European

Architecture
An Introduction to
different Styles
Romanesque
1000-1200
• Rounded arches
• Small, high
windows
• Little
Ornamentation
Romanesque
• Accommodate
numerous
monks, priests
and pilgrims
• Pilgrims came
looking at relics
 Romanesque-Gothic

• Rounded Arches on
buildings
• Pointed arches on
church
 • Pointed Arches
Gothic • Flying
1150-1500 Buttresses
• High Steeples
• Focus up
toward God
Gothic
• Ribbed vaulted
ceilings to
preserve
natural light
Gothic
• Stained-glass
window panels
leading to sun-
dappled interior
effects
Renaissance
1350-1600
• Rebirth of
Classical culture
• Showed a
harmony
between human
proportions and
buildings
Renaissance
• Revival of
ancient Roman
forms
• the column and
round arch, the
tunnel vault,
and the dome
Baroque
1600-1800

• Complex plan
shapes
• Grandeur,
drama and
contrast
Baroque
• Rich surfaces
• Bright colors
Baroque
• Complex
shapes were
favored to
heighten the
feeling of
motion and
sensuality
Rococo
1650-1750
• Extremely
Ornate
• Ceilings and
walls seem as
one
Rococo
• Walls, ceilings,
and moldings
feature
interlacings of
curves and
countercurves
Rococo
• Light, elegant,
and elaborately
ornamented
Fachwerk
• Half-timbered
structures
Fachwerk
• Built between
1300 and 1700
Fachwerk
• Style resulted
from insufficient
wood
• Hay and plaster
were used
between wood
frame
Neo-Classical
1750-1850
• Grandeur of
scale
• Simplicity of
geometric
forms
Neo-Classical
• Dramatic use of
columns
• Antique
simplicity
• Reaction
against Rococo
Romantic
• Organic – the
harmony of
nature
• Classic – bring
order to chaotic
world
Romantic
• Set a mood
• Give a
memorable
feeling
• Irregular,
undefined
quality
Romantic
• Return to
nature
• Seeks to
celebrate the
unknown parts
of life
Biedermeier
• Mid-1800’s
• Apolitical
Biedermeier
1840-1870 • Tied to home
• Calmness and
order
Jugendstil
1910-1940
• Art Nouveau
• Floral motif
• Use of wrought
iron for
ornamentation
Modern/Bauhaus
1950 - present
• Founded by
Walther Gropius
• Integration of art,
craftsmanship,
and technology
Modern/Bauhaus
• Associated with a
severe but
elegant geometric
style
• Economy of
means