Visual Art that Speaks for Themselves

Encompassing the art and technique that are required for the building design, architecture is not only a construction activity for a mere shelter, but also a mirror reflecting the unique identity of society and a structure shaping the environment for humans. Be it public or private, be it interior or exteriors, can you tell the differences between architecture styles varies from time and space?

Classical Architecture (古典主義建築)

• Emerging in Ancient Greece around the 5th century and in Rome around the 3rd century

• Mostly symmetrical, and columns of a certain style are designed at equal intervals

• Columns are classified into Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders in Greek architecture; and Tuscan and Composite orders in Roman architecture

• Example: Greece, Parthenon (5th century BC)

Romanesque Architecture (羅馬式建築)

• Developed in Europe between the 6th and 9th centuries 

• Full of solid, bulky, heavy-looking buildings to protect against invasion

• Used circular arches and massive stone vaults to carry the weight 

• Cathedrals used to feature tall and pointed octagonal towers, following a Latin cross plan

• Example: Italy, Pantheon (2nd century)

Byzantine Architecture (拜占庭式建築)

• Dated from 4th century, where Byzantium was established as a new Roman capital by Constantine the Great

• Unlike the simplification of Romanesque architecture, Byzantine architecture is more elaborate with greater use of ornamentation, such as windows, mosaics, columns and domes

• Example: Turkey, Hagia Sophia (6th century)

Gothic Architecture (哥德式建築)

• Initially emerged in Northern France in the 12th century

• Used the pointed arches, and the ribs of the vaults, through flying buttresses and down to vertical supports (i.e.piers) to alleviate pressure exerted by the walls supporting the roofs

• Adorned with a variety of decorative elements and stained glass windows

• Example: France, Notre Dame Cathedral (13th century)

Renaissance Architecture (文藝復興建築)

• Emerged in Italy in the 15th century

• Influenced by classical and Romanesque architecture, columns, pediments, and round arches are used, repeatedly with more harmonised elements 

• Emphasize symmetry and balance via golden ratio, and develop more depth design with the application of the perspective technique

• Example: Italy, Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Florence (13th century)

Baroque Architecture (巴羅克建築)

• Emerged in Italy in the 17th century

• With a penchant for luxury and excess, it incorporates materials such as gold, bronze, crystal, and marble

• To contribute the grandeur and sanctity of the space, it used intricate details, complex geometry and vibrant colours

• With sculptures and paintings depicting lively scenes filled with different creatures

• Example: France, Palace of Versailles (17th century)

Rococo Architecture (洛可可建築)

• Emerged in France in the 18th century

• Unlike the strict ideas of Baroque architecture, it applied curved lines and asymmetrical order

• Painting the sky in the ceilings of the interior spaces as “Trompe-l’œil”

• Pastel tones are frequently used, with plain exteriors featuring intricate interior design

• Example: Russia, Winter Palace (18th century)

Neoclassical Architecture (新古典主義建築)

• Emerging in the mid-18th century, influenced by the Age of Enlightenment

• In contrast with the Baroque and Rococo architecture, it embraced simplicity, balance, and a rational approach

• Used elements in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, such as columns, pediments, and domes, except the excessive meticulousness of Classicism

• Example: USA, Capitol Building (19th century)

Art Nouveau Architecture (新藝術建築)

• Emerged in Belgium and France in the late 19th century

• Inspired by nature, which no straight lines and characterized by curved lines, featuring motifs that stylize natural elements

• Commonly used steel, iron, and glass, with pale colors more preferable

• Example: Spain, Sagrada Família (19th century)

Bauhaus (包浩斯主義建築)

• Founded in 1919 in Germany

• Art school “Bauhaus” produced artisans and designers who could create objects that were both functional and beautiful

• Bauhaus moved to Dessau due to political pressure from conservatives who opposed its modernist approach, thus Walter Gropius could design a purpose-built campus

• Walter Gropius, Bauhaus Dessau (1925)