Hello darlings! Let's take a whimsical trip back in time to the Romanesque architectural era - so strap in! This was a time when architects were all about the semi-circular arches - they were as trendy as avocado toast is today! Then there were those gorgeously thick walls, just like the perfect smoothie bowl - sturdy and reliable with a hint of mystery hiding behind. And let's not forget the towers, darling - because who doesn't love reaching for the stars? Decorated portals were the cherry on top, like the perfect accessory to a fabulous outfit! So that's it, sweeties, a quick trip down memory lane to the world of Romanesque architecture - isn't history just delicious?
July 2023 Archive — 30 Architecture Reads You Can Use
July brought 30 short, sharp posts that cover everything from Roman temples to mid-century kitchens. If you want quick references to major styles, material notes, and design ideas, this month’s archive is a solid starting point. I grouped the content so you can jump straight to what matters for your project or curiosity.
Major themes from July
History and revival styles show up a lot — Romanesque, Gothic, Gothic Revival, Byzantine, Renaissance, Georgian, Tudor, Colonial, and Dutch Colonial Revival. Those pieces focus on defining features and how old ideas still shape buildings today.
Design movements and theory were another big thread. You’ll find clear takes on Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Beaux-Arts, Expressionism, Deconstructivism, Postmodernism, and High-tech architecture. Each post explains the look and the “why” behind the forms, not just the aesthetics.
Practical design topics pop up too: materials in Ancient Roman work, mid-century modern kitchens, and American Craftsman inspiration. There’s also an unexpected mix — a piece on functionalism’s role in education and one that links architecture to broader cultural trends.
Top picks and quick reads
Want a fast overview? Read these first:
Romanesque & Gothic — Short, punchy rundowns explain the key forms: semi-circular arches and thick walls for Romanesque; pointed arches and ribbed vaults for Gothic. Great when you need quick identifiers on a site visit.
Art Nouveau & Bauhaus — Two very different design souls: Art Nouveau’s organic lines versus Bauhaus’s function-first geometry. Each post highlights how to spot them and where designers borrow their ideas today.
High-tech & Postmodern — These explain how technology changed structure and how postmodernism plays with history and irony. Useful if you’re assessing contemporary or renovation projects.
Materials and interiors — Read the Ancient Roman materials piece if you want context on concrete and masonry. The mid-century modern kitchens and American Craftsman posts give practical cues for finishes and layouts that still work now.
If you’re researching a specific style, use the tags or search the archive titles: many posts are short guides meant to help you recognize styles fast or pull concrete ideas for design choices. Want help picking which articles match your project? Tell me what you’re working on (period, scale, goal) and I’ll point to the best reads from July 2023.
Well, folks, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a whimsical whirlwind tour through the enchanting epoch of Art Nouveau Architecture! It's like a dose of architectural magic, sprinkled with the fairy dust of yesteryears. The charm of this architectural style is like a hidden treasure, waiting to be rediscovered. With its flowing, organic lines and intricate details, it's like Mother Nature herself decided to trade in her paintbrush for a blueprint! So, grab your monocles and top hats, 'cause we're diving back into the enchanting world of the late 19th and early 20th century. It's time to rediscover the allure of Art Nouveau Architecture - a marvelous melange of aesthetics and function that continues to resonate with us even today!
Alright folks, let's dive headfirst into the wild world of high-tech architecture - a fresh, funky twist on the good old traditional design we all know and love. Picture this: towering steel structures, glass skyscrapers, and innovative, mind-boggling technology coming together to create an architectural symphony! This unconventional art form is like a rebellious teenager of the design world, smashing through the norms and daring to be different. It's like Picasso met Einstein and they decided to build a city together! So, if you're up for a thrilling architectural rollercoaster ride, high-tech architecture is your ticket to the future!
Oh boy, let's dive into the world of Gothic architecture, a style that turns buildings into brooding poetry of stone! It's like the medieval folks said, "Let's make our churches look like they're having an eternal existential crisis". Born in the Dark Ages, Gothic architecture embodies the charm of the intense, the elaborate, and the dramatic. With its pointed arches and ribbed vaults, it's as if the buildings were trying to reach out to the heavens, probably asking why they were created in such tumultuous times. So basically, Gothic architecture is the architectural version of a teen angst phase, but one we can all agree is pretty spectacular!
So, let's dive headfirst into the pool of functionalism, and don't worry, it's not as complex as it sounds, I promise! You see, functionalism is like the fairy godmother of our education system, transforming it into a well-oiled machine that's all about teaching us skills to play our part in society. It's all about balance, baby! Just like a well-coordinated dance routine, functionalism believes each part of society (including education) contributes to keeping the whole system stable. So, the next time you're tackling a tricky math problem, remember functionalism is cheering, "You go, champ! Society needs your problem-solving skills!"
So, buckle up folks, because we're about to dive into the wild ocean of design, and trust me, it's as thrilling as swimming with sharks, but without the risk! We're talking Bauhaus Style here, a design movement that, just like a blockbuster movie, took the world by storm! Imagine a rough and tough action hero, but in the world of design, that's Bauhaus for ya! This radical movement was the rebel of its time, breaking the shackles of traditional design and redefining the industry. In a nutshell, Bauhaus was the Elvis Presley of design, shaking up the ground beneath us and making us jive to a new tune!
Well folks, let's time travel to the sunny Mediterranean, where the architecture is as flavorful as the food! Mediterranean Revival Architecture is a real mouthful, but it's basically a delicious blend of Spanish, Italian, and Greek architectural influences. Picture this, grand entrances, red-tiled roofs, arched windows, and decorative details that'll make an art historian drop their monocle into their espresso! It's a style that says 'I've arrived!' while also whispering 'I love a good siesta on the veranda'. Quite simply, it's the architectural equivalent of a chilled glass of Sangria on a hot summer day - refreshing, bold, and utterly captivating!
Hey there, architecture enthusiasts! So, we've been traipsing around the grand world of Gothic Revival architecture - boy, what an adventure it's been! Imagine, a style that's all about drama, with its pointed arches, intricate details, and soaring spires, kind of like the architectural equivalent of a moody teenage poet. But don't be fooled, it's not all gloom and doom. It's about expressing grandeur and spirituality, like a cathedral on a sugar rush. So, buckle up, folks, as we continue to marvel at these architectural wonders that make you say "Wow!" and "How the heck did they build that?!" all at the same time!
Well, let's dive right into the fabulously flamboyant world of Rococo art, shall we? This cheeky little style refused to 'go gentle into that good night', I tell you! It's like the party guest who, instead of leaving, just turns up the music and starts a conga line. Bursting onto the scene in the 18th century, it brought a breath of fresh air to the art world with its playful, ornate, and pastel-hued compositions. So here's a hearty toast to Rococo - the art style that not only didn't fade away, but also threw confetti at anyone trying to show it the door!
Hey there, fellow architecture enthusiasts! So, I've been diving into the world of Colonial Revival Architecture, and honey, it's the perfect blend of form and function. Imagine a home design that's like a casserole - a dash of history, a sprinkle of modernity, and a whole lot of charm! It's like time-traveling to the colonial era but with Wi-Fi, you know? So, if you're looking to give your home a makeover, Colonial Revival Architecture could be your next Pinterest obsession - it's like your home's little black dress, always in style!