Colonial Architecture | What is It? Examples And Characteristics

The types of colonial architecture have many things in common beyond their origin. We are talking about constructions in colonies that imitate the styles known by the colonizers.

1. Colonial Architecture | What is It? Examples And
Characteristics


Today, the colonial style has been renovated for the modern age. Maintaining characteristics of the classic
colonial architecture used by settlers many years ago.

Colonial style dominated the landscape of the newly settled areas of North America.

The styles ranged from New England Colonial, Spanish Colonial, German Colonial, Dutch Colonial, French
Colonial and Georgian Colonial.

Each style emerged in the specific territories of each country. Colonial architectural styles continued to evolve
to perfectly suit each region.

What is Colonial Architecture?
The history of colonial architecture is the set of architectural manifestations that emerged in Latin America. Its
origin begins in 1492 until the beginning of the 19th century.

It is impossible to speak of one colonial architecture pdf, in fact, we must speak of several depending on the
colony, the metropolis and the time. It is not a defined architectural style like Renaissance or Gothic architecture.

2. The types of colonial architecture have many things in common beyond their origin. We are talking about
constructions in colonies that imitate the styles known by the colonizers.

According to the styles of the metropolis, it can be said that colonial architecture is simple in its forms. It is an
architecture that possesses European elements and at the same time manages to have its own character.

We can find colonial architecture modified or adapted to the climatic conditions. This architecture follows
structural, constructive and aesthetic models of the metropolis.

There are also examples in which the aesthetics of indigenous peoples are mixed with colonial architecture to
make it less alien to the local population.

Characteristics of Colonial Architecture
Some of the elements of colonial architecture are the use of brick, thatch, and moldings for door frames. All of
these vary according to the origin of the architecture.

Colonial architecture in New England:
• Symmetrical, rectangular front.
• Steep roof with narrow eaves.
• Exterior ornamentation.
• Casement windows.
• Central chimney.
• Wooden clapboards.

Spanish colonial architecture:
• Flat or low pitched roof covered with thatch, earth or clay.
• Thick brick walls and stucco coverings to keep out the heat.
• Small exterior doors and windows with interior shutters.

Colonial Georgian architecture:
• Two-foot thick walls of sandstone.
• Symmetrical facade.
• Reinforced stone arches over door and second floor windows.
• Wood frames.

3. Dutch Colonial architecture:
• Stone or brick.
• Matching chimneys at both ends of the house.
• Symmetrical facade.
• Gambrel roof with wide flared eaves.
• Dutch door, it is divided horizontally and each half opens independently.

Colonial architecture in Mexico and Latin America:
• Symmetrical facade, gable roof and rectangular shape.
• Brick or wood with simple and classic details.
• Elaborate entrances, pillars, columns, dormers and decorative shutters.
• Entrance foyer in the center and bedrooms upstairs.

Examples of Colonial Architecture in Mexico
National Palace
Its colonial architecture is characterized by high walls, large windows, arches and inspiring spaces in which
stone predominates.




Metropolitan Cathedral

4. It is one of the buildings of the colonial era in Mexico, which was recognized in 1987 by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site.

Both the interior and exterior of the Cathedral coexist in perfect harmony with colonial, baroque and neoclassical
styles.




Chapultepec Castle
This construction has a combination of several styles, including the neoclassical and neo-Gothic styles favored
by the Spaniards at the end of the 18th century.

Mexico's colonial cities offer not only these marvelous constructions, but also provide a unique ambiance with
their streets, plazas and gardens.