AmericanExtra Credit Video

Here is a video that talks about some of the details and typical design aspects you would see in a shaker style home.

The American Period

As America was just being formed into its own nation after the split from the English rule, their own architecture and design style started to form as well. The federal style was the American Neoclassical, and various English and French publications were responsible for the formation of the Federal style. A few characteristics of the federal style were armchairs that had curved arm rests and straight legs, daybeds, Neoclassical motifs, and motif of the American Eagle. Duncan Phyfe was a craftsman who created superb furniture during this time. One of his most known pieces is his daybed which had rolled arms and cornucopia legs. Another designer/craftsman during this time was Lambert Hitchcock who was known for the Hitchcock chair. This chair has a woven cane or rush seats, black with gold paint, and stenciled designs.

The Shakers produced their own design style as well that was much more simplistic and focused on  simplicity and utility over ornamentation. They lived in rounded barns that were built into hillsides and the interiors were sparse, clean, and well ordered.

Phyfe Sofa 

Hitchcock chair 

Shaker chairs 

Modern Application

Phyfe Sofa in a modern day living room. 

A Hitchcock chair is used in this small bathroom. 

Shaker style kitchen. 

Peer Reviews:
Haley gave such a good overview of the American period and focused in on the Victorian Period. She shared some really great examples as well as modern day examples that were great.

English Renaissance

The English Renaissance was a very long period that consisted of lots os "sub-periods". The early time of the English Renaissance was from 1550-1660. The design periods within this era were named after the rulers of England. This was also known as the age of oak because oak was the primary material used in design. One of the main styles associated with this era was the Tudor, the tudor marks the official beginning the English Renaissance. Tudor consisted of both architecture and furniture style. The architecture form of Tudor is known for timber framed construction.The furniture in this time was more sparse and the chairs were very box like.

Below is an image of a tudor style chair called a settle chair

A popular table style of this period were table with a thick wood top and 4 carved legs with heavy stretchers between each. Below is a picture of such a table called a gate leg table. 

Modern Application

Today the Tudor style can be seen all over in modern forms. Below are a couple of images of a modern tudor style home. 

Peer Reviews:

The first blog I read was Paige Perry's. She did a really nice job explaining the different architecture and architects of the English Renaissance and showing really nice images of each. The second blog I looked at was Haley's. She explained the period thoroughly and gave plenty of information to review and learn more about this period. She also shared really nice photos!

French Renaissance (Extra Credit Post)

THis short video gives a little bit of a closer look at some of the details of French architecture:

French Renaissance

The French Renaissance was a time where the "royal taste" determined the style of the rest of the country and even world. The main features of the architecture in France were mansard roofs, large windows, 2 slopes with former windows, and many chimneys. It is in this era that  "the decorator" became an actual occupation and they were hired to design luxurious high quality spaces. During this time many magnificent chats were built and still stand today.

The Chateau Chambord Francois's royal hunting lodge located in Loire valley and is known as the larger and most magnificent chateau.

Chateau de Fontainbleaue is also a hunting lodge. In this chateau is the Galerie Francois which set the interior fashion idea for the time. Below is are images of both the Chateau and the Galerie Francois. 

One other Chateau that was built in this era was the Chateau de Blois, it features a more classic design and classical pilasters as well as entablatures and asymmetrical organization of the openings. 

Modern Application

This house features some french design features such as the dormers, mansard roof, and many chimneys. 

This home is also influenced by french as you can see in the multiple slopes and small dormer windows. It also has large first story windows and gardens. 

Peer Reviews:

I read Shannon's blog first, and I thought that she did a really nice job reviewing the French Renaissance. I loved the pictures of the various chateau's she posted and the modern application pictures she shared were really cool as well.  

The second blog I read was Alexandra's. She did a great job and I loved the pictures she posted. The modern examples were spot on of how the French Renaissance style is applied now. 

Spanish Renaissance Extra Credit Post

Here is a video I found that gives a look at Alhambra, located in Granada Spain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEseJViidy8

Spanish Renaissance

The Spanish period was a unique time period that was influenced by Moorish, Early Christian, Medieval and Italian design. This fusion of Christian Spain and Moorish is termed Mudejar. One of the main features of this design style is the use of wrought iron in so many of the design features, especially used in furniture and exterior grilles

There were a few different architectural phases during the Spanish renaissance. The first being the Plateresco phase, also called the silversmith phase. This phase was similar to Gothic or Renaissance in architectural style, and it also featured minute and delicate ornamentation that resembled the work of a silversmith. One example of a building contracted during this phase is the University of Salamanca located in west of Madrid.

The phase that immediately followed the Plateresco phase was the Desornamentado phase. This phase was a reaction the the heavily ornamental design of the Plateresco phase and is much more un-ornamented . This phase is known for its austerity and carefully defined proportions. One great example of this phase is El Escorial which was made to be an imitation of the Temple of Solomon from biblical times. El Escorial includes a palace and a religious house and is known as being a highly "moral" building and is known for its simplicity, sobriety, and plainness. In the picture below you can see that EL Escorial really is such a massive structure and so different from the Plateresco phase in its simplicity and careful proportions. 

The furniture from the Spanish period all have a common element in the use of wrought iron in almost all of the pieces from this time. Some of the pieces like the wooden bench are much more rustic than pieces from previous design periods. 

Modern Application 

Today, Spanish design is very popular and its influences can be seen all over the world. The first picture shows a modern application of the tile and wrought iron that was a key feature in the Spanish Renaissance 

Santiago Calatrava is a Spanish born architect and engineer who creates spectacular designs all over the world, below are pictures of bridge in Jerusalem that he created as well as a building he constructed in Valencia Spain. 

Peer Reviews: 

The first blog I read was Paige S's.  I really enjoyed her blog post, especially all the pictures she provided, it really displayed the time period well and showed a great understanding of all this period included. 

Secondly, I read Nicole K's blog. She also provided really good pictures to display the period accurately. I also really liked the video she posted of the furniture during the Spanish period. It gave a good review and showed the details of the main furniture pieces.