definition
strict definition
historical style
Architectural styles ranging from primitive and ancient building traditions through the mid-18th century.
Historical styles encompass primitive and ancient styles of architecture through the mid-18th century. Similar styles which occur later are listed as revival styles.
These styles describe the architectural vocabulary of the historical periods themselves. Their forms can include characteristic structural arrangements as well as surface ornament.
A later revival style deliberately returns to an earlier vocabulary. Similar-looking forms can therefore belong to different stylistic periods depending on whether they are original to that tradition or a later revival.
historical style Photos
More specific definitions
20 sub-definitions-
baroque
Post-Renaissance architecture with a strong emphasis on the plasticity of classical forms. -
byzantine
Architecture derived from the Byzantine Empire, featuring domes flanked by lower semidomes, with floorplans based on a central square. -
carolingian
Medieval architecture of the late first millennium, influenced by Roman architecture. -
classical chinese
Traditional Chinese architecture with prominent roof eaves and an emphasis on vertical and horizontal hierarchies. -
classical greek
Architecture of ancient Greece, characterized by refined proportions, fluted columns, and triangular pediments. -
classical japanese
Traditional architecture of Japan, featuring wide overhanging roofs and clear skeletal constructions. -
classical mexican
Pre-Columbian architecture from central Mexico, including Teotihuacano, Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec. -
classical roman
Architecture of the Roman Empire, with rationalistic stone constructions influenced by Greek architecture and often using rounded arches. -
egyptian
Architecture of Pharaonic Egypt with monumental stone or mud-brick construction, formal plans, and characteristic tapering forms. -
fachwerk
Vernacular European architecture using exposed timber framework as decoration, with stucco infill. -
gothic
European architecture of the late Middle Ages with light stone frameworks, vertical detailing, and extensive tracery. -
islamic
Architecture of the Middle East typified by multiple minarets, slightly pointed domes, and elaborate geometric or calligraphic decoration. -
mannerist
European architecture between Renaissance and Baroque with an emphasis on creative variation in a classical vocabulary. -
mayan
Architecture of the ancient Maya peoples, best known for large symmetrical stone pyramids and vaulted temples. -
medieval norwegian
A medieval Norwegian vernacular style with timber framing, steep roofs, layered masses, and carved wooden ornament. -
mughal
Architecture of South-Central Asia from the Mughal reign blending Indian and Islamic features, often with domes and profusions of arches. -
renaissance
European Renaissance architecture emphasizing classical symmetry, proportion, and an ordered arrangement of forms. -
rococo
An ornate development of Baroque design, with twisting forms, gilding, organic ornament, and overlapping decorative surfaces. -
romanesque
Architecture of the early second millennium characterized by massive symmetrical constructions with rounded arches and vaults. -
russian
A primarily ecclesiastical style characterized by square or cross-shaped plans, multiple onion domes, bright colors, and elaborate ornamentation.