A Short History of Architecture

Paper Summary:

In this paper the author presents a brief history of Western architecture, highlighting the major epochs in European architecture, and modern architecture in the US. The paper further discusses the function of architectural space, its use and its aesthetic. Various architectural techniques and their historical development are analyzed. The paper concludes with an an examination of modern architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, whose designs are considered a culmination of the works that preceded him.

From the Paper:

"It would seem logical to start our exploration of the history of architecture with one of the greatest artists of all time--Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475--1564), regarded by many as the "father of architecture in Europe and the greatest designer of the last 500 years" (Lowry, 167). Of all his architectural designs, the vestibule of the Laurentian Library, built to house the immense collections of the Medici family in Florence, Italy, stands out above all others. This vestibule gives the impression of a vertically compressed, shaft-like space which is dominated by a vast, flowing staircase that almost fills the interior, and unlike his contemporaries, Michelangelo ignored classical architectural ideals by placing his columns in pairs which are sunk into the walls; he breaks columns around corners and placed beneath them consoles not meant as support. In essence, Michelangelo "did away with classical architecture so prevalent in the High Renaissance and greatly influenced all architectural designs and forms that followed him" (Copplestone, 178)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Benevolo, Leonardo. History of Modern Architecture, Volume 1. Boston: MIT Press, 1978.
• Copplestone, Trewin. World Architecture: An Illustrated History. London: Hamlyn Press, 1972.
• Curtis, William J.R. Modern Architecture Since 1900. New York: Phaidon Press, 1996.
• Dixon, Roger and Stefan Muthesius. Victorian Architecture: With a Short Dictionary of Architects. London: Thames & Hudson, 1985.
• Gympel, Jan. The Story of Architecture. Columbia, NY: Konemann, 1996.

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