Architecture is a very old type of artistic expression that brings together constructions and/or buildings that have a purpose or purpose. According to the definition of the Brazilian architect Lúcio Costa:
“Architecture is above all construction, but construction conceived with the primary purpose of ordering and organizing space for a certain purpose and aiming at a certain intention.”
Note that unlike simple constructions, architecture as visual art has an aesthetic and creative pretension created by the architects.
know What are Visual Arts?
History of Architecture: Summary
The history of architecture accompanied the development of society, as it emerged from the need to organize and adorn spaces, especially urban spaces.
In other words, architecture is an art that arises from the relationship between man and space, in a way that organizes environments.
Tomb Portal of the Neolithic Period
In prehistory (since the Neolithic period), men began to develop construction techniques, which gave rise to a rudimentary architecture with stones, wood and later, with metals.
Thus, little by little, architecture acquires a prominent place in the construction of societies.
Since ancient times, many peoples have developed architectural spaces through the construction of temples, porticoes, tombs, houses, bridges, aqueducts, squares, among others.
From ancient civilizations we can highlight Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Etruscan, Byzantine and Persian architecture.
It becomes a difficult task to present the history of world architecture since it depends on the culture that is inserted, where each one presents its peculiarities according to its characteristics historical and social.
Greek and Roman Architecture
Greek and Roman architecture, although presenting differences, both stood out for the grandeur and luxury of the buildings, as well as their public character.
Greek architecture developed from the 8th century BC. Ç. while the Roman one developed around the 3rd century BC. Ç.
Note that Roman architecture is inspired by Greek and therefore has many close relationships. Undoubtedly, in Greek architecture the temples are more prominent, for example, the Parthenon in Athens.
Parthenon in Athens, Greece
In Roman architecture, the arch, unknown by the Greeks, added the most important constructions, for example, the Colosseum in Rome. In addition to the arch, the use of the vault and cupola complement the Roman architecture.
The most used materials in the realization of Greek constructions were stones, marble, wood and limestone. The Romans used other materials, for example, marble, sand, wood, plaster, limestone, stone, bricks, cement and tiles.
Learn more about Roman architecture.
Medieval and Renaissance Architecture
Milan Cathedral, Italy
Medieval architecture was developed during the 5th and 15th centuries, where the main styles were Gothic, Visigothic, Paleochristian, Mozarabic, Moorish, Byzantine and Romanesque. The main constructions carried out were churches, monasteries and castles.
During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Renaissance architecture stood out for its mannerist, baroque and neoclassical styles, with the introduction of perspective, proportions and planning techniques. As in the medieval period, the main architectural constructions of the Renaissance were churches and monasteries.
Learn more about Gothic art and Baroque architecture.
Modern and Contemporary Architecture
Contemporary Architecture in Hong Kong, China
With the development of society and technology, architecture expanded its possibilities, techniques and materials used.
Modern (19th and 20th century) and contemporary (21st century) architecture stand out for their break with standards and the emergence of aesthetic innovations. Both periods are characterized by gigantic and very tall buildings, for example, skyscrapers.
Many avant-garde movements were instrumental in consolidating the new concept of modern architecture, which is often associated with design.
From the movements of modern architecture, we can mention the Bauhaus, Arts & Crafts, International Style and Art Nouveau. At that moment, architecture is more concerned with functionality and social causes, to the detriment of aesthetics.
THE contemporary architecture or postmodern proposes a new conception based on eclecticism. For this reason, it is considered avant-garde and encompasses the most recent productions. Some contemporary movements are: deconstructivist architecture and High-Tech architecture.
Learn more about Modern Art and the Contemporary art.
Architecture and urbanism
The existing relationship between architecture and urbanism focuses on the construction and planning of urban space.
It is also the name of a higher education course (undergraduate and postgraduate) that brings together knowledge of art, history, drawing, mathematics, urbanism, history, engineering.
It was in the modern period that the discipline of urbanism was associated with courses in architecture.
