Visiting most European cathedrals, abbeys and parish churches that were built between the 12th century and the 16th century, you will notice the intricate, almost gaudy structure with its peaks and spires and flying buttresses. These architectural feats are commonplace for Gothic architecture. Used also in castles and palaces as well as government buildings and universities, but lesser found in private dwellings, as its construction was extremely costly.
Named not from the historical Goths, but from Giorgio Vasari to describe the culture that was considered rude and barbaric. At that time, Italy was building classical structures and looked to the European buildings as garish and showy. The Gothic architecture utilizes local resources such as various grades of limestone, and colored marble. Not only was this a new building style, but also architects were able to utilize new technology. The ogival and pointed arches were integral in the Gothic architecture. Emphasizing verticality and light, the inside “walls” were not solid ones that we commonly know, but looked more like the skeleton of a building. Clustered columns, pointed ribbed vaults and flying buttresses were the finished effect.
The Gothic architecture of cathedrals and abbys were designed to be landmark buildings and rose high above the rest of the town’s structures. Another fantastic characteristic of the Gothic architecture in these buildings was the enormous towers, pinnacles and spires that loomed over the town. On the inside, the pointed arches emphasized the height and helped to enhance the decoration of the interior.
From 1919 to 1933, Germany gave to the world the Bauhaus school of architecture. Founded by Walter Gropius, the name Bauhaus comes from the German words for “to build” and “house”. Very basic in its meaning, the Bauhaus architecture is just that. Basic shapes, geometric designs and little frill and fancy. Though its founder was an architect, for the first several years, the Staatliches Bauhaus School in Germany refined the crafts and fine arts but did not actually include an architecture department.
The Bauhaus architectural style became the basis for current Modernist architecture. These structures are primarily simple in form and without ornamentation. The forms were simple and functional with the idea of mass production with some artistic spirit thrown in. When Bauhaus Architecture was at its peak, an entire group of architects turned away from their fancy, over designed structures and into a more standard, basic way of design.
Understandably, Bauhaus Architecture is most commonly found in Germany, but its influences reached the United States and even Tel Aviv in the time following its demise in Germany due exile. In fact the UN because of its abundance of Bauhaus now lists Tel Aviv as a world heritage site. In the late 1930s the Bauhaus Architecture was brought to the U.S. Namely Chicago, Illinois, where the New Bauhaus School was founded.
As the basics for our modern day minimalist style, Bauhaus architecture is still being practiced today. In fact, at the Florida State University, the Master Craftsman Program is utilizing the Bauhaus theory and practices.
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