The Most Popular Type of Architecture, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 07:41
In a world where architecture shapes our environment and living spaces, understanding which styles resonate with people can greatly influence future designs and urban planning. Knowing the preferences on different types of architecture helps architects and developers better meet the needs and dreams of their potential clients. By ranking these preferences, we offer a clear, crowd-sourced picture of what designs are leading today's trends.
This live ranking allows users to throw their vote into the mix, making their preferences count in a real-time review of architectural popularity. Each vote contributes to a dynamically updated list that reflects current global tastes and preferences. Your participation not only informs the industry but also connects you with a community of like-minded enthusiasts, empowering you to help shape the architectural landscape.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Architecture?
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168votes
Tom Habibi · CC BY-SA 3.0This style dates back to the 12th century and is known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It is a popular style for religious buildings such as cathedrals and churches.Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that emerged in Europe during the Late Middle Ages. It is characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which allowed for taller and more spacious buildings compared to previous architectural styles. Gothic cathedrals and churches are known for their grandeur and verticality, with tall spires and large stained glass windows. This architectural style was widely used for religious structures, particularly in the construction of magnificent cathedrals across Europe.- Pointed Arches: Distinctive arches that are pointed at the top instead of rounded.
- Ribbed Vaults: Vaulted ceilings with intersecting stone ribs, providing structural support and adding decorative elements.
- Flying Buttresses: Exterior supports that transfer the thrust of the vaults and roof to the walls, allowing for taller buildings with large windows.
- Tall Spires: Prominent pointed towers, often reaching great heights, adding verticality to the buildings.
- Stained Glass Windows: Large and colorful windows made of painted glass, portraying biblical scenes and allowing the infusion of colored light into the space.
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243votes
DXR · CC BY-SA 3.0This style originated in Italy in the 17th century and is characterized by elaborate ornamentation, dramatic use of light and shadow, and grandeur. It is often seen in palaces and churches.Baroque architecture is a style that emerged in Europe during the late 16th to 18th centuries. It is known for its opulence, grandeur, and dramatic features. Baroque architecture often combines elements of sculpture, painting, and other art forms to create a stunning visual experience. This style is characterized by its elaborate decoration, intricate detailing, and the use of bold curves and exaggerated forms to create a sense of dynamism and movement.- Ornate Decoration: Elaborate embellishments and ornate details.
- Dramatic Curves: Bold, sweeping curves and voluptuous forms.
- Illusionistic Ceiling Paintings: Elaborate frescoes and ceiling paintings that create an illusion of space and height.
- Use of Light and Shadow: Contrasting light and shadow effects to enhance the overall visual impact.
- Symmetry: Strong emphasis on symmetrical compositions and balanced designs.
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316votes
Calimaq · CC BY-SA 3.0This style originated in Italy in the 15th century and is characterized by symmetry, balance, and proportion. It is often seen in public buildings, such as town halls and museums.Renaissance architecture is the architectural style that emerged in Europe during the Renaissance period, which lasted from the 14th to the 17th century. It represented a revival of the classical Greek and Roman architecture and a shift away from the Gothic style that dominated the Middle Ages. Renaissance architecture emphasized symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical elements such as columns, arches, and domes.- Symmetry: Renaissance buildings tend to have a symmetrical layout and facades, with balanced proportions on both sides.
- Classical Elements: The use of classical elements like columns, arches, and domes is a prominent feature of Renaissance architecture.
- Humanism: Renaissance architects were influenced by humanism, emphasizing the importance of human scale and the harmonious integration of architecture with its surroundings.
- Harmony and Proportion: Renaissance architecture sought to achieve a sense of harmony and proportion in both the overall form of the building and its individual components.
- Symmetrical Facades: Renaissance buildings often feature symmetrical facades with centrally placed entrances.
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425votes
Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz · Public domainThis style emerged in the early 20th century and is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and use of new materials such as concrete and steel. It is often seen in office buildings and residential homes.Modern Architecture is a style of architecture that emerged in the 20th century as a response to the changing social and technological landscape. It is characterized by clean lines, simple forms, and the use of modern materials such as glass, steel, and concrete. The emphasis is on functionality, efficiency, and the integration of buildings with their environment.- Clean lines: Buildings have minimal decorative elements and feature straight lines.
- Simple forms: Designs are often geometric and straightforward.
- Modern materials: The use of glass, steel, and concrete is prominent in modern architecture.
- Functionality: Buildings are designed to be efficient and practical, with a focus on the needs of the occupants.
- Integration with environment: There is a strong emphasis on harmonizing buildings with their surroundings.
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54votes
Aubrey Beardsley · Public domainArt Nouveau
Victor HortaThis style emerged in Europe in the late 19th century and is characterized by organic shapes, flowing lines, and the use of natural forms such as flowers and vines. It is often seen in decorative arts, such as furniture and jewelry.Art Nouveau is an architectural style that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its ornate, curving forms and intricate decorative details, inspired by natural shapes and structures. This style sought to break away from the heavy ornamentation of previous architectural styles, emphasizing organic and flowing lines instead. Art Nouveau architecture often incorporated elements of other art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and decorative arts.- Usage: Mainly used in residential and commercial buildings.
- Inspiration: Inspired by natural forms and structures.
- Ornamentation: Characterized by intricate decorative details and curving forms.
- Materials: Commonly used materials include iron, glass, and ceramics.
- Architectural Elements: Incorporated elements such as stained glass, mosaics, and decorative ironwork.
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66votes
Neoclassical Architecture
Andrea PalladioThis style originated in the 18th century and is characterized by a return to classical forms and motifs, such as columns and pediments. It is often seen in government buildings and monuments.Neoclassical architecture is a style that emerged in the late 18th century, drawing inspiration from the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. It was a reaction against the extravagance of the preceding Rococo and Baroque styles, aiming for simplicity, adherence to classical principles, and a sense of harmony and balance. Neoclassical buildings often feature grand proportions, classical motifs, and a strict adherence to symmetry.- Proportions: Grand and monumental
- Symmetry: Strict adherence to symmetrical designs
- Columns: Frequently used, especially the Greek Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders
- Pediments: Triangular, often decorated with classical motifs
- Balustrades: Commonly seen on terraces and balconies
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76votes
Postmodern Architecture
Robert VenturiThis style emerged in the late 20th century and is characterized by a playful use of forms, materials, and color. It often incorporates elements of other styles and is often seen in commercial buildings.Postmodern architecture is a style that emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against the modernist architectural movement. It is characterized by a playful and eclectic combination of architectural elements, drawing inspiration from various historical styles and cultural references. Postmodern architecture often features bold colors, decorative details, and exaggerated forms. It seeks to challenge traditional notions of architectural design and embraces a more subjective and individualistic approach.- Playful Combination: Mixing different architectural styles and elements
- Historical References: Incorporating elements from various historical periods
- Cultural Influences: Drawing inspiration from different cultures
- Bold Colors: Using vibrant and contrasting colors
- Decorative Details: Incorporating ornamental and decorative elements
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87votes
Colonial Architecture
European colonizersThis style emerged in the 16th century and is characterized by symmetrical facades, steep roofs, and simple ornamentation. It is often seen in buildings in former European colonies, such as the United States and India.Colonial Architecture is a style of architecture that emerged during colonialism when European powers established colonies in different parts of the world. It refers to the architectural designs and styles developed by the colonizers in their colonies influenced by their home country's architecture and often blended with local building practices and materials.- Time Period: 16th to 19th centuries
- Geographic Influence: Spread across colonies in America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania
- Architectural Styles: Spanish Colonial, Dutch Colonial, French Colonial, British Colonial, etc.
- Materials Used: Wood, brick, stone, and sometimes local materials like bamboo
- Symmetry: Emphasis on symmetrical facades and layouts
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92votes
Sole Creator and Copyright Holder: Alfred Hutter aka Gentry · AttributionThis style dates back to the 10th century and is characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and barrel vaults. It is often seen in churches and castles.Romanesque architecture is a type of architectural style that originated in medieval Europe during the 10th to 12th centuries. It can be described as a blend of Roman and Byzantine influences, characterized by sturdy stone construction, round arches, thick walls, and small narrow windows. This architectural style was prevalent in Western Europe and played a significant role in the development of Gothic architecture.- Round Arches: Romanesque architecture prominently features round arches, which provide structural strength and support to the buildings.
- Thick Walls: Buildings in Romanesque style have thick walls, often of stone, which add to their structural stability.
- Small Windows: Romanesque architecture is known for its small, narrow windows, designed for defensive purposes and to retain heat within the building.
- Vaulted Ceilings: Romanesque buildings often have vaulted ceilings, where the arches intersect to create a strong and visually striking interior.
- Sculptural Decoration: Sculptural detailing on facades and portals is a common feature of Romanesque architecture, depicting religious scenes and figures.
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103votesThis style dates back to the 7th century and is characterized by the use of geometric patterns, intricate tile work, and calligraphy. It is often seen in mosques and palaces.Islamic architecture is a distinctive style that emerged in the 7th century CE, characterized by its integration of Islamic beliefs and principles into the design and construction of buildings. It encompasses a wide range of structures including mosques, palaces, tombs, madrasas (educational institutions), and minarets. Islamic architecture is known for its intricate geometric patterns, decorative calligraphy, and emphasis on symmetry and balance.
- Geometric Patterns: Intricate geometric patterns are a common feature in Islamic architecture, seen in the form of tessellating motifs, star-shaped designs, and complex mosaics.
- Calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy is often used as a decorative element, with verses from the Quran or poetic inscriptions adorning the walls and domes of Islamic buildings.
- Archways and Domes: Many Islamic buildings feature pointed archways and large domes, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.
- Courtyards: Islamic architecture often includes central courtyards, providing a serene and open space for prayer and social gatherings.
- Minarets: Tall, slender towers known as minarets are a defining feature of mosques, often used for the call to prayer and as a visual marker.
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Ranking factors for popular type
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Historical significanceHow long has the style been popular, and what notable buildings or structures were built using this style?
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Aesthetic appealHow visually striking and appealing is the style, and how well does it integrate with its surroundings?
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FunctionalityHow well does the style meet the practical needs of the buildings or structures it is used for?
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Cultural relevanceHow important is this style to the identity and culture of the people who use it?
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SustainabilityHow environmentally friendly is this style, and is it compatible with sustainable development principles?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of architecture. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1814 views
- 179 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of architecture
Architecture is an art form that has been practiced for centuries. It is the art of designing and constructing buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. There are many types of architecture, each with its unique characteristics and style. From modern to classic, architecture has evolved over the years, and people continue to appreciate and enjoy different styles. In this article, we will explore the most popular type of architecture today and why it continues to be a favorite among people worldwide. So buckle up and get ready to discover the fascinating world of architecture.
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