Memorable infrastructures are always played through the arts. Helsinki, the capital of Finland surprised the world when they release their own brand of architecture. It was a clear breakthrough from the predictable rise of the Greek and Roman designs. Unlike the latter two great cities, Finland was no conqueror. Although it had its share of wars during the medieval period, unlike European nation like Great Britain and France, or even Italy, it had no ambition with regards to domination of the western empire.

Architecture in Helsinki was distinct in a way that it reflected the very same laid back disposition of its people. Unique but no less elaborate in structure and form, it was still relatively simple in comparison to its British and French counter parts.

Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840), was one of the major influences in Finland’s architecture. He designed several key sites under the neo-classical era for the buildings in Helsinki. He especially devoted most of his life as an architect in Helsinki due to unique requests from his clients. We would later refer to his tasks collectively as the White City of the North.

Most of the architectural structure in Helsinki at that time became almost shallow with its width, seeing as how the typical set-up of a building back then was that it only consisted of two to three floors maximum. The only architecture in Helsinki at that time which remotely resembled the complex sophistication of its neighboring countries was the Cathedral designed by Engel, located on the northern side of the Senate Square. Engel did not live to see his masterpiece though, as it was finished 12 years after his demise.

The city of Helsinki is most famous for its numerous Art Nouveau buildings. These architectures were designed in the early 1900s and were strongly influenced by a very fashionable theme in the national art of that period, which is a very popular theme in the national romantic art of that era, the Kalevala.

Architectures in Helsinki also pride itself for the buildings designed by world-renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto. He is one of the pioneers in functionalism in the study of architecture. Many of Aalto’s projects evoke extreme emotions such as love and hate; there was never a grey area around him. Most of the houses he designed such as the Enso-house and the Finlandia Hall have imposed a line between admirers and critics. GP

Burj al-Arab architecture is by far, one of the finest designs to grace modern civilization. Its luxurious interiors are covered in vulgar shades of violet, green, red and yellow. A quick scan of the area would give one a feeling of being transported back in the days when Sultans still governed the land exclusively, before the West had the chance to influence Islamic traditions.

Staying a little longer in Burj al-Arab will make any foreigner expect exotic belly dancers to grace their way, with the extravagant adornment of velvet in rich tropical colors surrounding them with their every step. It is not however, the rich interiors of the iconic Burj al-Arab that enchants its clients to shell out $20,000 in one night with ease, (although such luxury from the inside helps) but the truly unique architectural concept that was implemented to establish the grand Arab hotel.

From the outside, the Burj al-Arab architecture looked liked it was carved out of a painting by Picasso. Its style is so contemporary, that one would wonder how it could stand so sturdily on soiled seas. Dubai’s ingenious work of art was compelled the world to raise the usual five star ranking to a shocking seven just so that its beauty and majesty could be given justice.

There are 202 duplex suites in the hotel. Each suite, no matter the class, has floor- to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the Persian Gulf. Another first for the over achieving Burj al-Arab is the fact that at 321 meters (1,053 ft), it is the tallest building to be used as a hotel alone.

It stands on a man made island, 280 meters (919 ft) from the popular Jumeirah beach. This fact alone continues to flabbergast tourists all over the world. Burj al-Arab is connected to the rest of Dubai through a private bridge.

The Arabs, without a doubt, outdid themselves this time through the Burj al-Arab architecture. Nothing screams their economic affluence and abundance than the Arab dhow shaped hotel. If the purpose behind the Burj al-Arab was to make all of the world weak kneed in amazement and awe, it just exceeded its expectations. The world is impressed enough to throw away tens and thousands of dollars for the chance to sleep within the self generating rotation architectural genius that is Burj al-Arab. GP

The Roman Empire ruled from 509 BC to AD 330. Early Roman art were inspired by its predecessor, the Etruscan civilization. As the latter spread in popularity, the distinct Romanian design was developed—born from the art of various classes, from kings to tradesmen to slaves.
The ancient roman architecture reflected everything traditional. The very foundation behind the designs was based on ancient rituals, beliefs and practices. To put it simply, the Romans back then use their rites as their architectural inspiration. This explains why the basilicas later on, along with the Roman arenas were adorned by Christian art.

Ancient Roman architecture were fond of marbles, this is especially visible to their places of worship and halls of governance. This was largely because the first Roman architects were priests, so the religious leaders wanted to build a place befitting of divine commands. They wanted something that reflected command, something that says, “This is the place where divine works occur.”

Because ancient Roman architecture was predominantly both Etruscan and Greek, they relied heavily on plaster and brick to build their structures. The ancient roman architecture also popularized the series of panels built to encompass cities or domes. Roman theaters architectural frameworks were semicircular, with a high stage building adjoined to a semicircular orchestra as well as a seating area.
An outline of columns and vaults supports these theater seats. This is in contrast to the original Greek theaters, which relied heavily on natural slopes. This type of framework allowed ancient Roman theaters to be built within the hearts of their majestic cities. Amphitheaters like the Colosseum were elliptical in nature, composed of a central arena as well as a surrounding seating area much like the Roman theaters.

When Rome became the ultimate power, much of the world’s architecture was built to resemble theirs. This newly introduced ancient roman architecture art was also the origin of the monumental avenue, amphitheater, and public baths. It was also around this era that the theater, the race track, and the Coliseum were constructed.

Rome, despite its wealth was no stranger to corruption. Like many nations today, it was a place wherein wealth was concentrated on the selected few, and majority of the populace was forced to live in poverty. Houses were one of the things that were exclusive to the rich Romans alone. The less fortunate citizens were forced to live in collective dwellings or condominiums as we may now call it. Of course back then, their idea of a condominium was much different. GP

Greek architecture lays claim to the art of building—they first used their genius on the Aegean Sea, and bewitched the world with their craft.
The Dorians in Greece conceptualized their construction arts with such speedy progress that between the 6th and 10th century B.C, a concreted system of buildings were established. Before the great temples which the Greeks are so well known for were established in the 5th century B.C, there were hardly any sophisticated structures in the country.

Much like the rest of the nations in the worlds, they were content with flat simple structures. If it could block the elements, it was good enough. Existing proof of primitive Greek architecture remains visible in the form of the Heraeum at Olympia.

The flowering of the Greek architecture began during 700 B.C and continued all the way to the Roman occupation which started back on 146 B.C. It was in between these times that the best of the Greek architecture were produced. The incredibly productive age includes the ruling of Pericles in the land of Athens, in which the architects Callicrates in association with Ictinus, and Mnesicles were heralded the best of the Greek architects. It was also during this time that Parthenon, the temple built for the glory of the goddess of wisdom, Athena was established.

Alexander the Great’s reign marked the transfer of power from Athens and Sparta to Asia Minor. This is where the conversion of tradition began. Inevitably, when there is a shift in rituals, there is also a metamorphosis in designs. This is why most Greek designs during this era resembled that of Asian customs, especially those in mainland Greece. This marked the Hellenistic period which extended all the way to the Mediterranean civilization.

The Greek colonies within Asia Minor evolved in their own particular order, which is the Ionic order, (now considered one of the earliest forms of sequence). This kind of designs appeared in the temples within Greece after 500 B.C. It challenged the sturdy and gigantic Doric designs with its slender, well proportioned columns and intricate carvings. The most glorious Ionic temples were those at Miletus.

The third order in Greek architecture, the much more elaborate Corinthian order, (the most ornate of the classic orders of architecture) was also the latest. It did not arrive in full maturity until the middle of the 4th cent. B.C. The oldest known example of these kinds of order however was discovered in the temple of Apollo at Bassae back in 420 B.C. GP

Roman architecture was inspired by Greek designs back on the first century BC. The two styles were considered the founding basis for classical architecture. The approach towards Roman architecture is often considered reproductive due to their almost indistinguishable characteristics with the Greeks.

This is why it is almost impossible to determine which is which on the basis of external aesthetics alone.
One of the many things absorbed by the Roman architecture is the Triclinium; a design incorporated in Roman villas’ dining halls. Hydraulics was another mode of design adapted from the Greeks by ancient Romanians in addition to the construction of arches.

Pressing social problems compelled Roman architecture to vary significantly from its blue-print. The use of safety vaults and bows, (also known as arches) combined with enough knowledge with regards to the building materials, for instance, allowed the Romans to achieve historically notable successes in the construction of commanding constructions for the general welfare of their citizens.

Examples include; the Baths of Diocletian, the aqueducts of Rome,  the Pantheon, and the Baths of Caracalla, Rome arena(which also happens to be the largest single span dome for millenniums to come), the basilicas and possibly most distinctively of all, the Colosseum.

All of these magnificent works of art were reproduced in the richest towns and cities in the Roman Empire. Among those that almost became one of the icons were the incomplete structures in town walls of Lugo in Hispania Tarraconensis, or northern Spain.
Political propaganda demanded that these structures be made to impress outsiders aside from its basic public function. The Romans no longer felt restricted by the Greek aesthetic taste in order to excel in terms of architecture. One of the most famous land marks of Roman architecture, the Pantheon is a perfect example of the Roman’s successful deviation.

The superiority is made even more distinct when it was reconstructed by Hadrian. The Pantheon was so impressive that it became a standard blue-print for modern western design. The same king built these types of architecture all over the lands he conquered, particularly Great Britain, before Queen Antonine replaced all of it with her own sense of grandeur.

Minimalist architecture is concerned with minimizing the use of ornaments and grandiose designs in the structures. It started way back in 1950s as a reaction to the emergence of commercialized styles of architecture that pops up everywhere. It originated from Scandinavia and Japan with the idea of “less is more”.

It makes use of the space as a feature and uses basic shapes and lines that are neat and can play with light resulting to an elegant outcome.  Another feature of minimalism is the set-up of things with multiple uses.  An example is a floor equipped with a heating unit that forms part of the room and at the same time, warms it.

Minimalist architecture is sometimes argued to be a cold architecture, but for advocates of this type, they find it more welcoming, relaxing and free from clutter. Depending on how you plan it, minimalist architecture can be boring, but if used properly, it can be elegant and at the same time, inviting.

Minimalism is an architectural style that manifests of a utilitarian function of using the basic geometrical forms like the cubes, or the cylinder. It encourages the use of limited spaces to come up with original designs and features. It may be classified as pseudo-minimalism or a hyper minimalism depending on the degree of positiveness.

Advocates of this type of architecture include Alvar Siza, John Pawson, Lugdwig Mies van der Rohe, Tadao Ando, Eduardo Souto De Mouro, Yoshi Tanigushi, Richard Gluckman, Vincent Van Duysen, Alberto Campo Baeza, and Dieter Rams among others.

An example of this architecture is the Azuma House in Osaka. It is small house built by Tadao Ando. Another is the service entrance of Los Clubes in Mexico City, the Thermal Bath in Canton, the De Blas House in Madrid as built by Alberto Baeza, the Pemigotti Apartment in Milano as built by Fronzoni, the Neuemdorf house in Mallorca by Claudio Silvestrin, and the Tilty Barn in Tilty Hill as built by John Pawson.  Other structures of this type are the Alcanena House in Torres novas constructed by Eduardo Souto De Mouro and the Nicole Farhi Boutique in New York by Michael Gabellini.

Japan’s architecture is greatly influenced by Chinese architecture. However, several variations occur in Japanese structures. Typically, structures are built to make people sit on the floor. Further, since Japan has long summers, wood is major material for house building. Aside from its adaptability to season changes, it is also a reliable material to withstand earthquakes, which are common in the place.

Several periods in the history of Japan brought about architectural structures that came from different influences. The Nara period has structures imitating that of a Chinese capital which even included a checkerboard street pattern. During the Heian period, a style termed as shinden zukuri was popular.   It is best illustrated with the Tosanjo Palace.  During the Muromachi period, tea cottages became very popular.
During this period, simplicity was emphasized, and so with the harmonious relationship between the cottage and its garden. An example is the Katsura Rikyu. In the 16th century, castles were built that is evident of the shoin zukuri style. Popular structure of these is the National Treasure of Japan.  From 1912 onwards, Japanese architecture is slowly infusing with western architecture with the use of bricks and stones for building.

Japanese architecture is basically categorized to four types based on the influence: the Buddhist architecture, the Shinto architecture, the Design concept and Modern architecture.

Buddhist architecture usually composes of seven buildings in each complex. These building include the pagoda, the main hall and the lecture hall, a bell tower, dormitory, dining hall and a repository for sutras. The pagoda is usually in the center and holds the most sacred relics.

Shinto architecture is based on the belief of the presence of deities in the natural environment. They build shrines with stone lanterns in the pathway towards it. The shrine also has two komainu statues that guard its main halls. The structures of these influence consists of a temporary main hall for special occasions and a simple shape like granaries of ancient Japan. An example of these is the Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture.

The design concept of Japanese architecture involves the use of screens to partition rooms in their houses. What became popular even up to the present is the use of paper-covered sliding doors or known as the shoji. Further, the inclusion of a Japanese veranda in the house links together the inside and outside environment.

Modern architecture developed during the early 20th century but gained popularity only after the Second World War. For decades, modernism became the dominant structure for institutions and corporate buildings even up to the recent period.  Architectures of this type exhibit functionalism and rationalism in its structure.

Characteristics of modern architecture include the functional requirements of the structure, lesser ornaments used and eliminations of dispensable details, and the application of the concept of “form follows function”.

The guardian newspaper has compiled twelve of the best modern architectural structures in the world. According to them, the Empire State Building tops the list.  It is a 120-storey skyscraper located in New York and pivots around Manhattan.

Second in the list is the Sydney Opera House which is a complex and superb site that attracts visitors to the city.  Next is the Guggenheim Museum located in Bilbao. It is made of titanium and shimmers in every street junction of Bilbao.

The Pompidou Centre of Paris follows. It is a vast library whose structure shows skeletons of bright colored tubes. The Le Corbusier in Haute-Saone is situated on top of a hill is also included in the list. Another structure is the Jewish Museum in Berlin that is a zigzag structure accessible through an underground passage from its baroque wing and shaped like the “Star of David”.

Next in line is the Fallingwater or the Edgar Kauffman Sr. home. It is built on a waterfall and integrates structure with nature. The 30 St. Mary Axe or the Gherkin is a London skyscraper that utilizes the double glazing effect to ventilate office space.  Another structure reminiscent of modern architecture is the Casa Mila. It is also known as the La Pedrera and can be found in Barcelona, Spain.  It has a biomorphic appearance like that of the Notre Dame and the Disney concert Hall.

Gothic architecture started in the 12th century to the 15th century in Europe and was a dominant architectural style for 400 years. It developed from the Romanesque and Byzantine influences of France. Structures of these styles use vertical tall pillars, spires, pointed arches, and flying buttresses. It is usually evident in Catholic cathedrals, monasteries and churches that have many bigger windows as compared to the structures in the Romanesque era.

General characteristics of gothic architecture are the soaring spaces and quality of light evident in cathedrals, the traditional basilican form which has a central nave flanked with by a twin tower in its exterior and an entrance adored with lavish structures and stained glass window.

This era of architecture developed in four stages: early gothic, lancet gothic, rayonnant gothic and late gothic. In early gothic, the use of pointed vaults like in the Notre Dame of Paris developed. Pointed arches evident in the Bourges Cathedral developed during the Lancet period while in the rayonnant era, structures where usually made of glass with a thin skeletal masonry frame. An example is the Saint Chapelle of Paris. The late gothic style is also known as the flamboyant style because of its form of suggesting flames in their structure. An example of this is the Church of Saint Maclou in France.

Gothic architecture also spread out of France to other European countries like Italy, Germany and England. The Milan Cathedral in Italy is a perfect example of this style where it is of a classical basis characterized of a vast span and simple arches. In Germany, gothic structures are evident in the Cologne Cathedral which is built on bricks rather than stone. Their style is greatly influenced by France’s gothic structures. The structures in England were subdivided into three stages that is the early English, the decorated style and the perpendicular style.

The English style developed in the 12th to the 13th century and is influenced by the Norman architecture. An example of this is the Lincoln Cathedral and the Salisbury Cathedral. The decorated style flourished during the 13th to the 14th century while the perpendicular style developed in the 14th to the 16th century was predominated with vertical lines. A perfect sample is the cathedral located in Gloucester and the King’s College Chapel in Cambridge.

Synthesizing, gothic architecture has three distinctive characteristics that are structures with pointed arches, flying buttresses and ribbed vaults that help support the ceiling to make the structure, specifically the churches and cathedrals are more spacious and brighter translating to the influence that churches have during the Middle Ages. GP

Postmodern architecture is a style developed during the 1950s that continues to inspire the architecture of today. It manifests of structures with elaborate ornamentation that includes fascinating lines and curves. It is basically focused on creating a unique exterior that is aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. It usually contains the elements of surprise and irony, contradiction and of course, originality. It combines the physical characteristics of using sculptural forms and ornaments to blend with its conceptual characteristics. The structures usually have high ceilings, flying buttresses and extravagant facades. Generally, postmodern structures are noted of its extravagant forms and the meaning conveyed in the building.

Postmodernism developed in answer to the limitations of modern architecture. It started in America and later spread in Europe and other countries. It developed with the aim of reintroducing ornaments and decors that will complement the functionalism of the buildings in modern architecture.

The development of postmodern style of structure is influenced by many architects. Several advocates of postmodern architecture are Michael Graves, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, and Charles Moore. Michael Grave’s famous works include the Portland Building in Oregon that uses ornamental triuangular forms, and the Humana Building in Kentucky. The couple’s Venturi and Brown are famous for their architectural style of using cultural icons. This is evident in their building located in Celebration, Florida with a 50’s diner theme. Their Vanna Venturi house which uses symmetry and arches also exhibits symbolism that is important in this architectural style.

The Piazza d’Italia in Louisiana is a famous work by Charles Moore. The structure mimics that of an Italian culture compressed in a compound incorporated with many color, shapes and angles, all reminiscent of postmodern architecture. Other architects that influenced the postmodern style include Ricardo Bofill, Philip Johnson, Cesar Pelli, Peter Eisenman, Jon Jerde and James Stirling among others.

Other examples of this architectural style are evident in the Sony Building in New York, which incorporates color, double coding and symbolism. It is a skyscraper connoted with modern technology and yet, has an element of classical antiquity in the top portion of the building. The Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas is also a vital structure reminiscent of the postmodern architecture. Other postmodern structures also include the Hood Museum of Art that has a symmetrical façade and the Brion-Vega Cemetery which is manifested with the sensitive characteristic of postmodern structures that is solemn but not depressing to its vistors.

Postmodern style in general is built based on function and humor whose structures are beautiful, fun, and amusing to look at. GP