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One of the oldest types of architecture which is still around is known as Classical Architecture. Even though this type is not used very much any more, there are still many examples of it located all around the world. Classical architecture even had an influence on today's architecture. So please continue and learn more about this fascinating period of architecture. 2.Influence on Today's Architecture 4. Examples of Classical Architecture The style of Classical Architecture started almost when formal writing was created. There is no specific date of the beginning or end of this era. But a lot of this type of architecture was found all around continental Europe. Many times, this type of architecture was either for one or two things. One of the reasons that houses were built were for a basic need, shelter. Or, they could have built that home for a god(s), a place to worship a god(s), or a gathering place (ex. Town Hall). As time passed, the buildings became more elaborate and more detailed. Some civilizations grew from stone and mud huts to huge temples as well as tombs like the Egyptians. There is a possibility that the reason the buildings got more and more elaborate was because each city or race was competing against each other –through buildings. That could explain why these buildings were so elaborate and so time consuming. But probably the most logical reason is that they wanted their buildings to be elaborate enough to please their gods as well as please themselves. Influence on Today's Architecture Classical Architecture can still be found around certain parts of America. Many times, you can find some examples in the colonial towns or some very wealthy and rich areas of our country. Before that, most architecture was found during the birth of this country. It was very relevant in every town that could afford to make such magnificent buildings. Some examples of Classical Architecture are colonial Washington D.C. and Williamsburg, Virginia. Some elements can still be found in today's architecture. For example, the stone domes of our nation's capitol are a great example of the Classic Architecture's rendition of a domed building complex. Also, the brackets and arches have the same basic idea. Even some of today's sculptures look the same as the classical figures. However, as time progressed, we have basically stopped using most of the technical aspects of this past era. Only the few example of architecture expressed above are still used, but sometimes, very rarely. Some things that distinct Classical Architecture from the other periods of architecture, are the simple yet breath-taking, complex yet elegant foundations and figures. The buildings are so symmetrical right down to the bare details. The architects of that time period tried to have everything symmetrical. From the door to the fireplace, and even the decorations inside as well as outside of the building were symmetrical. Some other things that make this type of architecture different from all of the others, is the use of flowers in their decorations. In many houses, you can see some houses with some type of flower design on it. And as expressed above, they were usually symmetrical. Other than just plants, they used many animals as well as human sculptures all around the building. Examples of Classical Architecture As stated above, many examples of classical architecture can be found in Williamsburg, Virginia as well as some buildings in Washington D. C. Some other places where signs of this architectural era can be found is Rome. The famous Colosseum, the Baths of the Emperor Caracalla, and the Temple of the Pantheon of the Gods are only a few examples. As for Greece, some examples of Classical Architecture would be their Temple of Apollo at Thermon, the Temple of Hera at Paestm, and the olympieum at Agrigento. All of these temples looked basically the same, except for the size and a few decorative details. In the noble country of Egypt, you can find the Temple of Khons at Karnak, the Treasury of Atreus and even the Temple at Prinias, which are some examples of the bygone era of Classical Architecture. These are just a very minute number of examples for Classical Architecture. If you look in the history of almost every European country, you can find that they have some trace of Classical Architecture in their cities or towns. You can look even deeper and find out how they affected everyday life and what they were designed for - from worship, to a gathering place, or just a recreational center. Only you can find out. The continent of Europe has brought us many things. The people of this continent have shaped the course of mankind so many times, that it is almost uncountable. They have made numerous contributions to man kind in the categories of math, English, literature, and architecture. The people of Europe have brought forth many types of architecture, each one almost completely different from the others. Continue if you would like to learn interesting European architecture is and they changed over time.
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