Architectural Styles Through the Ages

Gothic architecture, flourishing in the 12th-16th centuries, is famous for flying buttresses. These structures transferred roof weight to external supports, allowing for taller buildings with large stained glass windows, which significantly transformed European cathedrals and churches.

Baroque architecture, emerging in the 17th century, is characterized by grandeur, dramatic use of light, and intricate ornamentation. It often aimed to evoke emotional responses, reflecting the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on awe-inspiring church designs to attract worshippers.

Renaissance architecture, beginning in the 14th century in Italy, sought to revive classical Greek and Roman styles. Emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and geometry, it marked a shift from the more vertical Gothic style to horizontal emphasis in buildings.

Art Nouveau, prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is known for its use of organic forms and intricate detailing. Unlike previous styles, it integrated architecture with interior design, featuring curved lines and natural motifs like plants and flowers.

The Bauhaus movement, originating in Germany in the early 20th century, revolutionized modern architecture with its focus on functional simplicity and the harmony between form and function. It rejected ornamentation in favor of clean, geometric designs.

Gothic cathedrals often used iron chains embedded in walls for stability, a hidden technology surprising even experts.