The Victorian architecture

The most popular style of architecture prior to the Victorian era was the Greek revival. This style was used almost exclusively for public buildings where simplicity and dignity were considered the most important attributes. By the 1840s the Greek style was no longer fashionable for a private residence. Its popularity had waned about the time Victoria became Queen. Many early cottages were built as summer residences only, with no wadding, yet the underlying surfaces were of solid construction. Architects and builders often submitted alternate designs for a house where the floor plans were identical, and only the facades varied. But when frame construction came along, houses were built quickly and complex details were added later. Many early homes had neither kitchens nor bathrooms. As is typical of these early homes, additions often house the kitchens and baths. Most of the early homes, especially those built in England, were built of stone, and enhanced with decorative "stone tracery". The number of full-blown Gothic stone mansions was never large. Only the wealthy could afford such homes which required the labours of highly skilled stone carvers. The costly Gothic style was eventually translated into wood, and thousands of "Carpenter Gothic" houses still stand. The homes are planned from the inside out - the layout of the rooms and the traffic pattern determines the outward look. Inside they have a happy hide-and-seek quality of surprise.
The Victorian architectural period mostly spans the period of roughly 1825-1900. The Victorians drew deeply from history, nature, geometry, theory, and personal inspiration to create their designs. Prior to 1890, designers, though properly trained in the academics of standard architectural systems, still managed to employ their own creative ideas.
Early Victorian structures were relatively simple in style, while those built after the Civil War became more complicated. They combined styles as they saw fit. The end result was often a stunning visual effect. The building styles of post-Civil War America were elaborate and flamboyant, very much fuelled by new industrial society.The latter part of the nineteenth century brought a new attitude toward colour. Before then, the houses of the tract builders tended to be painted all one colour, usually white, beige or gray. By 1887, many people were painting their houses in lighter, brighter colours. The vibrant colours are one of the more easily identifiable features of Victorian architecture today.

Today, many homes from the Victorian architectural period still stand and are considered among the most beautifully rustic in almost any neighbourhood. Many have been turned into bed and breakfast inns, hotels and some just opened to the public as historic sites.

Prajakta Kavde

3749