The great 19th century architect of skyscrapers, Louis Sullivan, promoted an overriding precept to architectural design: “Form follows function”.
While the notion that structural and aesthetic considerations should be entirely subject to functionality was met with both popularity and skepticism, it had the effect of introducing the concept of “function” in place of Vitruvius “utility”. “Function” [...]
Islamic architecture began in the 7th century CE, developing from the architectural forms of the ancient Middle East but developing features to suit the religious and social needs of the society. Examples can be found throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Spain, and were to become a significant stylistic influence on European architecture during [...]
With the Renaissance and its emphasis on the individual and humanity rather than religion, and with all its attendant progress and achievements, a new chapter began. Buildings were ascribed to specific architects - Brunelleschi, Alberti, Michelangelo, Palladio - and the cult of the individual had begun. But there was no dividing line between artist, architect [...]
Pierre François Léonard Fontaine (September 20, 1762, Pontoise, near Paris – October 10, 1853, Paris) was a neoclassical French architect, interior decorator and designer, who worked in such close partnership with Charles Percier, originally his friend from student days, from 1794 onwards, that it is fruitless to disentangle artistic responsibilities in their work. Together, Percier [...]
Architecture first evolved out of the dynamics between needs (shelter, security, worship, etc.) and means (available building materials and attendant skills). As human cultures developed and knowledge began to be formalized through oral traditions and practices, architecture became a craft. Here there is a process of trial and error, and later improvisation or replication of [...]
Not to be confused with interior decoration, interior design, which evolved from interior decoration, involves a multitude of technical, analytical and creative skills. There is a wide range of disciplines within the “career” of interior design. Domestically the profession of interior design encompasses those designers who may specialize in residential or commercial interior design. Within [...]
A theme is a consistent idea used throughout a room to create a feeling of completeness. Themes are not to be confused with design concepts, or the higher level parti, which involve a deeper understanding of the architectural context, the socio-cultural and the programmatic requirements of the end users. These themes often follow period styles. [...]
