CAYTON, JUSTINE AUDRIANNE M.

03/16/25
BSARCH 1-1 TOA (2nd Semester)

Classical Architecture

Picture Name Description

Parthenon This famous structure was built in

Athens, Greece Ancient Greece during the Golden Age
of Pericles. According to Davidson
(n.d.), this massive temple was
originally constructed to worship the
Ancient Greek goddess Athena. This
was built in the mid-fifth Century BC
and even had another construction due
to Persian wars. It was damaged again
in 1687 during a conflict between the
Ottoman Empire and the Venetians. In
today, the Parthenon is considered to
be a proud symbol for Ancient Greece,
Democracy, and Western Civilisation.
The structure featured a colonnade of
fluted Doric columns supporting an
entablature and pediments. The
building encloses a walled interior
chamber (cella), originally housing a
great cult statue, with a smaller
chamber behind it and porticos at both
ends. Its architectural refinements,
such as the subtle curvature of the
base, entasis of the columns, and
thickened corner columns, create a
sculptural and visually harmonious
effect (The Editors of Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 2025).

Colosseum This was commissioned around A.D.

Rome 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the
Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman
people. It can be found at the east of
the Roman Forum and became the
iconic symbol of Rome and its
thundering history. Archaeologists
believe that the Colosseum contained
both drinking fountains and latrines.
After a long decade of construction,
Titus officially dedicated the
Colosseum in A.D. 80 with a festival
including 100 days of games. Due to
this decision, he had the people’s
devotion leading to recovery efforts
after the infamous eruption of Vesuvius
in A.D. 79. The final stages of
construction were completed under the
reign of Titus’ brother and successor,
Domitian. In arrange of social ranking,
the Colosseum had seating for more
 than 50,000 spectators. The structure
is noted to be the largest amphitheater
in Rome with its measurements of 620
by 513 feet. It had three stories of 80
arched entrances with semi-circular
columns. At the bottom were columns
of the relatively simple Doric order,
followed by Ionic, and topped by the
ornate Corinthian order (Sullivan,
2022).

Erechtheion The Erechtheion, designed by

Athens, Greece Mnesikles in the late 5th century BC,
replaced the Ancient Temple of Athena
Polias, which had been destroyed by
the Persians. The temple had two
chambers: the eastern dedicated to
Athena and the western housing
shrines for Poseidon-Erechtheus,
Hephaistos, and Boutes. Its
asymmetrical design accommodated
multiple cults and adapted to the
uneven terrain, while also incorporating
sacred symbols of Athena and
Poseidon’s mythological contest. The
temple featured an Ionic frieze of gods
and mortals, sculpted from Parian
marble and set against Eleusinian
limestone. The most famous element is
the south porch, where six Karyatid
statues replaced traditional columns.
Five are in the Acropolis Museum,
while the sixth remains in the British
Museum (The Erechtheion | Acropolis
Museum | Official Website, n.d.).

Temple of The Temple of Hephaestus built in 450

Hephaestus BCE and dedicated to Hephaestus and
Athens, Greece Athena which became the site of
worship of craftsman and general
artisans. The gods are put atop at
Agoras Kolonos, just outside of
Acropolis and Agoras, overlooking the
area. The temple's well-preserved
architecture is due in part to its
conversion to a Christian place of
worship. The temple was continuously
in use, so it was well-preserved and
cared for. Restoration works prevented
it from falling too far into disrepair,
though the statues and artwork inside
were replaced with Christian relics
(Greekacom, n.d.).

Pont du Gard The Pont du Gard is a 1st-century AD

France Roman aqueduct bridge in southern
France, built to transport water over 50
km to the Roman colony of Nemausus.
Spanning the Gardon River, it is one of
 the best-preserved Roman aqueducts
and became a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1985. The three-level
structure stands 49 m high and 274 m
long, with arches designed for flexibility
against subsidence. Though its exterior
is rough, the water conduit was
carefully smoothed with dressed
masonry and concrete to ensure
efficient water flow. The construction
has long been credited to the Roman
emperor Augustus's son-in-law and
aide, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa,
around the year 19 BC. It is believed to
have taken about 15 years to build,
employing between 800 and 1,000
workers (Wikipedia contributors, 2025).

Gothic Architecture

Notre-Dame de Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the

Paris most famous Gothic cathedrals of the
France Middle Ages, known for its size,
antiquity, and architectural significance.
Located on the Île de la Cité, it was
built over the ruins of earlier churches
and a Gallo-Roman temple. Initiated by
Bishop Maurice de Sully around 1160,
its foundation stone was laid in 1163,
and major sections like the choir,
facade, and nave were completed by
1250, with additions continuing for
another century. The central spire,
originally removed in the 18th century,
was replaced in the 19th century during
restoration. The cathedral features a
choir, apse, short transept, and a nave
with double aisles and chapels. Its
western facade is adorned with
sculpted doors and Old Testament
kings, topped by two 68-meter (223 ft)
Gothic towers, though planned spires
were never built. The flying buttresses
at the east end showcase Rayonnant
Gothic elegance, while the three great
rose windows still contain their original
13th-century stained glass (The Editors
of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2025b).

Chartres Cathedral Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic

France masterpiece in northwestern France,
considered one of the top three
examples of French Gothic
architecture, alongside Amiens and
Reims Cathedrals. It is renowned for its
architectural innovations, sculptures,
and stained glass. A major pilgrimage
site since the Middle Ages, it houses
the veil of the Virgin Mary in its
 treasury. The cathedral’s oldest
sections, including the crypt and Royal
Portal, date back to a Romanesque
church destroyed by fire in 1194. The
current structure, built on its
foundations, was completed in 1260.
Standing 112 feet (34 m) high and 427
feet (130 m) long, it incorporates
elements from Laon Cathedral but
introduces tall arcades, a narrow
triforium, and an expansive clerestory.
Its immense weight required the
unprecedented use of flying buttresses,
enhancing both stability and elegance
(The Editors of Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 2025a).

Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic

Germany church in Northern Europe, was built to
house the relics of the Three Wise
Men, gifted to Cologne in the 13th
century. Construction began in 1248
but took over 600 years to complete,
finally finishing in 1880. Its design
blends High Gothic and later Gothic
styles, reflecting its long history. A
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
cathedral is a major pilgrimage
destination due to the Shrine of the
Three Kings, a golden reliquary
believed to contain the remains of the
Magi. Beyond its religious significance,
Cologne Cathedral stands as a
monument to faith, human ambition,
and architectural brilliance, captivating
visitors with its intricate details and
towering presence (Kenzly & Kenzly,
2024).

Milan Cathedral Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano,

France is one of the largest Roman Catholic
cathedrals in the world, covering
126,000 square feet and capable of
holding 40,000 visitors. Construction
began in 1386 and took five centuries
to complete, with the final facade
details finished in 1965. A blend of
architectural styles, the cathedral
features a French Gothic eastern apse
with pinnacles and flying buttresses, a
Renaissance cupola, an 18th-century
spire, and a Neoclassical facade. Its
roof is adorned with spires, gargoyles,
and statues, offering stunning city
views. The exterior boasts 2,245
statues, while the Madonnina, a
gold-covered statue of the Virgin Mary,
crowns the tallest spire. Inside, the
massive nave is lined with towering
 stone pillars, and the cathedral houses
a holy relic—a nail believed to be from
the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
(Amari-Parker & Anna, 2023).

Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey, formally the

England Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at
Westminster, is an Anglican church in
London, England, known for its Gothic
architecture and royal significance.
Since 1066, it has hosted the
coronations of 40 monarchs and
served as the burial site for 18 English,
Scottish, and British rulers. At least 16
royal weddings have also taken place
there. Originally a Benedictine
monastery in the 10th century, the first
major church on the site was built in
the 1040s by King Edward the
Confessor, who is buried inside. The
present structure was commissioned
by Henry III in 1245, and in 1559,
Elizabeth I made it a royal peculiar,
meaning it is directly accountable to
the sovereign. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site since 1987, the abbey
combines French and English Gothic
styles, with traces of Romanesque,
Baroque, and modern influences. The
Henry VII Chapel, an example of
Perpendicular Gothic architecture, was
once called "the wonder of the world"
(Wikipedia contributors, 2025b).

Baroque Architecture

St. Peter's Basilica The main designers were Donato

Vatican City, Rome Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo
Maderno. Back in 15th century, it was
initially planned by Pope Nicholas V
and then Pope Julius II to replace the
aging Old St. Peter's Basilica, which
was built in the fourth century by
Roman emperor Constantine the
Great. St. Peter's is famous as a place
of pilgrimage and for its liturgical
functions that can invite 15,000 to
80,000. It has a cruciform shape with
an elongated nave in the Latin cross.
The central space is dominated both
externally and internally by one of the
largest domes in the world. Across the
building, the entrance is through a
narthex or entrance hall. The Holy
Door, opened only at jubilees, can be
seen from the narthex and the bronze
doors. The interior is decorated with
marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture,
and gilding. The basilica contains a
 large number of tombs of popes and
other notable people, many of which
are considered outstanding artworks.
There are also several sculptures in
niches and chapels, including
Michelangelo's Pietà (Wikipedia
contributors, 2002).

Palace of Versailles The Palace of Versailles is a former

France French royal residence and center of
government, now a national landmark.
Located 16 km (10 miles) from Paris, it
was originally a hunting lodge for Louis
XIII but was transformed by Louis XIV
(1661–1710) into a grand symbol of
absolutism. Designed by architects
Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Robert de
Cotte, and Louis Le Vau, with interiors
by Charles Le Brun, the palace
features extravagant architecture and
lavish decorations. Landscape artist
André Le Nôtre created its famous
symmetrical French gardens with
ornate fountains, showcasing the king’s
control over nature. Versailles remains
a masterpiece of Baroque architecture
and a testament to royal power and
luxury (The Editors of Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 2025a).

Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a late

Rome, Italy Baroque masterpiece and one of the
city's most famous fountains. Designed
by Nicola Salvi and completed by
Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, it blends
mythological sculptures, natural rock
formations, and flowing water into a
grand display. At its center is Pietro
Bracci’s statue of Oceanus, riding a
chariot pulled by sea horses and
tritons. Flanking him are statues of
Abundance and Health. The fountain
stands 26 meters (85 feet) high and 49
meters (160 feet) wide. It is fed by the
ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct,
though its water is no longer drinkable.
A famous coin-tossing legend promises
a return to Rome for those who throw a
coin into the fountain. It has been
featured in iconic films, including
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960).
The fountain underwent major
renovations in 2014–15, and the coins
collected daily are donated to charity
(The Editors of Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 2025e).
 Church of San San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is a
Carlo alle Quattro Baroque church in Rome, designed by
Fontane Francesco Borromini for a community
Rome, Italy of Spanish monks. Commissioned in
1634 and built between 1638–46, its
tall undulating façade was added
around 1677. Despite being on a
cramped site, Borromini created an
innovative Greek cross floor plan with
convex curves, influencing later
Baroque architecture. The interior
design is unified by the triangle motif,
symbolizing the Trinity (The Editors of
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998).

Schönbrunn Palace Schloss Schönbrunn is a Rococo-style

Vienna, Austria summer palace in Vienna, originally
designed in 1690 by Johann Bernhard
Fischer von Erlach to rival Versailles. A
revised plan from 1695–96 was
completed in 1711. The palace was
later modified in 1737 and 1744. Its
formal gardens, first laid out in
1705–06, were redesigned from 1765.
The Schönbrunn Tiergarten, founded in
1752, is one of Europe’s oldest zoos.
The entire complex, covering over 2 sq
km, has been open to the public since
1918 and became a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1996 (The Editors of
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998b).

Modernism Architecture

Villa Savoye Villa Savoye, designed by Swiss

France architects Le Corbusier and Pierre
Jeanneret between 1928 and 1931, is
a modernist country house in Poissy,
France. A white rectangular structure
elevated on slim pillars, it features
horizontal windows wrapping around its
exterior. The house exemplifies the
International Style, influenced by
post-World War I trends favoring
simplicity over ornate neoclassical
designs. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic
also reflects the era’s focus on efficient
construction to address urgent housing
needs (MasterClass, 2021).

Farnsworth House The Farnsworth House, designed as a

USA weekend retreat for Dr. Edith
Farnsworth, is a single-story glass
pavilion in Plano, Illinois. Supported by
eight I-shaped steel columns, it
features floor-to-ceiling windows that
integrate the structure with its natural
surroundings. Situated on a secluded
10-acre site near the Fox River, the
 house embodies Mies van der Rohe’s
vision of harmonizing architecture with
nature. The surrounding trees provide
shade and privacy, reinforcing the
seamless connection between the
home and its tranquil environment
(Perez, 2020).

Barcelona Pavilion The Barcelona Pavilion, designed by

Spain Mies van der Rohe for the 1929
International Exposition in Spain,
showcased modernist architecture to
the world. Originally called the German
Pavilion, it represented Germany’s
progressive yet classically rooted
culture after World War I. With its sleek
design and rich materials, the pavilion
marked a turning point in Mies’ career
and modern architecture. Unlike other
exposition buildings, it was not meant
to display art but to serve as a tranquil,
inhabitable sculpture, offering visitors a
place of reflection and escape (Kroll,
2024).

The Glass House The Glass House, designed by

USA architect Philip Johnson in 1949, is a
landmark of modernist architecture
located in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Serving as Johnson's residence, the
house features a minimalist design with
floor-to-ceiling glass walls supported by
black steel piers, creating an open and
transparent living space that
harmoniously blends with its natural
surroundings. ​ The interior is an open
plan, with areas designated for living,
dining, sleeping, and cooking, all
unified within the glass enclosure. A
cylindrical brick structure houses the
bathroom, providing the only enclosed
space within the house. ​ The Glass
House is part of a larger 47-acre estate
that includes thirteen other structures,
such as a guest house, art gallery, and
sculpture pavilion, each designed by
Johnson over a span of fifty years. In
1997, the Glass House was designated
a National Historic Landmark, and it
now operates as a historic house
museum under the National Trust for
Historic Preservation (The Glass
House, 2025). ​
 Sydney Opera The Sydney Opera House is a
House world-renowned performing arts center
Australia located on Bennelong Point in Sydney
Harbour, Australia. Designed by
Danish architect Jørn Utzon, its
construction began in 1959 and
concluded in 1973. The building's
distinctive design features a series of
white, sail-like shells, creating a striking
silhouette against the harbor backdrop. ​
The facility comprises multiple
performance venues, including a
concert hall, opera and drama theaters,
a playhouse, and a forecourt for
outdoor events. Since its opening, the
Sydney Opera House has become a
symbol of modern Australia and was
designated a UNESCO World Heritage
site in 2007. ​ Beyond its architectural
significance, the Sydney Opera House
serves as a hub for cultural and artistic
expression, hosting over 1,500
performances annually and attracting
millions of visitors worldwide. ​ The
Sydney Opera House stands as a
testament to innovative design and
cultural significance, embodying
Australia's creative spirit and serving
as a global icon of architectural
excellence (Our Story, n.d.).

Postmodernism structure

Piazza d’Italia Completed in 1978, the piazza was

USA designed as an urban redevelopment
project and a tribute to the city's Italian
citizens. Architect Charles Moore
created a highly pictorial urban plaza
featuring colonnades, arches, and a
bell tower arranged around a fountain.
The space is richly decorated with
bright colors, neon trims, metallic
accents, and classical elements. The
textured paving, interplay of light and
shadow, and framed views through
openings create a dynamic spatial
experience, further enhanced by
uplighting and neon effects at night
(Brake, 2015).

Portland Building The Portland Building, designed by

USA Michael Graves, is considered the first
major Postmodernist architectural
work. Completed after a 1979 design
competition, it contrasts with the
functional Modernist style,
incorporating symbolic elements on its
monumental facades. Graves aimed to
reintroduce architectural language and
 values beyond Modernist uniformity.
The building, located in downtown
Portland, was designed to house
municipal offices and is situated near
City Hall, the County Courthouse, and
Chapman Square Park (Merin, 2021).

AT&T Building The AT&T Building (now Sony Tower),

USA designed by Philip Johnson and John
Burgee in 1984, is a landmark of
Postmodernist architecture. Its
distinctive open pediment broke away
from Modernist principles, signaling a
shift toward historical references and
architectural meaning. While not the
first of its kind, it was the most
high-profile example, marking the
mainstream arrival of Postmodernism.
The building’s use of historicity
reflected a broader intellectual
movement that emerged in response to
Modernism’s failures, embracing
architecture’s cultural and
communicative power through
symbolic design elements (Langdon,
2024).

Guggenheim The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao,

Museum Bilbao designed by Frank O. Gehry, opened in
Spain 1997 as a collaboration between the
Guggenheim Foundation and the
Basque government. Its
interconnected, titanium-clad structures
resemble a massive abstract sculpture.
The museum's interior, centered
around a large atrium, primarily
showcases modern and contemporary
art, with a focus on large-scale
sculptures (The Editors of
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2009).

Dancing House The Dancing House, designed by

Czech Republic Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, is a
deconstructivist building on the Rašín
Embankment in Prague, Czech
Republic. Completed in 1996, its
undulating shape resembles two
dancers, earning it the nickname "Fred
and Ginger." The structure has nine
above-ground and two underground
floors, housing offices, a luxury hotel,
and a restaurant. As a deconstructivist
work, it challenges traditional
architectural harmony with asymmetry,
fragmentation, and unconventional
forms (MasterClass, 2021b).
​
References:
Amari-Parker, & Anna. (2023, October 16). Milan Cathedral | History, Description, & facts. Encyclopedia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Milan-Cathedral

Brake, A. (2015, August 15). Postmodern architecture: Piazza d’Italia, New Orleans by Charles Moore.

https://www.dezeen.com/2015/08/21/postmodern-architecture-piazza-d-italia-charles-moore-new-orlean

s/

Davidson, L. (n.d.). The Parthenon. History Hit. https://www.historyhit.com/locations/the-parthenon/

Greekacom. (n.d.). Athens Hephaestus temple. Greekacom.

https://www.greeka.com/attica/athens/sightseeing/temple-hephaestus/

Kenzly, & Kenzly. (2024, June 24). Cologne Cathedral – Exploring the Majesty | Kenzly. Kenzly | Your Journey

Starts Here! https://kenzly.com/cologne-cathedral/

Kroll, A. (2024, August 1). AD Classics: Barcelona Pavilion / Mies van der Rohe. ArchDaily.

https://www.archdaily.com/109135/ad-classics-barcelona-pavilion-mies-van-der-rohe

Langdon, D. (2024, August 7). Architecture Classics: AT&T Building / Philip Johnson + John Burgee. ArchDaily.

https://www.archdaily.com/611169/ad-classics-at-and-t-building-philip-johnson-and-john-burgee

MasterClass. (2021a, September 16). Villa Savoye: A brief history of the Le Corbusier-Designed home.

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/villa-savoye-guide

MasterClass. (2021b, September 29). A Guide to Prague’s Dancing House: Architecture and History.

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dancing-house-architecture-explained

Merin, G. (2021, December 21). AD Classics: The Portland Building / Michael Graves. ArchDaily.

https://www.archdaily.com/407522/ad-classics-the-portland-building-michael-graves

Our story. (n.d.). Sydney Opera House. https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/our-story

Perez, A. (2020, October 6). AD Classics: The Farnsworth House / Mies van der Rohe. ArchDaily.

https://www.archdaily.com/59719/ad-classics-the-farnsworth-house-mies-van-der-rohe

Sullivan, M. (2022, July 11). Colosseum - Dates, facts & location | HISTORY. HISTORY.

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/colosseum

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998a, July 20). San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane | Baroque, Bernini,

facade. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/San-Carlo-alle-Quattro-Fontane

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998b, July 20). Schloss Schönbrunn | Baroque architecture, gardens,

UNESCO. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Schloss-Schonbrunn-palace-Vienna-Austria

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2009, October 30). Guggenheim Museum Bilbao | Modern art,

architecture, Basque country. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Guggenheim-Museum-Bilbao
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025a, January 21). Palace of Versailles | History & Facts.

Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Palace-of-Versailles

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025b, January 27). Chartres Cathedral | History, interior, stained

glass, & facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chartres-Cathedral

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025c, February 10). Parthenon | Definition, History, architecture,

Columns, Greece, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parthenon

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025d, February 24). Notre-Dame de Paris | History, Style, Fire, &

Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Notre-Dame-de-Paris

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025e, March 13). Trevi Fountain | Baroque architecture, Bernini,

Triton. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trevi-Fountain

The Erechtheion | Acropolis Museum | Official website. (n.d.).

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/other-monuments-periklean-building-programme/erechtheion

The Glass House. (2025, January 13). The Glass House — The Glass House.

https://theglasshouse.org/explore/the-glass-house/

Wikipedia contributors. (2002, August 19). St. Peter’s Basilica - Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica

Wikipedia contributors. (2025a, February 14). Pont du Gard. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_du_Gard

Wikipedia contributors. (2025b, March 9). Westminster Abbey. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Abbey