In this unit we´ll see the evolution of architecture through the ages :

Prehistoric : Before 9000BC

  • System of construction – monolith / megaliths .
  • Common material – stone / animal bones / mud .
  • Distinct structures – rock caves / tumulus / stonehedeges .
  • Era phases – stone age / bronze age / iron age .

Egyptian : 5000BC – 100AD

  • System of construccion – columnar and trabeated .
  • Commom material – stone / sand dried bricks / palm leaves .
  • Distinct structures – pyramids / mastabas / pylon gate .
  • Character – monumentality / solidity / massiveness .

Near East : 4000BC – 400AD

  • Vast scope – Anatolia (Turkey) / mesopotamia (Middle East) / persia (Iran) .
  • Commom Material – clay / Mud Bricks .
  • Distinct structures – Ziggurat / Sargon Palace / Persopolis Palace .
  • Importat Geographic Features – tigris & euphrates rivers .

Greek : 800BC – 200AD

  • System of construction – post and lintel / trabeated .
  • Commom material – marbel .
  • Distinct structures – megaron / lion´s gate / acropolis / parthenon / doric ionic corinthian orders .
  • Character – simplicity and harmony / purity of lines / perfection of of proportion / refined details .

Roman : 200BC – 400AD

  • System of contruction – columnar arches and vaults .
  • Commom material – concrete .
  • distinct structures – temples / Pantheon / Colosseum / Vaults / Triumphal Arches / Aqueducts / Roman Houses / Tuscan Composite Orders .
  • Character – Vastness and Magnificence / Ostentatious and Ornately .

Early christian : 400AD – 600AD

  • System of construction – Arctuated and trabeated .
  • Commom material – Remnant of Roman .
  • Distinct structures – Basilican church / Belfry .
  • Character – Simplicity in Design / Coarness in Execution .

Byzantine : 400AD

  • System of construction – Compound Dome .
  • Commom material – Remnat of early Christian .
  • Distinct structures – Greek cross church plan / Byzantine Capital / Hagia Sophia .
  • Character – Simplicity in exterior and Richness in Interior .

Islamic : 700AD

  • System of construction – Pointed horseshoe Arch / Squinch .
  • Commom material – Remnant of Byzantine .
  • Distinct structures – Mosque / Taj Mahal / Iwan Gate .
  • Character – Decorated Abstract Patterns / Foliage Motifs .

Romanesque : 800AD – 1200AD

  • System of contruction – Rib Vault , Horizontal Expansion .
  • Commom Material – Remnant of Roman Style .
  • Distinct Structures – Latin Cross / Cathedrals / Pisa Cathedral / Castles .
  • Character – Sober and Dignified .

Gothic : 1300AD – 1500AD

  • System of construction – spires / pointed arch / flying Buttresses / vertical expansion .
  • Commom material – stone and timber .
  • Distinct Structures – Seville Cathedral / Notre Dame Cathedral .
  • Character – Lofty and Aspiring Quality / Structurally Honest / Economy of Materials .

Renaissance : 1500AD – 1800AD

  • System of Construction – Rebirth of classical arts / Arches / Column-Beam / Flat Ceiling .
  • Commom Material – Remnant of classic style .
  • Distinct Structures – Tempietto / Chateau / 5 classical orders .
  • Character – Symmetry and Space Dignity / Formality of Art Expression .

Revival : 1900AD – 2000AD

  • System of Construction – Revival of Old Style .
  • Commom Material – Iron & Steel / Concrete .
  • Distinct Structures – US Capitol Building / Crystal Palace / Pantheon, Paris .
  • Character – Massive Columns / Imposing Porticos .

Modern : 2000AD

  • System of Construction – Precast Construction .
  • Commom Material – Reinforced Concrete .
  • Distinct Structures – Guggenheim Museum / Crystal Cathedral / Sydney Opera House / Buri Khalifa .
  • Character – High Rise Building .