Architecture is like art. There are different styles that have changed over the decades, so-called architecture epochs. This is due on the one hand to the personal taste of the creative creators of different buildings and on the other hand, of course, to the resources that were available at the time.

Overview of the architecture epochs

Art Nouveau Style

Geometric shapes paired with the urge to create a lot of beautiful and playful things characterized the Art Nouveau style. In particular, floral motifs, leafy vines and oversized flowers were simply not allowed to be missing anywhere on and in the house. It was all about attracting attention, demonstrating grandeur and showing how great one’s own penchant for the special was. The more imposing the building, the richer the owner. In a departure from the highly playful features of the previous century, the turn of the century was about creating something new. Famous representatives of this period between 1890 and 1910 were Josef Hoffmann and Antoni Gaudí. They merged art and architecture and made the facade (mainly sandstone) part of the interior.

Expressionism

Angular forms, abstract structures, a lot of courage and creative spirit characterized the era of Expressionism. Famous representatives of this architecture epoch between 1910 and 1925 were Erich Mendelsohn, Hans Poelzig and Fritz Höger. They all turned against the pure objectivity and functionalism of the new buildings and instead created something unique to express their emotions with. Clinker and normal stone were often used as building materials, with which magnificent eaves, dormers, window corners and door entrances could be designed. These had value, but also wanted to be special.

Functionalism

Functionalism is often described as the architecture epoch of modern objectivity. People finally wanted to get away from playful elements and concentrate on the essentials in construction. Simple forms built with modern building materials such as concrete, steel and glass dominated the facades of houses and company buildings. Any design was guided by the principles of logic and reason. Superfluous things had no place here. A famous representative of this era was, for example, Le Corbusier. Functionalism is to be settled temporally after the 2nd World War. There it was a matter of reconstruction, one took what was there and newly produced and did not stop with trifles. Urban planning concepts were characterized by the general awakening and they were allowed to show this to the outside world.

Bauhaus

According to the basic principle “form follows function”, the Bauhaus style has prevailed between the decades. Its peak phase lasted just 14 years and was located between 1919 and 1933. Nevertheless, this phase was so formative for architecture as a whole that Bauhaus was considered the foundation for the development of functionalism. Famous representatives of the Bauhaus style were Marcel Breuer and Walter Gropius. To this day, Bauhaus is a recurring theme in the furnishing and design of residential and commercial buildings.

International Style

International Style has spilled over from the USA to Europe. It shows how much architecture is possible in the smallest of spaces in major cities and how fluid the transition can be between exclusive residential and commercial units and outstanding design features. State-of-the-art materials from industrial production such as glass and steel are paired with classic elements such as wood and white plaster on the facades. The functionality of the buildings is as important as the play with light. Large glass surfaces and extra high ceilings are just some of the typical elements of the International Style.

Organic architecture

Taking nature as a model and designing great and unique building concepts from it was what the Organic Architecture epoch was all about. It can be dated between 1920 and 1970 and has thus already survived for several decades. Famous representatives were, among others, Antonio Gaudí and Rudolf Steiner. The latter is considered the founder of the Waldorf schools, which still follow this building concept today, built close to nature’s model and surrounded by it. In addition to following organic forms, it is also important to use natural materials such as wood, stone and clay. Natural materials such as lime are also used as colors. Everything that is built follows a symbolic component such as snail shells, caves and trees.

Deconstructivism

The architecture epoch of deconstructivism can be understood as a departure from everything harmonious and orderly. It captivates with its unique design and thus describes the epoch of postmodernism. Crooked walls, unnecessary angles and abstract design features make up this style. As a result, buildings made of steel and glass look more like a work of art and inevitably captivate the viewer’s gaze. The trend began in the 1980s-1990s under Bernard Tschumi, Frank Gehry and Daniel Libeskind. To this day, buildings can be seen all over the world that follow this construction pattern and unfold their effect far away from all neighboring buildings.

In addition to the overview of the architecture epochs, we also have more to read on the subject of architecture:

A new architecture – The upcycling

Modular architecture is the future

Green architecture realizes the dream of living close to nature in the middle of the city

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