History & Theory of Architecture
From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Movements
In This Lesson
1. Ancient Architecture
Egyptian Architecture (3000-300 BCE)
Egyptian architecture is characterized by monumentality, permanence, and religious symbolism. The Egyptians believed in the afterlife, which influenced their massive tomb constructions.
Key Structures
- Pyramids of Giza: Cheops (Great Pyramid), Chephren, Mycerinus - massive tombs for pharaohs
- Mastabas: Flat-roofed rectangular tombs, precursor to pyramids
- Obelisks: Tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monuments ending in a pyramid shape
- Hypostyle Halls: Large halls with rows of columns supporting a flat roof (Temple of Karnak)
- Temples at Karnak & Luxor: Religious complexes with pylons, courts, and sanctuaries
Construction Method
Post and lintel (trabeated) construction - vertical posts supporting horizontal beams
Greek Architecture (700-146 BCE)
Greek architecture emphasized proportion, harmony, and mathematical precision. The Greeks developed the classical orders that influenced architecture for millennia.
The Three Classical Orders
Doric
- • No base
- • Plain, cushion-like capital
- • Fluted shaft (20 flutes)
- • Heavy proportions
- • Example: Parthenon
Ionic
- • Has a base
- • Scrolled volutes capital
- • 24 flutes on shaft
- • Slender proportions
- • Example: Erechtheum
Corinthian
- • Has a base
- • Acanthus leaves capital
- • Most ornate
- • Tallest proportions
- • Example: Temple of Zeus
Notable Greek Structures
- Parthenon: Doric temple dedicated to Athena, designed by Ictinus & Callicrates
- Erechtheum: Ionic temple with famous Caryatid porch (female figure columns)
- Temple of Apollo at Delphi: Sacred sanctuary and oracle site
Roman Architecture (300 BCE - 476 CE)
Romans were master engineers who innovated with the arch, vault, and dome. They invented concrete (opus caementicium) enabling larger, more complex structures.
Roman Innovations
- Arch: Curved structure spanning an opening, transfers load to supports
- Vault: Extended arch forming a ceiling (barrel vault, groin vault)
- Dome: Hemispherical roof structure (Pantheon - 43.3m diameter)
- Concrete: Enabled massive construction with less labor
Notable Roman Structures
- Colosseum: Amphitheater with superimposed orders (Doric-Ionic-Corinthian from bottom to top)
- Pantheon: Temple with largest unreinforced concrete dome, featuring an oculus (opening at top)
- Basilica: Rectangular hall used for courts/commerce, became template for Christian churches
- Roman Aqueducts: Water conveyance systems using arches (Pont du Gard)
Additional Roman Orders
- Tuscan: Simplified Doric (Roman invention), no flutes
- Composite: Combination of Ionic volutes + Corinthian acanthus leaves
2. Medieval Architecture
Romanesque (800-1200 CE)
Romanesque architecture combined Roman techniques with Byzantine influences. Churches were dark and fortress-like due to thick walls and small windows.
Characteristics
- • Round (semi-circular) arches
- • Thick, massive walls for structural support
- • Small windows (limited light)
- • Barrel and groin vaults
- • Massive piers and columns
- • Towers and arcaded galleries
Examples: Durham Cathedral, Pisa Cathedral, Speyer Cathedral
Gothic (1100-1500 CE)
Gothic architecture achieved unprecedented height and light through innovative structural systems. Churches became "vessels of light" representing heavenly Jerusalem.
Key Innovations
- Pointed Arch: Distributes weight more efficiently than round arch
- Ribbed Vault: Skeleton framework supporting ceiling
- Flying Buttress: External arch transferring thrust to outer supports
- Large Stained Glass Windows: Enabled by thinner walls
- Rose Windows: Circular windows with tracery
- Verticality: Emphasis on height and reaching toward heaven
Examples: Notre-Dame de Paris, Chartres Cathedral, Cologne Cathedral, Westminster Abbey
Byzantine (330-1453 CE)
Characteristics
- • Central dome on pendentives (triangular curved surfaces)
- • Greek cross plan (equal arms)
- • Rich interior decoration (mosaics, gold)
- • Plain exterior, ornate interior
Key Example: Hagia Sophia, Istanbul - masterpiece featuring a massive dome on pendentives
3. Renaissance & Baroque
Renaissance (1400-1600)
The Renaissance marked a "rebirth" of classical Greek and Roman ideals. Architecture emphasized symmetry, proportion, geometry, and humanist philosophy.
Principles
- • Return to classical forms and orders
- • Mathematical proportions and geometry
- • Symmetry and balance
- • Humanist ideals (man as measure)
- • Use of perspective in design
Key Architects
- Filippo Brunelleschi: Florence Cathedral dome (double shell construction)
- Leon Battista Alberti: Architectural theorist, wrote "De Re Aedificatoria"
- Andrea Palladio: Villa Rotonda, established Palladianism
- Michelangelo: St. Peter's Basilica dome design
- Donato Bramante: Original designer of St. Peter's Basilica
Baroque (1600-1750)
Baroque architecture was dramatic, emotional, and theatrical. It was used by the Catholic Church to inspire awe and express power.
Characteristics
- • Grandeur and drama
- • Curved forms and complex shapes
- • Rich ornamentation and gilding
- • Play of light and shadow (chiaroscuro)
- • Integration of architecture, sculpture, and painting
- • Oval plans and undulating facades
Key Architects & Works
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini: St. Peter's Square colonnade
- Francesco Borromini: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
- Palace of Versailles: Ultimate expression of Baroque grandeur
Rococo (1730-1760)
- • Lighter, more playful version of Baroque
- • Pastel colors, asymmetry, shell motifs
- • Emphasis on interior decoration
- • Popular in France and Germany
4. Modern Architecture Movements
Art Nouveau (1890-1910)
- • Organic, flowing lines inspired by nature
- • Asymmetrical designs, whiplash curves
- • Iron and glass as expressive materials
- Key Figure: Antoni Gaudí (Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló)
International Style / Modernism (1920-1970)
The dominant architectural movement of the 20th century, emphasizing function, rationality, and rejection of ornament.
Key Principles
- "Form follows function" - Louis Sullivan
- "Less is more" - Mies van der Rohe
- • Open floor plans and flexible spaces
- • Rejection of applied ornament
- • Expression of structure and materials
- • Use of steel, glass, and concrete
Le Corbusier's Five Points of Architecture
- Pilotis: Columns that lift the building off the ground
- Free plan: Interior walls independent of structure
- Free facade: Exterior walls independent of structure
- Ribbon windows: Horizontal bands of windows
- Roof garden: Flat roof as usable outdoor space
Bauhaus (1919-1933)
- • German school of design founded by Walter Gropius
- • Unity of art, craft, and technology
- • Functionalism and geometric simplicity
- • Mass production of well-designed objects
- Key Figures: Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer
Postmodernism (1960s-present)
- • Reaction against Modernist austerity
- • Return of color, ornament, and historical references
- • Playful, ironic, eclectic approach
- • Context and local culture important
- Key Architects: Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Philip Johnson
Deconstructivism (1980s-present)
- • Fragmented, distorted forms
- • Non-rectilinear shapes, sharp angles
- • Challenges traditional architectural conventions
- Key Architects: Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, Peter Eisenman
5. Philippine Architecture
Pre-Colonial Period
- Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut): Elevated bamboo/wood structure with steep thatched roof, raised on stilts for ventilation and flood protection
- Torogan: Royal house of Maranao, characterized by elaborate carvings (okir) and panolong (beam ends)
- Ifugao Houses: Post-and-beam construction adapted to mountain terrain
Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898)
Key Structures
- Bahay na Bato: Stone house with native-Spanish fusion - stone lower floor, wooden upper floor with large windows
- Baroque Churches: San Agustin Church (UNESCO), Paoay Church, Miagao Church
- Earthquake Baroque: Massive buttresses developed after earthquakes (Paoay Church)
- Intramuros: Walled city of Manila, Spanish colonial urban planning
American Period (1898-1946)
Architectural Styles
- Neoclassical: Manila City Hall, National Museum (old Legislative Building)
- Art Deco: Metropolitan Theater, Manila Post Office, First United Building
- Burnham Plan of Manila: City Beautiful movement, Daniel Burnham's 1905 master plan
Contemporary Philippine Architecture
Modern Filipino architecture blends international styles with local materials, climate considerations, and cultural identity.
Notable Filipino Architects
- Juan Nakpil: National Artist, Far Eastern University buildings
- Leandro Locsin: National Artist - CCP, PICC, Coconut Palace, Theater of Performing Arts
- Pablo Antonio: National Artist - Manila Polo Club, Ideal Theater, Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building
- Francisco Mañosa: Coconut Palace co-designer, San Miguel Corporation HQ, advocate for Filipino vernacular
- Bobby Mañosa: Bahay Kubo inspired modern designs
6. Notable Architects (Board Exam Favorites)
Frank Lloyd Wright
- • Organic Architecture
- • Prairie Houses
- • Fallingwater
- • Guggenheim Museum NY
- • "Form and function are one"
Le Corbusier
- • Five Points of Architecture
- • Villa Savoye
- • Unité d'Habitation
- • Chapel of Ronchamp
- • "A house is a machine for living"
Mies van der Rohe
- • "Less is more"
- • Barcelona Pavilion
- • Farnsworth House
- • Seagram Building
- • Skin and bones architecture
Louis Kahn
- • Served vs servant spaces
- • Salk Institute
- • Kimbell Art Museum
- • National Assembly Bangladesh
- • Emphasis on natural light
7. Key Architectural Terms
Arcade: Series of arches on columns
Atrium: Open central court
Buttress: Masonry support projecting from wall
Cantilever: Projecting beam supported at one end
Clerestory: Upper wall with windows above rooflines
Colonnade: Row of columns with entablature
Cornice: Projecting horizontal molding at top of wall
Cupola: Small dome on roof
Entablature: Horizontal members above columns
Frieze: Middle section of entablature
Lancet: Narrow pointed arch window
Narthex: Church vestibule/entrance hall
Nave: Central aisle of church
Pediment: Triangular gable above portico
Portico: Porch with columns
Transept: Cross arms of church
8. Historical Timeline
Key Takeaways
- ✓Know the three Greek orders: Doric (plain), Ionic (scrolls), Corinthian (acanthus leaves)
- ✓Romans invented arch, vault, dome, and concrete - enabling larger structures
- ✓Gothic = pointed arches + flying buttresses + ribbed vaults = height and light
- ✓Le Corbusier's Five Points: Pilotis, free plan, free facade, ribbon windows, roof garden
- ✓Leandro Locsin is a National Artist for Architecture (CCP, PICC, Coconut Palace)