The history of western architecture dates back to the Classical era of Ancient Greek and Roman times during the 5th to 3rd centuries BC. The renowned British architectural historian, David Watkin, has written extensively on the development of western architecture. His books, ‘The Rise of Architectural History’ and ‘Sir John Soane: Enlightenment Thought and the Royal Academy Lectures’, have helped to highlight the evolution of western architecture and the impact of influential figures such as Sir John Soane.
Watkin’s research and writings look at the role of western architecture in societies over the past few centuries, from its initial beginnings in the classical age up to its current development. His books look at the work of important architectural theorists and practitioners from Italy and France, such as Andrea Palladio, who worked to codify classicism in the 15th century, and Claude Perrault, who revolutionised the aesthetics of Baroque architecture in the 17th century. These important figures laid the foundations for today’s western architecture and their influence can be seen in modern buildings all over the world.
Watkin’s works also discuss the importance of various architectural orders throughout the ages. For example, the Corinthian order was the facial element of the classical period, while the Doric form was used in the later renaissance period. Even today, buildings featuring these orders can be found in many cities, from the Colosseum in Rome to the British Museum in London. Watkin’s writings highlight the significance of the various architectural styles in the development of western architecture.
The influence of the industrial revolution has also been documented in Watkin’s publications. In particular, his book ‘The Rise of Architectural History’ goes into detail about the changes that took place during the industrial era. From the grand steel-framed buildings of the 19th century to the early 20th century skyscrapers that emerged, Watkin’s writings show how the industrial revolution transformed architecture, while also highlighting the importance of new building materials such as reinforced concrete, which enabled taller and more complex structures to be built.
In addition to documenting the history of western architecture, Watkin’s research and writings also focus on the impact of globalisation on the field. His studies examine how different cultures and regions have shaped the built environment in different parts of the world, from Europe to the United States. In particular, his work looks at how the advances in technology have allowed for buildings to be designed and constructed in far away places. His writings also look at how different architectural styles of a region have been adapted to suit different needs and contexts, such as the rise of modernism in the early 20th century.
Overall, David Watkin has had a major impact on the study of western architecture. His books have helped to shed light on the various stages of architectural development throughout the ages, while also providing insights into how different cultures and societies have shaped the built environment. His research on the impacts of globalisation has also been invaluable in understanding the changes taking place in the modern world.
Rise of Modernism
The period between World War I and II was a time of great upheaval with the birth of the Modernist movement, a movement that sought to design a new world based on functionality and simplistic forms. During this period, the use of traditional western architectural styles such as the Classical and Neo-Classical began to decline as architects sought to make use of newly discovered materials and building techniques. This period saw the rise of the Modernist movement and the development of the International Style, a style that was developed in response to the need for efficient forms to accommodate the mass production of the industrial revolution. This style was characterized by sleek, minimalist forms and an overall importance placed on the function of a building over its appearance. This style of architecture had an immense influence on the development of western architecture during the 20th century, and its influence can still be seen in many modern buildings today.
Bauhaus School of Architecture
The Bauhaus School of Architecture was established in Germany in 1919 and was the birthplace of the International Style of architecture. Led by progressive and forward-thinking instructors such as Walter Gropius and Josef Albers, the Bauhaus School of Architecture developed a new style of education that sought to break away from traditional academic training. Instead, the school focused on unifying arts and crafts with technology, putting a strong emphasis on educational theory alongside practical design and construction. The school’s philosophy of simplicity, functionality, and form over ornamental decoration had a lasting influence on the development of western architecture during the 20th century and the modernist movement.
The Post-Modern Movement
The Post-Modern movement was a reaction against the simplistic and functional forms of the modernist era. This movement saw a revival of traditional forms and motifs, combined with a new emphasis on the use of colour, materials, and textures to create striking and vibrant buildings. Buildings of this era sought to play with the formal conventions of classicism, creating unconventional structures that were based on the idea of ‘less is more’. The Post-Modern movement was a direct reaction to the increasingly boxy and utilitarian modernist forms, and this architecture has had a lasting impact on the aesthetic of western architecture.
Digital Age of Architecture
The introduction of computers and digital technology has had an immense impact on the development of western architecture since the late 20th century. Digital technology has allowed for a more efficient and cost-effective building process, as well as a greater variety of materials and forms to choose from. Architects have now been able to work freely with form and material, as computers have given them unlimited creative freedom. Moreover, digital technology has allowed architects to experiment with different shapes, materials, and textures to create highly detailed and intricate structures. As a result, the aesthetics of western architecture has been greatly altered, with digital technology making the process of building more efficient and allowing for a greater range of options when it comes to design.
Sustainability and Resilience in Architecture
As the world confronts the realities of climate change and other global challenges, architects have increasingly turned to sustainable and resilient design solutions that can help reduce the ecological footprint of buildings. Architects are now designing structures that can be adapted to fluctuating environmental conditions while also making use of renewable materials and energy-efficient building techniques. Green roofs, LEED certified buildings, and energy-efficient buildings are now being constructed in almost every corner of the globe, as architects attempt to create structures that are sustainable, climate resilient, and socially conscious.
The Impact of Technology in Architecture
In recent years, technology has had an immense and wide-reaching impact on the field of architecture. The introduction of 3D printing and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software have allowed for unprecedented levels of accuracy and precision in digital modelling, while new materials such as timber and bamboo have enabled architects to explore new forms and create more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Technology has also made the process of designing and constructing buildings more efficient and cost-effective, as architects and engineers can now collaborate more easily than ever before.
The Role of the Architect
The role of the architect has changed significantly over the past few decades, as their focus has shifted from that of creating aesthetically pleasing structures to developing sustainable and socially conscious buildings. As architects continue to grapple with the complex problems posed by global climate change, they will play an important role in helping to create a more sustainable and equitable built environment. Architects must work with developers, engineers, and policy makers to develop innovative solutions to the global environmental crisis and ensure that the structures they create are resilient and sustainable.
