A History of Architecture on the Comparative Method

THIS “History of Architecture on the Comparative Method” of which the short title is “Comparative Architecture,” aims at giving the reader a comprehensive view of the architectures of all peoples and all ages by comparing the buildings of each period and by giving due prominence to their geographical, mechanical, climatic, and social environments. It is not the intention of the author to write a history of architectural styles or to give a chronological account of the story of architectural development. The aim of Architecture is (1) to meet the demands of practical utility, (2) to satisfy the sense of beauty, and (3) to express the dominance of the individual or the state. The analytical and comparative method adopted enables the essentials of individual styles to be easily grasped, and these essentials are here presented so as to show the influences which have shaped each style and the purposes which it was designed to serve.

Each style is considered under five sections, as follows:—

SECTION I. INFLUENCES:—(1) Geological, (2) Climatic, (3) Religious, (4) Social, (5) Historical.
SECTION II. EXAMPLES.
SECTION III. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER.
SECTION IV. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS.
A. Plans, general arrangement of buildings.
B. Walls, their general character and treatment.
C. Openings, their character and effect.
D. Roofs, their treatment and shapes.
E. Columns, Pilasters, and other vertical supports.
F. Mouldings, their forms and uses.
G. Ornament, and its application to a building.

This analysis of the characteristics features which resulted in creating certain structural problems and their solution, should aid in understanding the different styles and lead to more intelligent appreciation of the buildings of each style. The chief books upon which reliance has been placed in securing their relative authority and general order may probably refer. For the preparation of this edition greater detail may probably refer. For the preparation of this edition greater detail may p