Modern Architecture

What is Modern Architecture?

Modern Architecture is generally defined by a simple form of architecture. In modern

architecture, it does not value ornamentation as much as the Gothic or the Baroque.

We can see that in Modern Architecture there are no complicated structure, sculpture,

decoration, form of shapes...etc.

This is because people want there life style to be more pragmatic and practical.

People nowadays do not value opulent and exuberant ornamentation as much.

Modern Architecture is used in most of the world now because it is practical and

useful for any use. Also we now use our knowledge and apply on architecture.

Ecologic architecture, for instance, is using the minimum energy and waste to build a

building. Moreover, some buildings such as, The Gherkin, apply natural energy like

wind and sun heat to the building.

Since Modern Architecture is the dominance, we should look at some example of

Modern Architecture.

1. The Gherkin, London
This building is the first ecological tall building accordingly. It is now the headquarter for Swiss Re. It is 41 storeys, and you can see 360 degree out side.
It holds 46,400 square meters for  offices space, arcade of shops and cafe
This building is extremely recognizable, and with a elegant shape and lines

2. TAIPEI 101!

3.

Baroque (bizarre) Architecture

Hey everyone !

Its time for historical architecture time again!

Today's topic is " Baroque Architecture"!

In italiano, the word Barocco means bizzarre, so it's like bizarre architecture.
Baroque Architecture mainly focus on opulent ornamentation, which share similarities with my previous post, Gothic Architecture.
This kind of architecture style is exuberant in the 1600s.

Baroque style has the following features:
1. varies of shapes
2. large curve forms
3. Twisted columns or pillars
4. Grand majestic staircases
5. High domes
6. trompe I'oeil painting

Varies of shapes

Baroque building has indeed many different varies of shapes. You can see from the image below

You can certainly identify different shapes in this building. 

Large curve form

Twisted columns and pillars

Grand majestic staircase

High dome

trompe I'oeil painting

When this is a building, it becomes a part of design. Designed on Wall surfaces, ceilings, domes.

Italian Baroque

Pope in Italy wanted architecture to express holy splendor. They commissioned churches to use domes, huge columns, colorful marble, and lavish murals

French Baroque

Baroque style became more restrained in france. The details are lavish used, and its all symmetrical and orderly.

English Baroque

Baroque architecture emerged in England after the Great Fire of London in1666.

Taiwan's Baroque architecture

In Douliu 

Gothic Architecture....Amazing..

I believe most of the people have heard "Gothic Architecture", but do any one knows the characteristics of this style of architecture?

Allow me to show you the unique part of GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE!!!!!!

When we are talking about "Gothic", what comes into your mind? "Castle" came into my mind every time I heard Gothic.

Gothic Architecture started about 1140AD, and the very first Gothic building is Basilica of Saint-Denis. Basilica of Saint-Denis was build between 1140 and 1144. It is a remarkable representation of Gothic Architecture.

From About.com

Gothic architecture was widely spread in Europe in the 14th century. For example, churches, royal palaces, town hall, etc all use gothic style architecture. To people who have a more profound idea of Gothic architecture, Gothic architecture is not merely emphasizing ornament. Its structure are way more stronger and stable then the usually architecture. The innovative construction techniques that they use actually help churches to gain more height and more space.

Gothic Architecture has two main characteristics, the use of vaulting and pointed arches.

Pointed Arches 

what are pointed Arches?

From About.com

This is the one of the main characteristics of Gothic Architecture

This creates a trapezoid in the building, which is more stable and even stronger in structure.

By using this, the weight of the building are mainly hold up by the arches instead of the walls.this means that churches can ornate the wall and the walls are thinner. You can see from all of the Gothic style Churches have opulent ornament, and this is because that walls are not the main holder of the building in Gothic architecture anymore.  

Vaulting

what is vaulting?

From About.com

There are two vaulting construction techniques in Gothic Architecture

One is Barrel vaulting and the other is ribbed vaulting.
barrel vaulting carried weight on the solid walls, and the ribbed vaulting carried weight using the columns.

another famous technique in Gothic Architecture is the FLYING BUTTRESS SYSTEM

From About.com

This is usually used to prevent collapse of the arches outside of the building.
It often connect arches, walls and pillars

From About.com

This the the stained glass that is widely use in any Gothic architectural churches.
As previously mentioned, the walls now are not the predominant holder of the building any more, so churches can ornate the church using huge pieces of stained glass for worship purposes.

From About.com

The creature in the image has a veritable weird name, the Gargoyle.
It was frequently use in Gothic Architecture, but no merely for ornamentation. it is used as a waterspout to prevent the rain from damaging the foundation of the building. 

Gothic style of architectures are often churches, abbeys, cathedrals and basilica.
In order to worship or praise the god, Gothic Architecture gained height of the church and darf human in the building. Medieval people considered them as a imperfect reflection of god, and Gothic Architecture express this idea.

This is my review on Gothic Architecture this week!

University of Cambridge, King's College

University of Cambridge, King's College

Westminster Abbey

Duomo, Milan

wow...

this is cool