A number of terms are used in the architectural literature to help describe the different styles. Almost all are connected to a historical base and originally had to do, in large part, with the available building materials and technology of the era. A few examples are ‘Tuscan style’, ‘Mediterranean style’, ‘Cracker style’, ‘Queen Anne style’, ‘Ranch style’, ‘Modern style’, and ‘Post Modern style’. All names evoke some image, but the terms themselves are, of course, incomplete.
Due to more advanced technology and greater variety of available building materials, the ‘pure‘ or historically ‘correct‘ styles can be modified. Modification can be a good thing in that the building can be created more efficiently in terms of budget without sacrificing the desired look. It can, however render the desired look invalid. Below are a few examples of how a few original styles have ‘morphed‘:
Adobe style
The primary building material was a thick mud system accented by log supports. The thickness (noted clearly at doors and windows) was required to keep the building structurally stable. With today’s technology, the ‘adobe style’ home is most often constructed with wood studs or masonry. The thickness is no longer a structural necessity. Colored stucco is often used to mimic the original colors, and the exposed logs found in the original style are now often decorative only. The architect should attend to maintaining the ‘thick’ look, which can be accomplished with current (budget sensitive and practical) building materials.
Tuscan, Mediterranean styles
One important element in the style, the original barrel clay tile roofs, are now mass produced. The original tiles were developed without precision, and the flaws helped make the look. Today, concrete roofing tiles are often used in place of clay tiles. The profile is generally lower with concrete roof tiles, so the look (to a purist) is somewhat diminished. Arches were, at the development of the styles, structurally important. Today, arches are more often decorative.
Modern style
The modern style emerged as technology improved. No longer were thick walls, heavy timber beams and columns, and closed spaces structurally important. The modern style embraces thin structural elements (steel columns) and can accommodate large spans. Steel frames also can allow for larger and more windows at any given wall line. Wood construction and, to a somewhat lesser extent, masonry construction requires more ‘blank’ wall to resist lateral shear forces such as high winds and earthquakes. Steel is very efficient at resisting those forces with less material. Hence, the modern style. Some find the modern style to be ‘cold’ and ‘uninviting’. Designed correctly, however, a modern style home can be very attractive.
With any style, correct proportions of building elements is critically important. The ‘correct’ proportions are defined by the history of the style. Correct proportioning of the building is a function of the architect’s experience, knowledge of architectural history, and talent. The passage of time and increased technology tend to ‘morph’ some styles. An authentic look can be created with the right architect (and budget).
Jim Finch Architecture encourages dialogue with the owner to pinpoint the desired look. Photos, webshots, or magazines can be a good starting point in that communication.
Learn more about architecture, green building techniques and residential home design at Tampa Architect
Friends Link : Audio & Video Civil Engineering Engineering Gadgets 32LD350LCDHDTV32Inch720p My Five Appstore
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น