Although the history of American architecture is short compared to other countries, it has had a major impact on architecture throughout the world. From the Gothic revival in England to the Art Deco skyscrapers in New York City, American architecture has evolved tremendously into its current form.
Colonial architecture
The origin of architecture-introduced by the first American immigrants. Is called colonial architecture, which the colonizers brought with them from their homelands. Generally, seven types of colonial architecture are discussed, including Spanish colonial architecture and New England colonial architecture. Spanish colonial architecture is most prevalent in Florida, with wrought-iron balconies as a prime example. Many immigrants moved to the United States in search of a better quality of life.
In the eighteenth century, American architecture was heavily influenced by the Anglo-Georgian style. This includes the neoclassical style that exists today in the form of Independence Hall in Philadelphia and especially the White House. The materials used were also heavily influenced by British immigrants. So the use of wooden elements and wooden architecture – such as spindles – in existing American staircase designs originated there.
Independence
The next major influence on American architecture was the Revolution. The political independence of the United States meant that while there were still many English-inspired designs, the new architects were eager to develop new styles that reflected their new independence. Federal architecture was the next type of design to become popular in the United States after the Revolution. The golden dome of the Massachusetts State Palace is a feature of federal architecture. This style was practiced in the early nineteenth century, especially on the Atlantic coast.
The influence of Thomas Jefferson on American architecture
Like many American presidents, Jefferson possessed a number of talents, including being a great architect. The house at Monticello is one of the most extraordinary examples of Jefferson’s architecture. With its red brick masonry and Tuscan columns, it is a building visited by millions of tourists.
Between 1800 and 1900, the Gothic Revival was an important project in the United States. Historic Gothic style elements were used in the design of new buildings. Many churches featured the typical Gothic style, including large arches and carvings. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York is a famous example of the Gothic Revival.
In 1871, a fire in Chicago killed more than 300 people, destroyed thousands of buildings, and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Many buildings in Chicago are built entirely of wood. Which means that the spread of fire is devastating and difficult to prevent. Even the sidewalks and streets were mostly made of wood, leaving the city exposed to final destruction in 1871.
As a result of the fire, the reconstruction of the city was completed using stone and steel to ensure that such a disaster would never happen again. New construction methods were used for the skyscrapers, such as the Home Insurance Building, which is now being built to meet the need for more office space in cities. The Tribune Building and the Western Union Building are considered the first skyscrapers. And the New York skyline is now known throughout the world for its magnificent presence full of skyscrapers.
Until 1998, the tallest buildings in the world were all in the United States, including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and the Sears Tower. Other countries tried to emulate the height of these buildings and finally did so in 1998 with the completion of the Petronas Towers, and most recently the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which became the tallest building in the world.
