Around the 14th century in Europe, the mind set of people started to change from a very barbaric middle age. This was the rise of the Renaissance movement. The meaning of Renaissance is rebirth and this is true because it sort of was a rebirth of classical art and intellectual pursuits.

People of the Renaissance were very particular with beauty. This is evident if you look at the numerous artworks done during this period. If you would travel to Europe, you’d be able to see remnants of captivating Renaissance architecture in all its glory.

Characteristics of Renaissance architecture

The difference of Renaissance and Roman architecture can be difficult to distinguish to the untrained eye. This is because Renaissance structures were revivals of Roman and Greek architecture. Elements of geometry, symmetry, proportion, and regularity was deeply stressed and was rooted in the school of ancient Roman architectural thought. You will notice the constant use of semi-circle arches, aedicule, and domes.

The Pioneer

The birth of Renaissance architecture can be attributed to the Italian architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi. You would see some of his first creations in Florence Italy. He is responsible for works of beauty such as the Dome of the Cathedral of Florence (where he is currently buried), Palazzo di Parte Guelfa, Basilica di San Lorenzo di Firenze, and the Pazzi Chapel (one of his last works).

We are at a point in time when we have to be more conscious about our environment. A lot of great civilizations have crumbled because of environmental problems (either directly or indirectly) and we should be able to learn from history. Mother Earth is now more in danger than it ever was. This is evident through odd climate changes, rapid melting of ice in the Polar Regions, and smog that covers cities. Soon enough, there won’t be enough for our grandchildren to live on if we don’t act now.

A recent change in attitude towards the environment has been exhibited by individuals and large corporations all around the globe. A lot of companies have been trying to develop eco solutions that would alleviate the problem of pollution and energy crisis. Alternative sources of fuel are being researched such as solar energy, wind energy, and electric energy. It is great that there even are buildings put up that are energy efficient. Green architecture really is the way to go.

Characteristics of Green Architecture

The main idea of this is to create buildings or structures that use energy efficiently. These structures save up on water and energy at a very high rate through different ways. What they also try to do is to reduce waste and pollution. There already are a lot of public bathrooms that make use of water-free urinals that save thousands of liters of water every year. Other buildings would have a lot of windows so that a natural source of light would be used during the day instead of eating up electricity during the day.

Advantages of Green Architecture

Although the cost of construction may be higher, the benefits of greening up a building would be bigger in the long run. Energy efficient buildings save up a lot on electricity and water, thus lowering their bills. Green architecture is also very conscious about the health of the occupants so it is less likely that lawsuits are going to be filed. Investing in this eco friendly technology is also advantageous because it seems to be the road to the future. If you notice, it is becoming a trend amongst a lot of businesses and you wouldn’t want to be left behind.

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.