Understanding Contemporary Architecture
Contemporary architecture has helped produce some of today’s most popular building styles. Structures from single family homes to downtown office buildings are built in contemporary styles, and most of which look as fresh today as they did decades ago. While it’s hard to give an absolute list of contemporary architecture features, buildings within the movement can usually be broadly identified, as can their individual styles.
America’s Neoclassical Building Tradition
Neoclassical and Greek Revival architecture are two of America’s most recognized building forms. Though not in wide use today, these styles, characterized by columns, tall facades, and simple white exteriors, can be easily found on many of the nation’s historic landmarks and government buildings, including The Whitehouse. Students of architecture can expect these forms to endure for centuries longer, thanks to their integral role in the American social fabric.
What Does Your Dream Vacation Home Feature?
What wanders across your imagination when thoughts of your dream vacation home come into your mind? I don’t suppose it is location, location, location - but that is what we are told is the number one thing we must consider.
The Story Behind National Style Homes
National-style homes are common across the nation, but not always easy to identify. That’s because they tend to mix several pre-Victorian era building styles, as well as Native American building traditions. The result is a surprisingly simple and elegant architectural form that’s great for building attractive, affordable homes, and has just enough ornamental appeal to work on high-end custom homes.
Eichler Homes Inc: The California Modern- Then and Now
Joseph Eichler was a California developer with a very particular, social vision. As millions of soldiers returned home from World War II, Joseph was determined to create a better living environment for the common man. He envisioned modern homes that incorporated various architecturally distinct elements that would appeal to the average family- and an average family income. When Eichler homes were first on the market, their average sale price was $12,000.
The Lasting Appeal of a Bungalow
Bungalow-style homes are popular around the world because they’re so adaptable - they work just as well in luxury planned communities as in affordable urban areas, often with little or no change to the floor plan. With so many possible uses, Bungalows will likely be one of the 21st century’s enduring home styles, just as they were throughout the 20th century.
How Ranch Homes Changed America
The Ranch style is America’s most pervasive building method. More than a single architectural form, this building movement addresses the needs of American life, and has been adapted for a wide variety of construction methods. Like any popular trend, Ranch homes have also endured their share of criticism over the decades, although demand for them has remained strong.
Santa Fe’s Pueblo Revival
Traditional adobe architecture is alive and well in New Mexico, particularly near the state capital, Santa Fe. Here, elegant pueblo-style buildings dominate the skyline in crisp, straight lines and right angles, solid brown exteriors, and flat roofs. It’s part of what drives Santa Fe’s thriving tourism economy, and part of the reason local real estate is constantly in demand with buyers from all over the nation. Anyone getting involved in the Santa Fe area real estate market should consider brushing up on this popular building form before buying or selling.
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