colonial period,
aiming to recreate the charm and elegance of early English and Dutch settlements.
• Buildings in the Colonial Revival style often featured symmetrical facades, red brick exteriors, and
traditional elements like dormer windows, classical columns, and pediments.

The whitehouse ,Washington D.C

BAUHAUS MOVEMENT
• The Bauhaus movement was a influential art and design school that operated from 1919 to 1933
in Germany. It emphasized the integration of fine arts, crafts, and technology, promoting a
functional and minimalist approach to design. Bauhaus had a profound impact on modern
architecture, furniture design, and graphic design.
• integration of Art and Craftsmanship: Bauhaus aimed to break down the traditional boundaries
between fine arts and crafts, emphasizing the equal importance of both. The goal was to create a
harmonious relationship between artistic creativity and industrial production.
• Bauhaus embraced a functionalist approach, prioritizing practicality and efficiency in design. This
led to the creation of minimalist, geometric forms and structures that served a purpose without
unnecessary embellishments.
POST MODERN ARCHITECTURE
• Postmodern architecture emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction to the modernist
movement. It often incorporates historical elements, playful shapes, and eclectic influences,
rejecting the strict principles of modernism. Notable examples include Frank Gehry's Guggenheim
Museum Bilbao and Michael Graves' Portland Building.
• Eclecticism: Postmodern architecture embraces a mix of styles, materials, and forms, rejecting the
rigid uniformity of modernism in favor of diversity and eclectic influences.
• Historical References: Postmodern buildings often incorporate historical elements, symbols, and
references, challenging the modernist rejection of historical ornamentation and context.
• Playfulness and Irony: A sense of playfulness and irony characterizes postmodern design, with
architects using unconventional shapes, colors, and decorative elements to challenge the
seriousness of modernist principles.
Architectural historicism doesn't have a definite end, as it
involves dinspiration from various historical styles. However,
archirawing inspiration from various historical styles. However,
architectural trends are dynamic, and shifts in design
preferences often occur over time. Contemporary architects
may continue to blend historic elements with modern
concepts, creating new forms of expression.
THANK YOU