In determining the architectural style of a building, a number of different factors are taken into account. The totality of various forms of architecture, the purpose of the building, the level of its artistic value, in addition, the location, climatic conditions of the region and many other signs are of importance. As we can see, looking at the building is not enough to say that it was built in the style of the late Renaissance or flaming Gothic. The architectural style should be determined on the basis of strict criteria and references to analogues.
Scientific formulations for the classification of architectural styles were introduced relatively recently, in the 18th century, and it was not even done by an architect. Derived the theory of how the architectural style should be determined, the German archaeologist Johann Winkelmann. In accordance with his method, the determination of the building’s affiliation should begin with a study of the style-building mechanism, continue with a comparison with existing examples, and end with a statement of identity. It is complex and confusing, although any theory has a right to exist.
In favor of the fact that the architectural style does not need such a deep scientific approach, the fact is said that before the appearance of Winkelmann with his theory, several styles already existed, and they were recognizable.
Gothic cathedral of the 12th century AD you can’t confuse it with a building built in
the Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century, and the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture cannot be mistaken for buildings of early classicism. Architecture, like any other genuine art, does not need German dryness and pedantry, it is original enough to exist freely and delight with its beauty.
The most relaxed architectural style of all existing is Art Nouveau. The fundamental signs of Art Nouveau - the rejection of direct. Smoothing angularity immediately leads the building closer to naturalness, if you want, closer to nature. The most significant collection of Art Nouveau architecture masterpieces are the houses and park-landscape structures of
architect Gaudi. Its buildings are so organically fit into the natural environment that they seem to be creations not of human hands, but of nature itself.
Art Nouveau style appeared at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was not accepted by many because of its unusualness and provocative novelty, but nevertheless it has taken its place in world architecture and this place will not give way. And quite shocking modernist creations of Gaudi adorn and will adorn one of the most beautiful cities in the world - Barcelona, making visiting this city a dream of all tourists. A very beautiful Art Nouveau building is located in St. Petersburg, on Nevsky Prospekt. This is the former “Singer Company House,” and currently houses the Book House. Singer House is one of the most elegant buildings in the northern capital.
Vitebsky railway station also belongs to the
Art Nouveau buildings in St. Petersburg
. And in
Moscow, the architectural style Art Nouveau is represented by the magnificent Ryabushinsky mansion built by Shekhtel. The same talented architect built the Yaroslavl station in Moscow. Also in Moscow, on Teatralnaya Square, there is the Metropol Hotel, the architect Valcot - one of the most significant architectural monuments in the Art Nouveau style.
The predecessor of Art Nouveau was the architectural style of classicism. He is strict in forms and a feat for the development of Art Nouveau. Just as
baroque and rococo began to evoke in society an association with “whipped cream” and smoothly switched to classicism, a no-frills style, so strict classicism was supplanted by a freer architectural modern style. Nothing stands still, this also applies to architecture. But before its decline, classicism was in demand by architects for almost two hundred years. By itself, this style is correct, rational and at the same time not without grace. Classicism gravitates to symmetry, harmony of forms, simplicity and solidity, that is, fundamental.
All these signs can be found in ancient architecture. From there, a minimum of decorativeness and a maximum of geometricity were taken in the planning of not only buildings, but also entire cities. The aesthetics of classicism was attractive to many, and new cities were built in the spirit of this architectural style.