Three Movements in Architecture Returns

Gothic Revival, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School, The Glass Box

There are many reasons why buildings from one era look different from buildings of another. Sometimes those differences reflect developments in materials, building processes, or other technologies. Sometimes the differences arise from cultural or economic shifts. Sometimes the differences reflect an evolution in what is happening on the inside—the buildings’ functions. For the sake of convenience, we tend to group buildings with similar characteristics together, constituting a “style.” The terms Greek Revival, Brutalist, or Deconstructivist, for instance, are used in architecture to describe consistent stylistic moves, gestures, and characteristics within a certain period of time. But while a stylistic label makes it easier to recognize and understand groups of buildings with shared characteristics, such labels tend to focus attention on aesthetics rather than the full range of qualities that define the architecture of a given structure.

The Gothic Revival style of architecture is exemplified by this Lyndhurst cottage in Tarrytown, New York.

Photo by Barbara Campagna.

The National Building Museum presents Three Movements in Architecture, a lecture series that seeks to provide a broader understanding of architectural “styles.” These classroom-like programs explore significant periods in architectural history, serving as a refresher course for the professional or student, or providing the novice with a chance to learn more about the world of architecture. The lectures explore the salient physical characteristics of each movement, but also explore how culture, politics, and technical innovations are reflected in the architecture of those times.

This summer, the series explores the Gothic Revival, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School, and the Glass Box movements in architecture.

To make each program more relevant and interactive, the Museum will produce a handout that lists three buildings that typify the style covered in that lecture. The handout serves as a quick reference or can be used to create your own mini-architectural tour.

Learn more about Three Movements in Architectureand register for upcoming programs.

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