THE HISTORY OF STYLE, DECORATION, AND ARCHITECTURE

Module 2

Find five images of New Zealand house styles or buildings from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. 

Your main objective is to develop an understanding of the different design periods that have influenced Architecture and Design since the first settlers arrived in New Zealand. You need to identify the historical influences and characteristic features (exterior only) that are evident in these images.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral, Wellington

The cathedral, which finished being built in 1901, is inspired by various styles, though the most notable is Greek and Roman. Greek design is characterised by columns, pediments, and entablatures. This cathedral was commonly known as a Basilica, due to its Palladian architectural style. The Palladian style referred to using a screen of Roman columns at the front of a building or structure.

The Sacred Heart incorporates the use of ionic columns, which are characterised by the pair of volutes at the top. These columns hold the roof over the portico, which is a porch that leads to the entrance of the building. The columns rest on a plinth, and the high pediment that sits on top of the pillars reflects those found on Roman or Greek temples. The entrance to the cathedral also sits under a pediment, and above the doors there are arched windows. Arched windows are common in Palladian style buildings, though most Palladian windows are flanked by two rectangular windows (which are not present in the cathedral).

Even though the cathedral was built in the 20th century, the pitched and symmetrical roof styling takes inspiration from the Georgian Era, a style of architecture that was popular from 1720-1800.

The cathedral is predominantly built from Oamaru limestone, a material that is typically used for ornate mouldings. The foyer entrance is constructed with concrete, and the entire building has a brick facing.

Canterbury Museum, Christchurch

Built in 1882, the Canterbury Museum’s design incorporated many elements from the Gothic Revival architectural style. One of the most commonly identifiable features of the Gothic Revival style is the pointed arch, used for windows, doors., and decorative elements like porches, dormers, or roof gables. This feature can be seen all across the walls of the museum.

The museum was built with Oamaru stone, and has a brick facing.

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch

The construction of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament finished in 1905, and adapted the name Christchurch Basilica due to its architectural style. The Christchurch Basilica was inspired by Renaissance architecture, but incorporates Byzantine, Gothic, and Greek designs.

The Byzantine influence is characterised by the domes that sit on top of the building. The domes were supported by pointed pediments, which was common in Greek architecture. Another aspect of Greek architecture that was incorporated into the Christchurch Basilica is the Ionic columns on either side of the building. These columns are identified as Ionic due to the pair of volutes at the top. The columns are held up by a plinth, and at the top of the columns sit a plain frieze. The window styles are inspired by Gothic architecture. There are two different types of windows – one with curved pediments and another with pointed pediments, both of which were quite common during the Gothic Revival, set during the 1800’s.

Most Renaissance buildings were constructed with bricks and faced with stone. The Christchurch Basilica was made predominantly out of stone, with very little wood. Oamaru and Mount Somers stone was used. The corners of the building are emphasised by quoins, which is a feature incorporated in most Renaissance era architecture.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Christchurch

Built in 2014, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre is inspired by modern architecture. The visitor centre also takes inspiration from Bauhaus architecture, with its simplicity and lack of ornamentation. The simplicity of the design is a trait that's widely used in modern architecture, a vast difference to older architecture. A characteristic of modern architecture is the use of generous light and glass, which can be seen in the Visitor Centre. Glass architecture — and the allowance of natural light — is predominantly used in modern architecture. Modern architecture also emphasises with the open and flowing spaces, which can be seen in the Visitor Centre. The centre is not split into many different rooms, and is instead one long building.

Modern architecture involve the use of straight and angled lines, as opposed to older, more traditional, architecture (where curved exteriors were favoured). Angled lines are incorporated in the design through the roof, which is made up of flat surfaces placed at angles to create a design similar to a zigzagged pattern. 

Modern architecture is typically free of clutter and unnecessary elements, which is showcased in the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, as the structure is simple, and there is no added designs and columns. 

Massey University's College Of Creative Arts, Wellington

Massey University's College Of Creative Arts (CoCA), is inspired by modern architecture. Modern architecture takes a very linear approach to its designs and buildings, and this is seen in way the CoCA building is made up of straight lines and angles. There are no curved corners or arched windows — everything about the design is linear, from the angled roof to the window panes. Modern architecture is also characterised by its roof patterns. Unlike the usual traditional triangle based roofs, modern architecture incorporates the use of elongated vaulted ceilings to create an angled roof (a feature prominent in the CoCA building). The CoCA building also has a prominent roof overhang, for both the upper and lower levels.

Windows in modern architecture are often used to bring in natural light, and therefore are featured usually as floor length or bigger panes. The CoCA building is compromised of having an entire wall covered in windows, which not only bring in light, but also creates a more open space for the interior.