International

International: This style was conjured during the 1920's and 1930's (Which was the rise of modern architecture). Each country had a different "addition" or "mix" of international architecture. America had a minimalist approach. When constructing an international high-rise or skyscraper, there were four characteristics to it which were: square/rectangular footprint, cubic form, windows ran in broken horizontal forms which made a grid and the facades were angled at 90 degrees. International architecture was known for three concepts:
1. Volume over mass
2. Balance over perceived symmetry
3. No more ornaments.

Beaux Art

Beaux Art is an architectural style that is taught at Ecole des Beaux-art in Paris, France. B-A had a great influence on American architecture from 1880 to 1920. (I find it strange that Beaux Art is taught in a certain school.) Beaux Art has certain characteristics which make it different from other buildings. These characteristics are: Flat roof, Rusticated and raised first story, Arched windows and doors, Symmetry and polychromy (to say the least).

Art Deco and Art Nouveau

 Art Nouveau: Art Nouveau was a philosophy or design concept that peaked from 1890 to 1905. The word Nouveau is french for "new" so art nouveau stands for New Art. Art Nouveau is not limited to architecture, as it can also be used in furniture design. It is as if you should incorporate art to your everyday life. Though the influence of Art Nouveau was seen worldwide, it was most commonly practiced in Europe. EUROPE. The design of art nouveau features soft, delicate, flowing lines. It is more of a woman's approach for design, as it is usually related to circles and soft shapes. Art Deco on the otherhand, is the complete opposite as it aims for straight geometric shapes. 

Art Deco: Art Deco was a design trend that originated in Paris during the 1920's. It saw it's peak during the 1930's and carried on into the WWII era. Art Deco is not limited to just architecture (It spreads out to interior design, industrial design, and fashion to say the least). The concept behind Art Deco is to epitomize elegance, beauty, function and modernity. The use of geometric shapes and linear symmetry personified Art Deco (It was inspired by the geometric shapes of the pyramids of Egypt and the temples of the Aztecs).   It is known for it's ornamental approach, as it was very dependent on it. More design concepts have been derived from Art Deco, such as Cubism and Futurism. 

The Architects

Louis Sullivan: Louis Sullivan was born on September 3, 1856 and grew up in Boston, and at a young age, often found himself walking through the city and observing buildings. He had numerous firm partners, the most successful being "Adler & Sullivan". He is best known for his skyscrapers, as he was the one who made it popular. Prior to the use of steel, buildings usually had a thicker base so that it may support the whole height of the building. The thicker, the higher. With the introduction of steel, Sullivan was able to build taller buildings, but the base wasn't as thick as before. The weight of the building was evenly distributed by the steel-frames instead of having it focus on the base. Sullivan was given the moniker of "The Father of Skyscrapers" as he played a big role in the history of architecture. His designs were of Celtic revival and Art Nouveau. Louis Sullivan coined the phrase "Form follows Function". That quote, up to this day, plays a big role in architecture.

Mies Van Der Rohe: Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe was a German architect who is known as the pioneer modern architecture. During his time, Van Der Rohe wanted to establish his name through designs that were simple and clear. He used steel and plate glass to define interior space. Instead of going the common way of architecture where they use a free-flowing open space, Van Der Rohe used a minimal framework design with his architecture. The design is called "skin and bones" and the philosophy for this design is most commonly known as "less is more". Another philosophy he followed  was "God is in the details". Van Der Rohe wanted his design to be of "his era" just as Gothic was to an era of spiritualism. When overlooking his structures, we can see from the over-all frame to the smallest details that it reassured his effort of expressing modern design.

Frank Lloyd Wright: Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867. He is best known for his works of architecture, but is also a renowned interior designer, educator, and writer. He has designed over 1,000 projects, with 500 having been built. He was a believer and promoter in organic architecture (as seen in his project, Fallingwater) and popularized Usonian architecture (Usonian architecture is characterized by flat roofs and inexpensive construction). Frank Lloyd Wright didn't limit his architecture plans to just residential buildings, he dove into offices, churches, schools, hotels and museums. Wright had multiple personal battles, ranging from family abandonment to not getting along with his peers. While taking up his apprenticeship under Adler & Sullivan, Wright and Sullivan grew a bond which led to Sullivan being Wright's role model/ idol/ master. Wright's design philosophy was that the outside matched the inside. In terms of material, furniture and designs. Later on, he utilized glass into his design, which fit well.

Le Corbusier: Born Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, Le Corbusier was an architect from Switzerland. He was also known for his works  as an designer, urbanist, writer and painter. He is known to be the pioneer of Modern Architecture or the International Style. Most of Le Corbusier's buildings reside in Russia, Central Europe and India, but he does have a structure each in North and South America. The main goal of his "modern" design was to help better the living conditions of those who live in crowded cities. He was considered heartless and egotistic because of his idea of tearing down part of Paris in order to replace it with grids of towers. However, this idea of his has influenced architectural plans to this day. Le Corbusier is known for his influence in urban planning.

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution played an integral role in the history of Architecture, as it paved a way to different materials and designs. Starting in the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution affected many areas such as mining, agriculture, transportation and technology. The revolution started in Great Britain, and it was a transition that saw an evolution of manual labour. Machines were installed to produce more in less time, and decrease manual labor. The machines needed coal to function. However, there is some controversy to the industrial revolution. Child labour and working women were found amongst the workers during the revolution. Present day, such acts are rarely seen (the child labour is not present now). The revolution saw the changes from agriculture to cities. People migrated to the cities, which led to overpopulation and disease. Despite the downside of the revolution (child/women workers, disease) we can say that it was a turning point in architecture. The use of steel and iron brought about the works of Louis Sullivan. The Eiffel Tower, the Train, Steamboats and the telephone are all products of Industrial Design.

Baroque

Renaissance Architecture was succeeded by Baroque architecture. The movement began in Italy, during the late sixteenth century. The style of Baroque was mainly to display the success of the Church. Baroque architecture was known to characterize the forms, lights, shadows and dramatic intensities of the Buildings. The use of lighting and the effect of it was known as the Chiaroscuro effect, where there is a strong distinction between dark and light, therefore enhancing either one. Also, since light played a big role in Baroque architecture, it was common to find various windows through out the church so light may peek in. The materials they used were mainly putti, wooden figures, plaster, stucco, or marble. The buildings are known to have large paintings on their ceilings. St. Peter's Basilica is the perfect example of Baroque, as all characteristics are present. The facade that surrounds the building has a central projection. I find Baroque architecture to be my favorite (amongst the ones that we have learned so far) because of how it worked its way into the Church. Also, it has a sentimental value to me because my grandfather said that he always wanted a Baroque house, so that is one of my goals in the future. Build one baroque house in his name.