8 Architectural Styles That Shaped The World

Architecture, which is not merely a construction activity but also a mirror of culture, society, and its time, has undergone countless changes throughout history. The structures that people have built for thousands of years have not only been the solution to the need for shelter; they have also been buildings that shape the environment and reflect the identity of society.

Various architectural styles have emerged in different geographies and at different times throughout human history. With architectural styles, it is possible to determine in which period a structure was built and what the social, economic, and technological conditions were at that time.

Architectural styles emerged in different periods and different geographies and spread to many parts of the world. Here are 8 architectural styles that shape the world:

1. Classical Architecture Style

Emerging in Ancient Greece around the 5th century BC and later in Rome around the 3rd century AD, the Classical Architecture style has been revived numerous times throughout history. Placing great emphasis on symmetry, proportion, order, aesthetics, geometry, and perspective, Classical Architecture is renowned for its grand stone religious temples. In structures built in the classical architecture style, marble or another durable stone was generally used, and arches played an important role in the load-bearing system of the structures. Features such as interior moldings, medium-pitched roofs, boxed eaves, decorative door frames, and broken pediments above entrance doors are hallmark characteristics of Classical architecture.

Structures built in the Classical architecture style are mostly symmetrical, and columns of a certain style, each with its own height, width, and ornaments, are designed at equal intervals. These columns were classified into Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders in Greek architecture and Tuscan and Composite orders in Roman architecture.

• Doric Order: The oldest and simplest Greek column order, the Doric column capitals are simple and plain. The columns, which usually have a fluted body, are without a base.
• Ionic Order: The Ionic order, which has a more elegant and ornate appearance compared to the Doric, has column capitals decorated with spiral-curved “volute” decorations.
• Corinthian Order: The Corinthian order is the most ornate and elegant, with its column capital covered with acanthus leaves and a very detailed appearance.
• Tuscan Order: The Tuscan order, which has a straight shaft and a simple top, is similar to the Doric but much plainer.
• Composite Order: The Composite style, which emerged by blending the Corinthian and Ionic orders, has column capitals decorated with both volutes and acanthus leaves.

Examples of Classical Architecture Style:

• Parthenon, Athens, Greece: Built in the 5th century BC as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is an example of the Doric order with its simple and unadorned columns.
• Pantheon, Rome, Italy: Dating to the 2nd century BC, this structure in Rome has Corinthian columns and a large concrete dome.
• Colosseum, Rome, Italy: Built in 70-80 AD, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater built in the classical architectural style.

2. Romanesque Architecture Style

Romanesque architecture, the first architectural style to emerge after the fall of the Roman Empire, developed in Europe between the 6th and 9th centuries. The Romanesque Architectural Style, which emerged at a time when European countries were at war and there was concern about protection against invasions, is generally full of solid, bulky, heavy-looking buildings. The small windows of Romanesque structures, which have thick walls for strength and defense, limit the connection with the outside world.

Built to inspire awe and provide a sense of security, Romanesque buildings were often of impressive size. Many Romanesque cathedrals featured tall, pointed octagonal towers and followed a Latin cross plan. Circular or semicircular arches and stone vaults used to carry the weight give the interior a distinctive character. Buildings built with the Romanesque architectural style share a lack of ornamentation. Romanesque buildings are plain and bare except for a few isolated points with intricate stonework.

Examples of Romanesque Architecture Style:

• Pisa Cathedral, Tuscany, Italy: Renowned for its leaning tower, the Pisa Cathedral is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower are all built of white marble, and the numerous windows on the exterior are all small, so they do not provide natural light. With dozens of round arches surrounded by geometric stonework on its facade, Pisa Cathedral is an impressive example of the Romanesque architectural style.
• Durham Cathedral, Durham, England: The construction of the cathedral, which began in 1093, has thick walls that ensure the stability of the structure while creating a dim atmosphere inside. The cathedral, which is a unique example of the Romanesque architectural style with its small windows and round arches used in windows and doors, has two striking towers.

3. Gothic Architecture Style

One of the most distinctive architectural styles in the world, the Gothic architectural style first emerged in Northern France in the early 12th century. This style, which was rapidly adopted throughout Europe, showed its influence beyond its origins in architecture in sculpture, textiles, and painting. This style, which evolved from Romanesque architecture, combined detailed observation of nature with impressive elegance. Seeking to alleviate the pressure exerted by the heavy walls supporting the massive roofs of Romanesque architecture, the Gothic style redirected this weight along the ribs of the vaults, through flying buttresses, and down to vertical supports (piers). This frame system, which changed the load distribution in buildings, allowed for lighter walls and ceilings to increase the height of the building and more efficient use of building materials.

This style, which is frequently preferred in the construction of religious buildings, has produced works that are light and bright, extending towards the sky and evoking the otherworldliness, symbolizing the greatness and holiness of God. The pointed towers of the cathedrals, which were designed in the Gothic style, reach up to the sky and symbolize closeness to God.

Displaying a complex and delicate aesthetic that values ​​height, the Gothic architectural style is generally characterized by 5 basic architectural elements.

• Pointed Arches: Pointed arches, one of the most distinctive features of the Gothic style, allow structures to reach higher and have a thinner appearance.
• Flying Buttresses: Supporting the interior spaces by leaning on the exterior walls of the structures and distributing the weight of the heavy roof to a more solid level, flying buttresses allowed thinner interior walls and larger windows.
• Ribbed Vaults: Covering the nave of a church, ribbed vaults consist of intersecting barrel vaults, which are arches placed together to support a rounded roof. A distinctive element of Gothic architecture, ribbed vaults contribute to the rich appearance of interior spaces and allow for higher ceilings and longer windows.
• Stained Glass Windows: Stained glass windows, one of the most impressive features of Gothic cathedrals, created with colored glass, bring color and light to the interior spaces while telling religious stories taken from the Bible. Rose windows, designed in the shape of a rose, are a recognizable element of Gothic architecture.
• Ornate Decoration: Gothic buildings are adorned with a variety of decorative elements, including ornate columns and colonettes, statues of saints and historical figures, spires and pinnacles, and gargoyles – grotesque figures that also serve as spouts.

Examples of Gothic Architecture Style:

• Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France: Construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral, an unparalleled example of Gothic architecture, began in 1163. With its rose windows, flying buttresses, and gargoyles, it served as a center of religion and social life in the Middle Ages. After a devastating fire in 2019, which resulted in the loss of most of its spire and roof, restoration efforts are ongoing to restore Notre Dame to its former glory.
• Saint-Denis Basilica, Saint-Denis, France: The construction of the basilica, which is one of the first examples of the Gothic architectural style with its vertical buttresses, large window arches, and ornate sculptural decoration, began in 1122. Saint-Denis Basilica, a medieval monastery church, is an important work of Gothic architectural style with its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and rose windows.
• Reims Cathedral, Reims, France: One of the pinnacles of the Gothic architectural style, Reims Cathedral combines all the characteristic features of the Gothic architectural style with its flying buttresses, soaring towers, pointed arches, stained glass windows, and ribbed vaults.

4. Renaissance Architecture Style

The Renaissance movement, which emerged in Italy in the 15th century with the desire to examine and imitate nature after the long Middle Ages, caused a revival in fine arts, painting, sculpture, and architecture. The Renaissance style, which replaced the ornate and asymmetrical Gothic architectural style that dominated Europe, means ‘rebirth.’ Opposing Gothic architecture, which was accused of breaking Italian traditions, the Renaissance architectural style was influenced by classical architecture and took cues from Roman ruins. The details of this style, which can be characterized by clarity, harmony, and strength, are square structures, flat ceilings, classical motifs, Roman-type columns, arches and domes, covered courtyards, and porticoes. Buildings designed with the Renaissance architectural style, which adopted human-oriented design, aimed to make human life more comfortable and enjoyable.

The distinguishing features of the Renaissance architectural style, which can be divided into three sections, Early Renaissance, High Renaissance, and Mannerism, are as follows:

• Symmetry and Balance: In the Renaissance style, where symmetry and balance are of great importance, buildings are generally designed with rectangular plans and symmetrical layouts. The concept of the golden ratio was considered important in the Renaissance style, and well-designed spaces emerged in terms of proportion and design.
• Rhythm: In a building reflecting the Renaissance architectural style, only the elements that provide more harmony and serve as a specific design element were used repeatedly.
• Borrowings from Ancient Greece and Rome: The influences of Ancient Greece and Rome’s architecture are noticeable in the Renaissance architectural style, which includes many elements such as columns, pediments, and round arches.
• Perspective: With the application of the perspective technique developed by Renaissance painters in architecture, buildings with more depth were designed.

Examples of Renaissance Architecture Style:

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy: Although built in the Gothic architectural style, it has become one of the most important examples of the Renaissance architectural style with its dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Considered an engineering marvel, the cathedral’s dome consists of an outer dome and a separate inner dome that support each other to distribute the structure’s load.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy: As the world’s largest Catholic church, this structure is a tangible example of Renaissance architecture. Adorned with artworks and Baroque-style decorations, one of the basilica’s most iconic elements is the Michelangelo Dome.

5. Baroque Architecture Style

The Baroque architectural style, which emerged in Italy in the 17th century, is a very dynamic and flamboyant architectural style, in contrast to the calm and balanced structure of the Renaissance. Baroque architects, who developed the characteristic elements of Renaissance architecture, made these features more elevated, magnificent, and ornate. The Baroque architectural plan, which is a dramatic style that appeals to the senses, had an oval and dynamic shape; thus, the increase in movement of the spaces was supported.

The key elements of the Baroque architectural style, which emerged after the Renaissance and is known for its delicate details, complex geometries, and vibrant patterns, are as follows:

• Intricate Details: Designed to inspire users, Baroque structures are famous for their detailed and intricate details. Ornamental elements featuring intricate combinations of human, animal, and floral forms contribute to the grandeur and sanctity of the space.
• Complex Geometry: While the Renaissance style employed circles for perfectly symmetrical and proportional spaces, Baroque architecture often favored ovals and ellipses.
• Vibrant Colors: Bright pastel colors are often seen on facades reflecting the Baroque architectural style.
• Sculptures and Frescoes: Baroque sculptures made of plaster or marble contain lively/animated figures full of movement. Baroque paintings depicting lively scenes filled with people, plants, and animals are also famous.
• Mansard Roof: Commonly used in French Baroque architecture, the mansard roof is a distinctive feature of many castles and country houses.
• Rich Materials: With a penchant for luxury and excess, Baroque architecture often incorporates materials such as gold, bronze, crystal, and marble.

Examples of Baroque Architecture Style:

• Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France: This extended royal palace reflects all the characteristics of the Baroque architectural style and is famous for its lively lines, abundant ornamentation, and magnificent gardens. The Hall of Mirrors, with large arched windows providing abundant light on one side and a series of giant mirrors on the other, is one of the most famous rooms in the palace.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England: While the exterior of this cathedral, a significant example of the Baroque style, is relatively plain, the interior is adorned with frescoes.

6. Rokoko Architecture Style

The Rococo architectural style, which emerged in Paris in the 18th century, is a detailed and ornamental art movement also called the Late Baroque. It has gentle and curvy lines, in contrast to the strict ideas of Baroque architecture. Ornamental designs such as flower garlands, leaves, cupids, etc., created with high-quality plaster, adorned the interiors, while mirrors and large windows provided a sense of spaciousness.

The fundamental characteristics of the Rococo style are as follows:

• Curved Lines: In the decorations used in the Rococo architectural style, C and S-shaped curved decorations, leaf flowers, bird motifs, and shell-shaped decorations were used.
• Asymmetrical Order: The creation of asymmetrical compositions with window arches and decorative elements of different sizes and shapes are characteristics of the Rococo style.
• Trompe-l’œil: In the Rococo architectural style, the ceilings of the interior spaces are painted like the sky.
• Pastel Colors: In the Rococo style, interior spaces are colored in pastel tones, light pink, lavender, blue and green tones are frequently used.
• Plain Exterior: Despite having rather plain exteriors, Rococo-style buildings feature intricate and ornate interior decorations. Frescoes, sculptural molds, and abundant gilding adorn the walls, while mirrors in the halls are particularly eye-catching.
  
  Examples of Rokoko Architecture Style:
• Amelienburg, Munich, Germany: The interior of this hunting lodge, which reflects the Rococo architectural style in a charming way, is decorated with stucco, frescoes, and ornate carvings. The hall of mirrors is covered with mirrors, and the ceiling paintings are striking.
• Helbling House, Innsbruck, Austria: With its carved wooden details, decorative moldings on the window frames, ornate bow-decorated bay windows, and statues, Helbling House is an important example of the Rococo architectural style.

7. Neoclassical Architecture Style

Emerging in the mid-18th century as a reaction to the excessive ornamentation of Baroque and Rococo styles, influenced by the Age of Enlightenment, Neoclassical architecture embraced simplicity, balance, and a rational approach. Inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, this style is characterized by a more holistic revival of the entire and generally large-scale classical volumes. Embracing a rational approach, function takes precedence in the Neoclassical style. Excessive ornamentation is avoided, the basic lines of the structure are emphasized, and buildings are designed with a symmetrical layout. Simplicity is at the forefront of the design of rectangular facades. Elements frequently used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, such as columns, pediments, and domes, are evident in Neoclassical architecture; however, there is a rejection of the excessive meticulousness of Classicism.

Examples of Neoclassical Architecture Style:

• U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C., USA: With its exterior columns, triangular pediments, and symmetry, the Capitol building reflects the fundamental characteristics of Neoclassical architecture. Its dome was inspired by the Pantheon’s dome.
• Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece: This educational building, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, is a striking example of neoclassical architecture with its perfect symmetry, columns decorating its facade, triangular pediments, and sculptures around the building.

8. Art Nouveau Architecture Style

The Art Nouveau Architectural Style, which emerged in Belgium and France in the late 19th century, is an architectural style inspired by nature and where ornamentation is at the forefront. Known as the Jugenstil or Secession style in Germany and Austria, Art Nouveau in France and Belgium, and style liberti in Italy, the basic expression of this architectural style is that art and life are inseparable. Manifesting in various disciplines such as architecture, painting, and furniture design, Art Nouveau aims to combine the best achievements of the past with the latest ideas of the present.

Key characteristics of Art Nouveau architecture include:

• Curved Lines: Characterized by curvy, sculptural, organic shapes and sensual ornaments, the Art Nouveau style, inspired by nature, has almost no straight lines.
• Natural Ornaments: Art Nouveau buildings, which stand out with their rich ornaments, feature motifs that stylize natural elements such as leaves, flowers, and insects.
• Materials commonly used in Art Nouveau architecture include steel, iron, and glass.
• One of the basic characteristics of the Art Nouveau style is pale colors; beige, gray, pale rose, and dark lilac are preferred.
• Complex mosaic work and stained glass are used in the exterior and interior design of the buildings.
  
  Examples of Art Nouveau Architecture Style:
• Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue, Paris, France: Modern materials such as iron and glass were used in the construction of the synagogue, which is an important example of the Art Nouveau style. The use of stained glass illuminated the interior spaces; the interior and exterior facades were adorned with plant motifs, flowers, and geometric patterns.

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