14 Architecture Styles and Their Defining Features

Brutalist architecture first appeared in the 1950s when cities were recovering from World War II and was mostly employed for institutional structures including town halls, libraries, university buildings, and social housing.

This type of modern construction is most prevalent in the UK and Eastern Europe, and the building materials—especially steel and concrete—are typically on prominent display.

Though some people do find these structures to be beautiful in and of themselves, the purpose of brutalist construction was functional rather than beautiful.

Though it may not have occurred to you to contemplate all the various types available, unless you are a skilled construction, construction is an integral part of our daily life. But it’s worth it since architectural styles are just as varied, captivating, and exquisite as any other kind of design or art.

Knowing about some of the major trends in construction design is useful, regardless of your motivations—be they to become architects, to take pictures of buildings, or simply to learn more about the area in which you currently reside and beyond.

Even in domestic construction, neoclassical construction is often large-scale, drawing inspiration from the structures and designs of classical Greece and Rome. Columns, geometric shapes, flat or domed roofs, and white or light-coloured stones are common architectural features.

Since the middle of the 18th century, neoclassical construction has gained popularity, and many structures are still constructed in this manner now.

Art Deco architecture was inspired by the construction that was fashionable in the 1920s and 1930s and sought to combine elegance and functionality. Decorative features are used, particularly around windows and doors, and the design is clean and streamlined without being minimalist.

It can also occasionally be colourful, featuring metal accents or contrasting pastel hues. Although it is prevalent in Miami and New York. Art Deco construction is found throughout the United States and the world.

Victorian construction expanded over the world during the second part of the 1800s when Queen Victoria ruled over Britain. The phrase also refers to a broad variety of other architectural styles, such as Queen Anne, Italianate, and Colonial Revival.

Victorian construction encompasses a wide range of styles, but its common characteristics include brickwork, painted iron railings, wraparound porches, bay windows, and steeply pitched roofs. It is not so much minimalist as it is ornamental.

Contemporary architecture is any construction created in the present, not to be mistaken with modern construction, even though the two have certain characteristics. This implies that while there are huge variations in style, it is generally minimalist and favours simple, open-plan environments with clear lines.

Eco-friendly building materials or techniques are also frequently used in contemporary construction.

Italianate architecture, which gained popularity in the middle of the 19th century, is influenced by structures from the Renaissance, especially those from the 16th century. Tall windows that are rectangular or arched, wide overhanging eaves, bay windows, and porches with ornamental elements are characteristics of this romantic and idealized construction.

A structure is probably Italianate if it has the appearance of something. That would look good on the cobblestone alleys of Rome or a Tuscan country farm.

The Bauhaus was a utopian design school founded in 1919 in Germany to serve as a template for the reconstruction of Europe following World War I. Bauhaus’s construction is rationalist and functionalist in nature, prioritizing function over adornment.

Asymmetry, glass curtain walls, flat roofs, geometric shapes, and the utilization of contemporary materials like concrete, steel, and glass are other recurring motifs.

Tudor architecture is the term used to describe the characteristic two-toned buildings constructed during the Tudor era, which spanned from 1485 to 1558 in England. Dark-coloured, typically black, exposed timber beams provide a striking contrast to the brickwork.

While actual Tudor buildings are exclusively found in the United Kingdom, Tudor-inspired construction features, such as two-tone exposed beams. They are now merely ornamental and are seen all over the world.

It is a popular 19th-century construction style. That emulated ancient Greek temple construction and was related to both neoclassical and Italianate construction. Greek Revival construction is characterized by its simple, graceful, symmetrical design, which often includes porches, columns, and pilasters in both public buildings and palatial mansions.

The elaborate, imposing, and theatrical appearance of beaux-arts construction may appeal to you if you find minimalism to be a little too dull. Beaux-art construction, which is roughly pronounced boe-zarr, is called for the École des Beaux-Arts, a fine arts institution in Paris that taught this architectural style.

It shares stylistic similarities with Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassicism. Look for arched doors and windows, columns, cornices, large arrival halls and staircases, and French and Italian architectural influences.

Industrial construction can refer to any facility used for industry. Such as a factory or warehouse, but it can also apply to homes, workplaces, or other structures. That draws inspiration from similar industrial buildings. Consider exposed beams and brickwork, glass and iron, and straight, basic lines.

The mid-19th century saw the beginning of the arts and crafts movement. Which was a response to the Victorian era’s mass production of goods. Handcrafting and the use of accessible materials were key components of arts and crafts architecture and design in general.

Because the style of arts and crafts building overlaps so much with other popular styles of the era. It can be challenging to distinguish some of them. However, in general, search for huge internal fireplaces, exposed beams, low-pitched roofs with enclosed eave overhangs, and conspicuous porches. For example, an arts and crafts house could have the appearance of a classic little cottage.

Despite being named after the region of Massachusetts where it is most prevalent. Cape Cod construction is widespread in the United States. Cape Cod planning is a distinctly American architectural style dating back to the 17th century. Is primarily associated with small, simple, rectangular structures, especially cottages. With a steeply pitched roof that allows snow to run off.

Although contemporary Cape Cod cottages are typically bigger than their historical counterparts. They nevertheless have wood and pine frames, white or light-coloured exteriors, and shutters with darker hues.

Now that you are aware of these many architectural styles, try to identify them when you are in your city. There will be more diversity in planning in certain locations than in others. But practically everywhere will have structures that draw inspiration from some of these customs and trends.

You might even want to start a travel sketchbook for any planning. You come across if you have a planned trip. Enjoy yourself while you learn more about the world around you.