Buildings in different architectural styles. Modern architectural styles. What types and styles of architecture are there?

Gothic is one of the most prominent styles of architecture, causing anyone to feel awkward and awe. The terrifyingly majestic structures amaze everyone who sees them.

Gothic architecture began to develop in the Middle Ages based on Romanesque architecture. Gothic buildings, which are mostly cathedrals and temples, are characterized by huge arches with a pointed top, decoration of the facade with various carved details, high towers, narrow columns and, of course, beautiful stained glass windows.

The most famous monuments of Gothic architecture

St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna is considered one of the most monumental buildings. Construction of the cathedral began in beginning of XII century, but a fire in 1258 destroyed the cathedral almost to the ground. It was only in 1511 that St. Stephen's Cathedral was completed thanks to the efforts of Anton Pilgram.

Lincoln Cathedral was rebuilt from a Norman cathedral. The construction of the cathedral took more than a hundred years; some parts of the cathedral still retain the features of the original building. After the earthquake of 1185, the cathedral was rebuilt.

The cathedral in Cologne was founded in 1248. The cathedral was built incredibly slowly, and in 1450 its construction was stopped altogether. Only in 1842 was it decided to resume construction, which was completed in 1880. It is worth noting that the cathedral can hardly be called completely finished; it is still being completed. This is largely due to an unusual legend. The architect of the Cologne Cathedral, realizing that he was unable to complete such a monumental structure, invited the devil to help. The devil agreed to help the architect, but when the cathedral is finished and last stone falls into place, the end of the world will come. To avoid the threat being carried out, the cathedral is constantly being remodeled.

The first stone was laid in 1221, but the construction of the Gothic architectural monument was completed only in the 19th century. The cathedral is a mighty ship topped with stone lace.

The cathedral in Toledo is one of the largest in Europe. Built between 1226 and 1493, the cathedral became the center of the Catholic faith in Spain. This is largely why the cathedral lost some features of the Gothic style, but acquired many unusual elements from other architectural styles.

The Milan Cathedral is considered one of the most significant creations of Gothic architecture. The first stone was laid in 1386, the construction of the cathedral was completed in the 19th century. It is interesting that the cathedral was built from the most valuable Kandolian marble, and not from the usual red brick.

Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris considered one of the most famous monuments Gothic architecture, glorified by Hugo himself. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and ended in the middle of the 14th century. The cathedral houses one of the greatest relics of Christianity - the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ. The cathedral was built with money from the king, bishops, ordinary citizens and even prostitutes, who promised that their gift would remain secret.

Reims Cathedral can easily be called the pinnacle of French Gothic architecture. The beautifully preserved cathedral proudly displays its original decoration and magnificent stained glass windows to visitors.

Construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1344 and was completed in the 20th century. The first temple on the site of the cathedral was built back in 925; a small church was dedicated to St. Vitus.

Imagine that you went on a trip to another country. You can’t do without a cultural program and tourist routes, otherwise there’s no point in going anywhere at all. You can, of course, lock yourself in a hotel for the duration of your vacation and have a great time, traditionally lying in bed.

If you prepare for the trip in advance and study the traditions of the country you are going to, then the foreign culture will become much clearer. How about learning how to distinguish between architectural styles and adding another checkmark to your self-education bucket list? In addition, you will be able to impress girls, and this will be much more effective than, for example, the ability to distinguish between types of beer with your eyes closed.

In general, architectural styles are a rather confusing and complex topic for a beginner, and if you don’t want to study boring literature, we offer you a simplified guide to world architecture (professional architects forgive us).

1. Classicism

Classicism is a stronghold of symmetry, severity and straightness. If you see something similar, and even with long round columns, this is classicism.

2. Empire style

Empire style is when classicism decided to become pathetic to the point of impossibility, and even strives to be higher.

3. Stalin's Empire style

Of course, the leader of all nations - Comrade Stalin - lacked pathos and solemnity in the usual Empire style, and in order to show the power of the USSR in all its glory, this style was cubed. This is how the Stalinist Empire style appeared - an architectural style that frightens with its colossal size.

4. Baroque

Baroque is when a building looks like a pie with whipped cream, often decorated with gold, stone sculptures and ornate stucco that clearly says its “fi!” classicism. This architectural style spread throughout Europe, including being adopted by Russian architects.

5. Rococo

If it seemed to you that the building was designed by a woman, and there are a lot of all sorts of frills and bows covered in gold, this is Rococo.

6. Ultra-Baroque

If you look at a building and, due to the abundance of stucco moldings and sculptures, you no longer understand what is happening around you, then you can be sure that it is ultra-baroque. The main thing is not to lose consciousness when contemplating such beauty.

7. Russian Baroque

Russian Baroque is no longer a cake, it’s a real cake, painted to resemble Khokhloma.

8. Pseudo-Russian style

Pseudo-Russian style is when you tried to make it look like antiquity, but you overdid it and decorated everything too richly.

9. Neo-Gothic

Neo-Gothic is when you are afraid to cut yourself on a building just by looking at it. Thin long spiers, window openings and fear of injections.

10. Gothic

If you look at a building and there is less danger of cutting yourself, and it has a round window in the center or a stained glass window with towers on the sides, it is Gothic. On the stucco of such buildings in the architectural style they often like to torture all sorts of sinners and other asocial individuals.

11. Art Deco

Art Deco is when, when you look at a building, old American songs performed by Frank Sinatra start playing in your head, and imaginary cars from the 60s start driving through the streets.

12. Modernism

Everything is simple here. Modernism in architectural style is a house from the future, but built with notes of nostalgia for the past.

13. Modern

In modern architecture you can study ancient history. There are a lot of little things and elaborate details, which together form a whole composition.

14. Constructivism

Constructivism in architectural style is when lovers of cylinders and other strict geometric shapes begin to build houses. They put up some kind of trapezoid or cylinder and cut windows in it.

15. Deconstructivism

If you look at a building and see that it has been completely broken, bent and wrinkled - this is deconstructivism. A real geometric hell for a perfectionist.

16. High-tech

High-tech architecture includes buildings with a lot of glass, concrete, everything is transparent, mirrored and glitters in the sun. Maximum geometricity, rigor and angularity.

17. Postmodernism

Postmodernism is when you look at a building, like Malevich’s “Black Square”, and don’t understand what the author wanted to say, how he was allowed to build it and why he wasn’t treated for drug addiction. However, such fancy forms also have their advantages.

Of course, professional architects may consider such a list of architectural styles blasphemous and generally be offended, but make allowances for those who are not so good at history and defining styles. After all, the car mechanic will also smile indulgently as he watches the architect try to determine which side to approach the crankshaft from.

The architectural style reflects common features in the design of building facades, plans, forms, structures. Architectural styles were formed under certain economic and social development society under the influence of religion, government structure, ideology, architectural traditions and national characteristics, climatic conditions, landscape. The emergence of a new type of architectural style has always been associated with technological progress, changes in ideology and geopolitical structures of society. Let us consider some types of architectural styles that served as the basis for various trends in architecture in different periods time.

Archaic architecture

Structures erected before the 5th century BC are usually classified as archaic architecture. Stylistically, the buildings of Mesopotamia and Assyria (states of Western Asia) are related to the buildings of Ancient Egypt. They are united by simplicity, monumentality, geometric shapes, and the desire for large sizes. There were also differences: Egyptian buildings are characterized by symmetry, while the architecture of Mesopotamia is characterized by asymmetry. The Egyptian temple consisted of a suite of rooms and was stretched horizontally; in the Mesopotamian temple, the rooms seem attached to each other randomly. In addition, one of the parts of the temple had a vertical orientation (ziggurat (sigguratu - peak) - temple tower, characteristic feature temples of the Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations).

Antique style

Antiquity, as a type of architectural style, dates back to Ancient Greece. Greek buildings were built in the likeness of the “megaron” residential building of the Cretan-Mycenaean era. In the Greek temple, the walls were made thick, massive, without windows, and a hole was made in the roof for light. The construction was based on a modular system, rhythm and symmetry.

Megaron - means “large hall” - a rectangular house with a hearth in the middle (beginning of 4 thousand BC)

The ancient architectural style became the basis for the development of the order system. There were directions in the order system: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian. The Doric order appeared in the 6th century BC, it was distinguished by its severity and massiveness. The lighter and more elegant Ionic order appeared later and was popular in Asia Minor. The Corinthian order appeared in the 5th century. BC Colonnades became a hallmark of this type of architectural style. The architectural style, the photo of which is located below, is defined as antique, Doric order.

The Romans, who conquered Greece, adopted the architectural style, enriched it with decoration and introduced an order system into the construction of not only temples, but also palaces.

Romanesque style

Type of architectural style of the 10th-12th centuries. - received its name “Romanesque” only in the 19th century. thanks to art critics. The structures were created as a structure from simple geometric shapes: cylinders, parallelepipeds, cubes. Castles, temples and monasteries with powerful stone walls with teeth. In the 12th century towers with loopholes and galleries appeared at castle-fortresses.

The main buildings of that era were the temple, the fortress and the castle. The buildings of this era were simple geometric shapes: cubes, prisms, cylinders; during their construction, vaulted structures were created, the vaults themselves were made cylindrical, cross-rib, cross. In the early Romanesque architectural style, walls were painted, and by the end of the 11th century. Three-dimensional stone reliefs appeared on the facades.

Architecture: main styles

Architecture (or architecture) - from Greek - “master of build.”

1) Structures (buildings and structures) surrounding a person in life and created by his hands.

2) The art of designing and constructing buildings and structures according to the laws of beauty.

Ancient Greek architecture

Every architectural structure has a clear structural order: it consists of parts carrying(walls, columns, pylons) and carried(flat and vaulted ceilings). The most important achievement of ancient Greek architecture was invention of the architectural order.

Architectural order – a certain combination of load-bearing and non-supporting elements of a post-beam structure (i.e. stone beams were laid horizontally on columns and walls), their structure and artistic treatment. The architectural order consists of two elements - a column and an entablature.

The column consists of three parts - base, trunk and capital . The base is a round base on which the column rests. The column trunk may have vertical grooves - flutes. They give the column slenderness and enliven its trunk with chiaroscuro. The column is crowned with a figured capital(from Latin - “head”). Thus, the ancient column seemed to consist of a head, torso and legs and was associated among the Greeks with human body. Often sculptures depicting people - Atlases and caryatids - replaced columns.

The entablature, like the column, consists of three parts - the architrave, frieze and cornice. Architrave is a beam that rests on column capitals or a wall. Stretches above the architrave frieze. Often, the outside of a building is covered with sculptural reliefs to decorate it. Crowned with a protruding entablature cornice. Above the entablature at the ends of the building there is gable formed by a cornice and two roof slopes. It was from the façade of ancient Greek temples with columns, an entablature and a pediment crowning them that the portico- the most important part of any building of the classical era.

In ancient Greek architecture there was three types of architectural order :

- Doric order (formed in the 7th-6th centuries BC)

- ionic order (formed in the 5th century BC)

- Corinthian order (formed at the end of the 5th century BC)

A distinctive feature of a particular architectural order is the type of column. Doric column– powerful, stocky, with wide flutes. It has no base, and the capital is extremely simple: a square slab (abacus) and a round cushion supporting it (echin). In the minds of the ancient Greeks, the Doric column was associated with the male body of an athlete.

Ionic column, on the contrary, is comparable to a female figure. Its trunk is thinner than that of a Doric column, it is elegant and slender. The Ionic column rests on a high base, and its capital has four beautiful scrolls - currency.

The most elegant of the Greek columns is Corinthian with a magnificent capital covered with floral ornaments. The Greeks associated her with a young girl.

Main architectural styles of world architecture

ROMAN STYLE(from Latin - “Roman”) - architectural style in Western Europe in the 10th-13th centuries, characterized by simplicity, rigor, and massive architectural forms.

Romanesque architecture is represented by monuments such as religious destinations - monasteries, churches, and secular– locks.

Romanesque churches should have accommodated large number people who wanted to take part in worship, so the size of churches increased, which entailed the creation of new designs of vaults and supports. It was in Romanesque architecture that for the first time in the Middle Ages huge buildings built entirely of stone appeared.

Romanesque locks also became stone and turned into impregnable fortresses. In the center of the castle there was a stone tower - a donjon. On the ground floor there were storerooms, on the second - the rooms of the owner of the castle, above them - rooms for servants and guards, in the basement - a prison. A watch was posted at the top of the tower. As a rule, the castle was surrounded by a deep moat. The bridge spanning the moat to the main tower was raised in case of danger and the entrance gate was closed with it.

The first ones were built on the principle of a protected fortress. cities surrounded by walls and ditches.

The main feature of Romanesque architecture is defense capability. It is characterized by: cylindrical (half-cylinder-shaped) and cross (two half-cylinders crossing at right angles) vaults, massive and thick walls, large supports, an abundance of smooth surfaces and sculptural ornaments. The appearance of the building was distinguished by simplicity, majesty and severity, which complemented the severity and sometimes gloom.

In the sculpture that adorned the facades of buildings and in the fresco painting of interiors, religious dogmatism and conventional interpretation of figures prevailed.

In the 13th century the Romanesque style was supplanted by Gothic.

GOTHIC STYLE (GOTIC)(from the name of the Germanic tribe Goths) is an architectural style of Western Europe in the 13th-16th centuries, which replaced the Romanesque, which is characterized by the subordination of architectural forms to vertical rhythm, pointed vaults on the ribs, an abundance of stone carvings and sculptural decorations, and the use of stained glass.

In contrast to the Romanesque period, the centers of European religious, cultural, political and economic life by the end of the 12th century. It became not monasteries, but cities. Here were the palaces of aristocrats, residences of the highest clergy, churches, monasteries, and universities.

The centers of social life of the medieval city were town hall (city government building) and cathedral (large Christian temple). The town hall was a large stone building with a meeting hall on the first floor and utility rooms on the second. A tower rose above the town hall - a symbol of the freedom of the city.

Gothic architecture represents an organic unity of two components - design and decor. The essence of Gothic construction is to create a special frame or skeleton that ensures the strength and stability of the building. If in Romanesque architecture the stability of a building depends on the massiveness of the walls, then in Gothic architecture it depends on the correct distribution of gravity forces. Gothic design includes three main elements: 1) vault on ribs(arch made of hewn wedge stones, strengthening the ribs of the vault) pointed in shape; 2) the system of so-called flying buttresses; 3) powerful buttresses. Thus, if in a Romanesque church massive vaults rest on thick walls, then in a Gothic cathedral the vault rests on arches, which in turn rest on pillars. Lateral arch pressure is transmitted flying buttresses(external stone semi-arches conveying the thrust of the arch of the main nave to the buttresses) and buttresses(external supports, a kind of “crutches” of the building). This design made it possible to reduce the thickness of the walls and increase the internal space of the building. The walls no longer served as a support for the vault, which made it possible to create many windows, arches, and galleries in them. In the Gothic cathedral, the smooth surface of the wall disappeared, so wall paintings gave way to stained glass- an image made up of colored glass fastened together, which was placed in the window opening. The use of stained glass windows allowed free access of light into the room. This circumstance was extremely important for Christianity, because it gives light a divine and mystical meaning. Colored stained glass windows evoke an exciting play of colored light in the interior of Gothic cathedrals.

If the Romanesque church is ponderous and squat, then the Gothic cathedral is light and directed upward. This is due to the use in Gothic architecture of a new design of vaults (as discussed above), as well as towers with pointed spiers and rich decorative design. Along with stained glass windows, Gothic buildings were decorated with sculptures, reliefs, abstract geometric patterns, and floral patterns. To this was added the skillful church utensils of the cathedral and beautiful items of applied art. All this turned the Gothic cathedral into a place of genuine synthesis of all types and genres of art.

France became the cradle of Gothic. Here it was born in the second half of the 12th century. and then for three centuries it developed along the path of increasing lightness and decorativeness. In the 13th century she was reaching her peak. In the 14th century the increase in decorativeness comes mainly due to the clarity and clarity of the constructive principle, which leads to the appearance of a “radiant” Gothic style. The 15th century gives birth to "flaming" Gothic, so named because some of the decorative motifs resemble flames.

Table "Comparison of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles"

BAROQUE(from Italian - strange, bizarre, irregularly shaped) - an architectural style in European countries in the 16th-18th centuries, in Russia in the 18th century, which was associated with the noble culture of the era of absolutism. The main idea of ​​this style is beauty, solemnity, pomp, and wealth. Hence its exaggerated pathos, theatricality, which in architecture is expressed by the complexity of forms, decorativeness, splendor, luxury, and excess.

Baroque architecture full of movement, dynamics, she does not accept smooth, even surfaces. The plane of the wall either sharply protrudes forward in the form of a bunch of columns supporting the entablature, or sinks deep into the interior. This technique in architecture is called unfastening. For example, the facade of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg (architect F.-B. Rastrelli) has 29 external and 29 internal corners. This creates a bizarre play of chiaroscuro, and when moving along the facades of baroque buildings, a constant change of view. The walls of Baroque buildings were densely covered with original decorative reliefs - cartouches, rocailles, mascarons. One architectural historian wittily noted that Baroque buildings seem “more sculpted than built.”

Baroque does not tolerate not only flat planes, but also straight lines. The Baroque ideal is a capriciously curved curve. That is why architects of that era often used the motif in their works volutes- Shapes in the form of a curl twisted into a spiral. Another favorite Baroque motif is the broken arch (or pediment). Even the roofs of buildings were made high with fractures, and statues and vases were installed on the cornices - and all this in order to disrupt straightness. The wall of a baroque building on the plan resembles a bizarrely broken line.

Baroque architecture is not only elaborate, but also very colorful. The roofs of the buildings were covered with silver tinned iron. The walls were painted blue, blue, yellow, architectural details (columns, pilasters, cornices, window frames) in white, and sculptural decorations were often gilded.

Baroque loves various optical effects, “optical illusions”. Often the external decoration of a building hides its internal structure. Looking at the baroque palace from the outside, it is difficult to determine how many floors it has. Often the halls have two rows of horizontally located windows (two-light halls), but from the outside they are divided by a cornice in such a way as if an interfloor ceiling is hidden behind the wall.

The interiors of baroque buildings are particularly rich. It was in fashion at that time enfilade the arrangement of the halls, which, like beads, were strung on one axis. Through the open doors from one end of the enfilade the other is visible. The enfilades stretched for tens and sometimes hundreds of meters.

The walls of the palace rooms were covered with silk fabric with colored ornaments, the ceilings were covered with stucco and painting (plafond painting), the floors were decorated with inlaid parquet with a complex pattern, the doors were decorated with gilded carvings, and many huge mirrors were hung on the walls, visually expanding the interior space of the room.

The rich, elegant baroque interior was matched by luxurious furniture - soft chairs, armchairs, sofas. Their curved legs, curved backs, and upholstery made of colored silk fabric were in harmony in design and color with the decoration of the rooms. Furniture was placed along the walls. Often, architects themselves designed pieces of furniture for their buildings. The obligatory decoration of the palace chambers were numerous works of art - paintings, sculptures, vases. All this gave the premises a festive character.

CLASSICISM – architectural style in Western Europe in the 17th - early 19th centuries, in Russia - in the second half of the 18th - early 19th centuries, which is characterized by clarity, simplicity, geometric shapes, symmetry, logical planning, a combination of walls with architectural order and restrained decor.

Classicism arose in France during the formation of the absolute monarchy. If Baroque gives preference to feelings, classicism rests on reason. The highest norm and ideal model for it is ancient art, especially ancient Greek. Its main principles are clarity, orderliness, logical consistency, harmony and harmony.

"Godfather" architectural classicism is considered to be an Italian architect of the 16th century. Andrea Palladio. His famous building - the Villa Rotunda with columned porticoes and a round central hall under a dome - became a building in the 18th century. role model. Palladio's theoretical work “Four Books on Architecture” has become a reference book for all classicist architects.

The architects of classicism, following Palladio, sought to express the civic ideals of their time in the majestic and strict forms of ancient architecture.

The basis of the architectural language of classicism becomes architectural order , which in the Baroque played a purely decorative role.

If baroque is characterized by an abundance of decorations, a predilection for curved lines and planes, a love of visual effects and complexity, then classicism, on the contrary, loves simplicity and clarity.

The forms of classical buildings tend to be simple geometric shapes: cube, parallelepiped. The structure of the building is simple. In the center is a columned portico topped with a triangular pediment. The portico is adjacent to the cuboid block of the main building. Above its central volume is a hemispherical dome. On the sides of the building there are side outbuildings. The principle of symmetry prevails in everything. The walls of classical buildings are devoid of lush baroque decor. A smooth, calm surface, enlivened only by a few strictly worked out architectural details, is valued.

Table “Comparison of the stylistic features of Baroque and Classicism”

Empire style(from French - “empire”) - an architectural style that developed during the era of Napoleon I at the beginning of the 19th century. and was called upon to glorify his power and might, his military victories. This style, which originated in France, took root in other countries, including Russia in the first half of the 19th century.

The Empire style did not arise out of nowhere. Classicism of the 18th century became fertile ground for him. However, the Empire style, which is often called late classicism, had its own characteristics. The model for him was mainly the art of imperial Rome, which was distinguished pomp, pomp, commitment to the military, triumphal theme . That is why monumental buildings and large urban planning projects predominate in Empire architecture, mainly public buildings are erected - theaters, exchanges, government and military institutions, and military motifs began to dominate in the decoration of buildings: antique swords, helmets, shields, banners, etc. If in the Baroque era sculpture was purely decorative, “decorative”, now it has acquired ideological content. An Empire style architect is, first of all, a master of the architectural ensemble. He thinks like an urban planner transforming vast urban spaces.

In the homeland of the Empire style, in France, many brilliant architectural projects were not destined to come true: the constant Napoleonic wars prevented this. But in Russia there were all the conditions for the prosperity of the Empire style.

MODERN(from French - “newest”) - an architectural style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, associated with the use of new structures, building materials (metal and reinforced concrete), free planning to create highly individualized buildings and unusual decorative effects. The desire for originality, characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, led to the deformation of the usual outlines and the appearance of curved cornices, curvilinear forms of window openings, emphasized asymmetry, bizarre ornaments of broken, torn and curved lines, as well as the use of symbolic motifs - mermaids, swamp plants, etc. p.

World architecture developed according to the laws of church dominance. Residential civil buildings looked quite modest, while the temples amazed with their pomp. During the Middle Ages, the church had significant funds, which the higher clergy received from the state, in addition, donations from parishioners entered the church treasury. With this money, churches were built throughout Russia. Examples of civil architecture of that time leave much to be desired. However, starting from the 18th century, the situation changed radically. Churches and cathedrals were already built without unnecessary luxury, but landowners' estates, royal country houses and even the buildings in the noble hunting grounds greatly added in sophistication and beauty. The styles of houses, the architecture of buildings, streets and squares were constantly improved. Architects were considered the most respected people.

Early Gothic style

Unique examples of ancient architecture are the cathedrals that were built starting from the mid-12th century in northern regions France. The largest Gothic cathedral was built in Amiens in 1220. Later, the same Gothic cathedral was erected in the German city of Cologne; its construction was completed in 1248.

In parallel with the Gothic style, the Romanesque style developed in the architecture of the Middle Ages in the 12th - 14th centuries. Italian architects erected buildings with walls of incredible thickness; the houses were more like fortresses. Architecture examples Romanesque style- these are buildings reminiscent of military defense structures. The lower tier was especially strong, fundamental, the second floor consisted of towers and turrets, round and rectangular in plan, large and small. All towers had narrow, high windows, shaped like loopholes. The Middle Ages corresponded to its time. Warring knightly clans needed effective protection from enemy attacks, and family castles with fortresses were ideally suited for this purpose.

Ancient architecture

In ancient times, much attention was paid to the construction of public buildings. These were grandiose structures designed to organize mass spectacles. Ancient Roman forums, designed for tens of thousands of spectators, ancient Greek agoras, which were huge open areas filled with people, artisans and traders every day. Ancient Egyptian architecture differed significantly from Roman architecture, primarily in that the Egyptians never gathered in crowds of thousands in one place. Egyptian history has its roots in the 15th century BC, when architecture was conventional in nature. The buildings were erected from shell rock or red baked clay. Nothing was yet known about styles; the ancient Egyptians were concerned not with the style of their buildings, but with how to build higher houses to avoid flooding from the flooded Nile.

Orders

Ancient Greek architecture was mostly focused on the construction of temple buildings, some of which have survived to this day. Gradually, several architectural styles emerged:

• The Doric order is distinguished by simple, powerful forms, even some of their heaviness. Doric columns have flutes on their surface, deep grooves running from the lower base to the capital. The horizontal tiers in the Doric order are an architrave connecting the columns at the level of the abacus, and on top there is a frieze consisting of two layers - a triglyph and a metope. All together it forms an entablature, which is topped with a gezimsom, a cornice with a significant protrusion outward.

• The Ionic order - in comparison with the heavy Doric, is distinguished by lightness of proportions. The main sign of belonging to the Ionic order is the capital of the column, which has the shape of a double volute, directed with curls downwards. The Ionic order is considered architectural feminine style, as it is exquisite and complete with embellishments. The order appeared in the 6th century BC, in Ionia, on the northwest coast of the Aegean Sea. A century later it spread throughout the territory ancient Greece. The main building in the Ionic style is the temple of the goddess Hera on the island of Samos, built in 570 BC and soon destroyed by an earthquake. And the most stylish building in the Ionic order is the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus - one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”.

• The Corinthian order, the latest, differed from others in its special splendor. The columns in their image and entablature resemble the features of the Ionic order, but the abacus and capital are completely different. The Corinthian style is full of decorativeness, its capitals contain floral ornaments, and two rows of acanthus leaves run along the perimeter. The capital is also decorated with many lily volutes.

"Palladianism"

The beginning of the 18th century was marked by the emergence of a new direction in world culture - classicism. Regularity of forms, clear projections and proportions - these were the main criteria of architectural classicism. A faithful follower of the ancient style of temple architecture, the Venetian master Palladio, together with his student Scamozzi, substantiated his own theory of ancient classicism. The doctrine was called “Palladianism” and became widely used in the construction of private mansions. The “classicism” style in architecture turned out to be technologically advanced and convenient from the point of view of design and construction of buildings.

Decline of Baroque architecture

As it turned out, the cost of buildings erected in the new style was significantly lower. The buildings were distinguished by their laconicism, the “whipped cream” of the late Baroque was a thing of the past, classicism with its symmetrical axial compositions and noble restraint of decorative decoration gained more and more admirers. European connoisseurs architectural masterpieces were ready to abandon both Baroque and Rococo in favor of chamber, with notes of academicism, strict and elegant classicism.

At the same time, several mansions were built under the leadership of the most famous of which was the Rotunda Palace, near the city of Vicenza. The "classicism" style in architecture quickly gained popularity. Paris to literally words were overwhelmed by a wave of construction. Under Louis XV, entire architectural ensembles, such as the Place de la Concorde. And during the reign of Louis XVI, “laconic classicism” became the main trend in urban architecture. After the execution of the French king and the overthrow of the monarchy in 1793, Paris for a long time built up chaotically and inconsistently.

Empire architectural style

At the end of the 18th century, classicism began to decline; it was necessary to renew the entire culture as a whole and architecture as its component part.

Classicism was replaced by new style in art and architecture called Empire style, which originated and developed in France during the reign of Napoleon I. The emergence of a new direction was caused to a large extent by political reasons. The government of Napoleon Bonaparte tried to impose its own, so-called “imperial” style in architecture when it became clear that classicism was already approaching its decline. Both the solemn and pompous Empire style and all other styles of architecture of the 19th century fit perfectly into the palace agglomerates, but the emphasis was still placed on the “royal” direction.

In Russia, the architectural Empire style appeared under Tsar Alexander the First, who was loyal to French culture and considered it worthy of imitation. No wonder the sovereign invited an architect from France, Auguste Montferrand, to build the famous St. Isaac's Cathedral. The style in architecture - Empire - was not uniform in its form; it was divided into St. Petersburg and Moscow and existed until the mid-19th century. In addition to St. Isaac's Cathedral, built in 1858, in St. Petersburg there is another masterpiece in the “royal” style, this is the Kazan Cathedral of Andrei Voronikhin, and in the Russian style in architecture, the Empire style is a thirty-year period of construction of genuine masterpieces.

Architectural sights of St. Petersburg

One of the most outstanding cities in the world in terms of architectural significance is the city of St. Petersburg, the northern capital of Russia. Thanks to the continuity of Russian and Western European experience in urban planning in the XVIII - 19th centuries A unique conglomerate was created in St. Petersburg. The city features fifteen different architectural styles, the harmonious polyphony of which creates unique picture reunification of several historical periods into one whole. The boundaries of eras are not clearly defined, “blurred”, but all the signs of the past are present.

The architecture of St. Petersburg includes eight dominant directions:

• Baroque "Petrine", early 18th century;
• mid-18th century;
• Gothic, second half of the 18th century;
• classicism, late 18th century;
• Russian Empire style, early 19th century;
• Renaissance, mid-19th century;
• eclecticism, second half of the 19th century;
• Art Nouveau, early 20th century;

Peter's Baroque is a transformed Italian and French Baroque. The somewhat pretentious style was welcomed by Peter I and his entourage. However, the time during which the Baroque flourished was turbulent; numerous wars devastated the treasury. The construction of new buildings was insufficiently financed, and this could not but affect their quality. The Baroque style was indicated only on the facades; the main features of the architectural direction were emphasized: pediments, pilasters with volutes, spiers on the roofs. The interior spaces were stretched out according to the enfilade principle, this significantly reduced the cost of construction. Petrine baroque dominated in St. Petersburg from 1703 to 1740; after the death of the emperor in 1725, the activity of contracted European architects decreased, but work continued for another 15 years.

The daughter of Peter I, Elizabeth, who ascended the royal throne in 1741, sought to centralize power; in addition, she was no stranger to luxury, pomp, magnificent festivities and balls. In the architecture of urban buildings during the reign of Elizabeth, pomp and pretentiousness began to be traced, thus the “Elizabethan Baroque” style itself arose. The main architect of that time was Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who created a masterpiece of architecture of world significance - Winter Palace, located on Palace Square, which is also known as the Hermitage Museum.

List of those built during the reign of the Elizabethan Baroque:

• Anichkov Palace (1741 - 1753).
• Elizabeth (1741 - 1744), has not survived.
• Great Peterhof Palace (1745 - 1762).
• Ekateringof Palace (1747 - 1750), has not survived.
• Smolny Cathedral, built in St. Petersburg (1748 - 1754).
• Vorontsov Palace, St. Petersburg (1749 - 1757).
• The travel palace on Srednyaya Rogatka (1751 - 1754) has not survived.
• Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo (1752 - 1758).
• Stroganov Palace, Nevsky Prospekt (1753 - 1754).
• St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral (1753 - 1762).
• Shuvalov's house on Italianskaya Street (1753 - 1755).
• Winter Palace (1754 - 1762).
• The Yakovlev mansion (1762 - 1766) has not survived.

Gothic in St. Petersburg

The City on the Neva is one of the most unique metropolises in the world, with such a diverse culture. Gothic architecture appeared in St. Petersburg in 1777, it was the Chesme Palace and the Chesme Church. As in the case of the “Petrine Baroque,” ​​these buildings did not fully correspond to the style. Gothic elements served as external attributes - facades, numerous turrets, high spiers. The supporting structures of the buildings were carried out according to a simplified design. In essence, it was pseudo-Gothic, however, a large number of churches and secular buildings were built in the 19th century.

The architectural style of "classicism" was developed in the period from 1760 to 1780. Petersburg at that time was already ready for change. The buildings, built in the classicist style, organically fit into the urban landscape. Among the most notable buildings are the following:

• "Imperial Academy of Arts", built on Vasilyevsky Island in 1764 -1788.
• Yusupov Palace (1771-1773).
• Hanging Gardens of the Small Hermitage (1764-1775).
• Armenian Church (1771-1776).
• Marble Palace (1768-1785)
• (1783-1789).
• Mining Institute of Empress Catherine (1806-1808).

Classicism was a harbinger of the appearance of the Russian Empire style in St. Petersburg. The change of direction happened unnoticed. At that time, the Empire style of architecture was in demand in France as part of the rapid changes taking place in the country. It reflected Napoleon's ambitions and became a symbol of new life for the French. And the Russian Empire style replaced classicism, nothing more. The architecture of St. Petersburg developed according to its own laws. French culture had a significant influence on its development.

Architecture and photography

Residential and sacred buildings, landowners' estates and churches, prisons and government buildings. Any building related to public life, should have architectural features. Some houses were built in strict accordance with the rules of building aesthetics, and the architects often managed to achieve impressive results. Masterpieces of architectural art had to be sketched, since photography did not yet exist. Photographic art appeared and began to develop only in the first half of the 19th century. However, it was not immediately possible to replace the drawing with a photo. Architecture is always a rather complex image, with many shades and halftones, and the usual daguerreotype did not convey them; the plate only produced a flat spot with barely noticeable contours. And the artists continued to paint.

However, as the years passed, photography improved, and then the moment came when it became possible to capture any structure in a photo. Architecture, as the classic aptly put it, is “frozen music,” and many wanted to preserve this music as a keepsake in the form of a photograph. People posed in front of their own houses or tried to take pictures near some famous building. All kinds of architecture styles, photos of which were considered to be at home in good form, became popular. At the dawn of photography, most photographs were either of family or of buildings.

Architecture styles with examples

There are many examples of architectural styles, each of them has certain characteristics that characterize the direction, type and time period in which the building was erected.

According to individual, most famous styles architecture, specific examples can be given:

• Empire - "Arch of the General Staff" in St. Petersburg, on Palace Square (1819 - 1829), architect Carlo Rossi;
• classicism - "Trinity Cathedral in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra" (1776 - 1790), architect Starov. Saint Petersburg;
• Gothic - "Sevastyanov's House" (1863 - 1866), architect Paduchev, Yekaterinburg;
• baroque - "Stroganov Palace" in St. Petersburg, on Nevsky Prospekt, (1752 - 1754), architect Rastrelli;
• Renaissance - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (1417 - 1436), architect Brunelleschi;
• Art Nouveau - "House in St. Petersburg (1902 - 1904), architect Suzor.

Examples of architecture indicate the development of certain genres over the centuries.

Original examples of today's architecture

Today there are enough creative architects in the world who are engaged in cutting-edge projects. Other projects are purely utilitarian in nature, but there are also those that can be called original. For example, houses on balls have become fashionable in Japan. Because Country rising sun is earthquake-hazardous, Japanese architects began to install houses on huge balls made of especially durable material. Thus, during an earthquake, the house simply begins to sway; the vibrations of tremors cannot cause any harm to it.

There are original buildings that are the fruit of creative design ideas. In the famous Spanish city of Barcelona, ​​which rightfully ranks first in the world in the number of original buildings, architects have created another masterpiece. It's upside down. The building stands on the roof and delights tourists with its unusualness.