Industrial Revolution. This architectural movement developed not only in Britain (particularly Edinburgh and London) but also in the American Colonies and in Ireland (particularly Dublin). It can be broadly divided into two phases, with the first phase relating to the time of the reigns of King George I and II (1714-1760), and the second phase, belonging to the time of George III and IV (1760-1830). This later phase is known for the emerging Regency Style. This style is characterised by general refinement of Classical details to mere decorative motifs, such as fluted pilasters replacing full-bodied columns. Georgian architects’ preference for classical simplicity and elegance can be seen as a reaction against the pomp of the Baroque, the florid style of architectural decoration which arose in Italy in the late Renaissance. This lavish abundance of detail, which had succeeded the style of Renaissance rationality, was thus replaced by architects’ renewed interest in elements of a matured European Renaissance. The English Baroque school of Sir Christopher Wren, who built for example St Paul’s Cathedral, was in this sense succeeded by Georgian designs. Among the more famous British neoclassical architects of the 18th and early 19th century were James Gibbs, Sir William Chambers, Robert Adam, Robert Mylne, James Gandon, James Craig, James Wyatt, John Nash and William Wilkins. Buildings which are designed in the Georgian architectural style often display the following characteristics:

• They are built with great precision and in a symmetric fashion, modelled largely on Classical design. They often have cornicing, a form of decorative moulding of Classical detailing situated in the angle between the wall and the ceiling.
• They are inspired by Palladian designs. (Andrea Palladio was a 16th century Italian architect who placed great emphasis on symmetry, perspective and values of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.)
• Especially the later Georgian style revives Gothic, Rococo and some Baroque elements and experiments with Egyptian, ‘Hindoo’ and Chinese architecture.
• The rectangular windows are often capped with an elaborate crown or entablature (which is the part of an order above a column) and are framed by pilasters, or flattened columns.
• The front door is usually at the centre or, if there are several doors, they are symmetrically arranged around the centre which is then given prominence in a different way, for example with a projecting window front.
• Pediments, which are triangular structures that crown the front of a (Neo-)Classical building, window or doorway, often decorate Georgian houses, adding elegant adornment to the façade.
• Porticos, or pedimented formal entrances, serve as doorways.
• Balconets, or iron guards, decorate the front of first-floor windows.
" />

Stuff

Username: Password:

Forgotten password?
Register

• Contact
• Privacy & Security
• Complaints
• Help
• Accessibility
• Cookie Policy
• Outreach
• Site Map