A Guide to Architectural Styles Through the Ages

Works of architecture are all around us, from the modern office blocks you pass on the way to work, to ornate churches or ancient temples. The Roman author Marcus Vitruvius Pollio named three primary criteria of good architecture: firmitas, utilitas and venustas – which translate as durability, convenience and beauty.

He gave equal weight to all three criteria and stated that a great piece of architecture should have a balance of each element. What makes a ‘good’ piece of architecture is of course open to interpretation, and popular architectural styles have changed dramatically over the centuries. 

From the ornate Baroque style of the 16th century, to the Neoclassical revival of Greek and Roman elements, there are many different styles of architecture to suit all tastes. Many modern architects still draw upon architectural designs that are centuries old, for both small details and buildings as a whole. 

Many of us dream of building our own home from scratch, but it can be difficult to know where to start. You might have a good idea of the type of buildings you like and have picked out certain elements, 

but you may not be familiar with the technical terms. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most popular architectural styles throughout the ages, so read on to find out more. 

Also known as Norman architecture, this architectural style originated in medieval Europe in the late 10th century. It’s characterised by semi circular rounded arches and it draws upon features of Roman and Byzantine buildings. These include thick walls, groin vaults, rows of arches and symmetrical plans. 

Romanesque architecture also includes decorative features, such as floral and foliage stone decorations and cable moldings made to resemble twisted rope around doors. Romanesque architecture emerged during the expansion of monasticism during the 10th and 11th centuries, when many more buildings were required to house monks and priests. Examples of Romanesque architecture include Durham Cathedral, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Saint-Lazare Cathedral. 

The Victorian era covers the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 until 1901 and this period saw the revival of many popular architectural styles. Victorian buildings include influences from Tudor, Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture, as well as influences from buildings in Asia and the Middle East.

Common features of Victorian architecture include bay windows, wrap around porches, towers, turrets and ornate trim work. Many houses are also asymmetrical in shape and feature steep mansard roofs. Examples of Victorian architecture include the Royal Albert Hall and Balmoral Castle. 

Neoclassical architecture emerged as a response to the previous Baroque and Rococo styles of the early 18th century. It was seen as a return to the grandeur and simple lines of classical Ancient Greek and Roman building designs. Baroque and Rococo styles favour excess, but neoclassical architecture is defined by its simplicity and symmetry. 

Key features of neoclassical architecture include blank walls, free standing columns, clean lines, large scale buildings and symmetrical floor plans. Roofs are often flat with one centered dome and columns feature heavily both inside the building and at the facade. Famous examples of neoclassical architecture include the White House in Washington D.C and the Bank of England in London. 

This style of architecture originated in 16th century Italy and it served as an antidote to the more formal Romanesque style. Baroque is characterised by excess, dramatic lighting and colour, and highly decorative features. It often includes curved lines, a combination of concave and convex forms, paired columns and elaborate ornamentation.

Some of the greatest examples of Baroque architecture include the Palace of Versailles, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. 

Many of us will instantly recognise the iconic black and white houses of Tudor architecture, which emerged as the final style of the medieval period between the 1400 and 1600s. Tudor architecture emerged in England, but you may see its influence in buildings further afield. This style is characterised by steeply pitched gable roofs, embellished doorways, masonry chimneys and casement windows. Many Tudor homes had thatched roofs, as well as that telltale black and white combination of timber and plaster. 

Many Tudor buildings also include large, decorative chimneys, round headed arches, prominent balustrades, depressed arches and large (or a great number of) windows. You can see examples of Tudor architecture in the chapel at Hampton Court Palace and the Henry VII Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey.

Renaissance architecture is another style that’s influenced by classical elements. It first appeared in Italy during the 15th century and shares similar traits with neoclassical architecture. Renaissance designs intend to demonstrate a conscious revival and development of certain elements from Ancient Greece and Rome. Building designs placed a focus on harmony, clarity and strength, with features including square floor plans, flat ceilings, classical motifs, columns and enclosed courtyards. 

Arches and domes were also popular, and one of the most famous examples can be seen in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. 

This style of architecture emerged in the 12th century in northern France and England, before spreading across Europe. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and borrowed certain elements to make them more decorative. Gothic architecture is characterised by pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. It also tends to feature a large amount of ornate decoration, including impressive stained glass windows. 

Walls also became thinner and towers and columns more slender, with the aim to draw the eye upwards. Examples of gothic architecture include Westminster Abbey, York Minster and Notre Dame Cathedral. 

The Bauhaus movement first emerged at an art school in Germany in the early 1900s. It includes the idea that all art and technology would be unified under the idea of simplistic design and mass-production. Bauhaus architecture favours function over decorative design, with key features like flat roofs and cubic shapes.

These sharp angles and clean lines would go on to influence many elements of modern design, such as steel frames and glass curtain walls. Bauhaus architecture also focuses on the primary colours of blue, red and yellow, and open floor plans. Germany is one of the best places to visit to see examples of Bauhaus architecture, but it can also be found further afield, such as the Poli House in Israel. 

Modernism is a general term that covers the movement starting at the turn of the 20th century. Modernist buildings can be one of several styles, such as Futurist, New Classical or Post-modern. These styles share common modernist characteristics, such as a low building design, absence of decorative features, use of modern materials (like steel or reinforced concrete) and the use of glass and natural light. 

Modernist architecture follows certain principles, including the idea that form should follow function, the rejection of ornament and an embrace of minimalism. 

If you’re in need of professional and efficient architectural services for your next project, get in touch with the experts at Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for the highest quality work and customer service. Our team of designers can bring your design ideas to life, both large and small, and we have everything you need to ensure you comply with all planning regulations.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a new extension, or planning a new commercial development, warehouse or office, we’ve got a building design to suit you. As well as stunning designs, we’re also on hand to offer professional structural engineering expertise. From party wall surveys, to concrete reinforcement, timber design or land surveys, we’ve got all the services you need. To discuss your architectural design ideas or find out more about any of our services, don’t hesitate to give us a call today or visit our website.