The History of Architecture

Architecture has come far from building for shelter and survival. Before we learnt how much we could do with an imaginative mind and mathematical thinking, we built to hide from predators and extreme weather conditions. We built to survive and for nothing more.

As time passed and our brains expanded, we began to find innovative ways to improve on our building skills. Then, we started to get creative and built for the beauty of architecture as well as practicality. Today, we build for all of these reasons; shelter, warmth, stunning designs, to push the limits of our imagination and to expand on our building capability.

Primitive huts

The very first appearance of architecture that we know of, was the Primitive huts. Built purely for shelter and made of whatever they could find around. Primitive huts are still around today, usually found in countries that have a low economical balance. In other words, places that are poor and therefore rely mainly on supplies of the land, rather than man-made materials.

Primitive huts are thought to have looked like these images below; some pyramid-like, others tepees and several shaped similar to a basic house.

Egyptian pyramids (3100 – 2686 BC)

Once the Egyptians built the grand pyramids, architecture became more of a spiritual thing as they were built for Pharos.

With huge blocks and strong foundations, it’s no wonder these amazing buildings are still around today.

 

 

 

Greek and Roman (146 BC)

Over to the Greeks and Romans and we have the start of building for practicality as well as beauty. Just as the pyramids were spiritual for the Egyptians, the Greeks and Romans built coliseums that had stunning engraved statues of their gods.

 

 

 

Renaissance (1400’s)

With a much more linear perspective, during the Renaissance times, buildings were artistic and created with form and inventive engineering.

These buildings were large and extremely fancy with massive columns and larger-than-life doors.

 

 

 

Industrial revolution (1800’s)

Iron and steel ruled architecture during the 1800’s, with famous buildings like the Eiffel tower and Crystal palace.

During the industrial revolution in the 1800’s architects were in love with the cold, strong feel that iron and steel gave. They weren’t interested in the environmental side of buildings. But, don’t worry we will get to that!

 

 

 

Modern (late 1900’s)

When the late 1900’s came around, designers and architects found a new passion in simplistic buildings made from steel, glass or sleek grey stones. They began to create buildings with the idea that ‘less is more’ and the results were a minimalist’s dream.

 

 

 

Post modernism (2000’s)

Nearing to the 21st century, post modernism came around in the mid-late 20th century, when fractured designs and bold statements became the hottest architectural trend. Rolling on from modernism, post modernism was more about being different with clean, sleek designs that were quirky and daring.

 

 

 

Today (21st century)

Finally, we’re in the present, with environmentally friendly buildings becoming increasingly popular and locally-sourced supplies being seen as a more ethical and sustainable way of building.

Along with recycled materials, there are more and more buildings with plants being integrated in designs.

 

 

 

With every new century comes new architectural design trends and innovations, these are only a few examples of the past. So, what was your favourite architectural era? Tell us why in the comments. Additionally, check out Newtecnic a futuristic, architectural engineering company – you’ll be stunned by their buildings.