History of Furniture

all the eras of furniture.

1. History of
furniture
Submitted By: Anjali Sethiya
Komal Kumari
Sara Ghodke
Krishna Pradhan
NitishaNazwani
Submitted To: Proff. Nidhi Sitoke
Proff. Ridhima M. Seth

2. oPREHISTORIC & PRIMITIVE DESIGN
oANCIENT WORLD
oMEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
oRENAISSANCE
oINDUSTRIAL ERA
oTWENTIETH CENTURY
oFUTURE DIRECTION

3. PREHISTORIC &
PRIMITIVE DESIGN

5. ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN HOUSES
Ancient Mesopotamian houses were either
built of mud brick or of reeds, depending on
where they were located. People lived in reed
houses near the rivers and in wetland areas.
In drier areas, people built homes of sun-
dried mud bricks. Mud brick homes had one
or two rooms with flat roofs. The roof was an
extra living area where families could cook
and sleep on hot nights. Some houses had
courtyards with a small garden or fruit trees.
Homes, whether reed or brick, were simply
furnished with tables, chairs, chests for
clothing and kitchen ware. People slept on
reed mats laid on the floor.

6. ANCIENT CHINESE HOUSES
Most ancient Chinese houses were
arranged around a rectangular courtyard.
The rich build 3 connecting wings or
bays, like three sides of a window
frame. The fourth side of the frame was
usually a solid gate. This created a
rectangular courtyard, protected on four
sides by the earth and wood structure of
the house and gate. The poor could not
afford that big of a house. Instead, the
poor build several small houses around
an open rectangular space, creating a
shared courtyard.
The main door into the complex or
home (or palace or temple) always faced
south. The ancient Chinese believed that
the proper building materials (earth and
wood), an enclosed interior courtyard,
and a front door facing south all
combined to offer the residents
beneficial energy.

7. ANCIENT AZTEC HOUSES
Most simple Aztec homes were
built of adobe bricks, which are
made using mud, sand, water and
straw, then dried in the sun. There
were no windows generally, and
one open door. Wood for door
jambs and support beams could be
found outside the cities. Furniture
was also simple: comfortable reed
mats for sleeping, wood or leather
chests for storing clothes and low
tables were in most homes, as well
as clay pots and bowls, stone
metates for grinding corn, a
griddle, water jugs and buckets.

8. Ancient world
Ancient
Egypt
Ancient
Greek
Ancient
Roman

9. Ancient world :-
Ancient furniture was made of many different materials, including reeds,
wood, stone, metals, straws, and ivory. Some civilizations used inlay or
they carved images of mythological creatures and constellations into their
furniture. Occasionally furniture would be inlaid into a certain shape.
Chairs would be stylized with metals, finials, inlays, or upholstery. It was a
common practice for the legs of furniture to be shaped like animal legs
and use mortise and tenon joints. Lacquerware and Ivory carving were
also common.
Some ancient furniture had religious or symbolic purposes. The royal
footstool of Egypt had the enemies of Egypt painted on it so the
Pharaoh could symbolically crush them. The furniture depended on the
wealth of the owner. Rich Mesopotamians decorated tables with metals.
They also had padded chairs with felt, rushes, and upholstery. More
expensive chairs used metal inlays. Wooden frames and mattresses in
beds were only accessible to rich citizens. Other civilizations had such
differences. Dilmunite stools would be richly decorated if the user was
wealthy. Upper class citizens in China would decorate their beds. In
Israel the only beds with pillows were owned by wealthy people.

11. Egypt :-
Most Egyptian furniture was wooden, with rare examples of
stone furniture. The stone furniture usually had portraits of
gods on them. In Ancient Egypt chairs were used by both the
poor and the rich. However, thrones were exclusively used by
the wealthy. Most couches and chairs in Ancient Egypt were
constructed to appear as animals. There are depictions of a
low-back ox-legged chair. Additionally, there is a portrait of
Amenhotep III sitting in a low-back lion legged chair. Some
furniture depicts events and people.

12. Other Egyptian chairs were mortised into vertical side
rails. The rails, alongside curved braces pegged into the
chair, hold up the back of the Egyptian chair. The rails
are also mortised into each other. Some rails have 15
holes; others have 13. Living areas in Ancient Egypt
would also have stands, stools, couches, and beds.
Ceremonial stools would be blocks of stone or wood. If
the stool was made out of wood it would have a flint seat.
Tablesusually had four legs, although some had three
legs or one leg. They were used for games and dining.
The game Mehen would be played on a one legend table
carved or inlaid into the shape of a snake. The
Egyptians also had offering tables made of stone which
would be placed in home shrines or tombs.

14. Footstools were made of wood.
Ancient beds found in the tombs of
Tutankhamen and Hetepheres
tended to resemble that of an animal,
usually a bull. The beds sloped up
towards the head. To prevent the
sleeper from falling off the bed, there
was a wooden footboard. Wood or
ivory headrests were used instead of
pillows. To upholster the beds,
leather and fabrics were used to
support the mattress; Egyptians
would weave leather strips into the
open holes of the bed frame. Royal
beds would often be gilded and richly
decorated.

15. A plaited flax cord was lashed to the side of the framework. The flax
cords were used in weaving together opposite sides of the framework
to form an elastic surface for the user. There are also circular inlays
on the back of the chair and bones on the top rail of the chair. The
legs of the chair are carved to appear like a lion's legs. While the feet
of the Anderson chair are carved on horizontally lined spools. The
chair was shaped to conform to the lumbar area in the back. Wide
tenons that are fastened with pegs and mortised joints are used on the
chair.

16. Greek:-
Ancient Greek furniture was
typically constructed out of wood,
though it might also be made of
stone or metal, such as bronze, iron,
gold, and silver. Little wood survives
from ancient Greece, though
varieties mentioned in texts
concerning Greece and Rome
include maple, oak, beech, yew, and
willow. Pieces were assembled using
mortise-and-tenon joinery, held
together with lashings, pegs, metal
nails, and glue. Wood was shaped
by carving, steam treatment, and the
lathe, and furniture is known to have
been decorated with ivory, tortoise
shell, glass, gold, or other precious
materials.

17. Extensive research was done on the forms of Greek furniture
by Gisela Richter, who utilized a typological approach based
primarily on illustrated examples depicted in Greek art, and it is
from Richter's account that the main types can be delineated.

18. Seating:-The modern word “throne” is derived from the
ancient Greek thrones which was a seat designated for
deities or individuals of high status or honor. The colossal
chryselephantine statue of Zeus at Olympia, constructed
by Phidias and lost in antiquity, featured the god Zeus
seated on an elaborate throne, which was decorated with
gold, precious stones, ebony, and ivory, according to
Pausanias

19. Greek chair with a curved backrest and legs whose form
was copied by the Romans and is now part of the
vocabulary of furniture design. A fine example is shown on
the grave stele of Hegeso, dating to the late fifth century
BCE. There are three types of footstools outlined by
Richter –those with plain straight legs, those with curved
legs, and those shaped like boxes that would have sat
directly on the ground. The most common form of Greek
seat was the backless stool, which must have been found in
every Greek home.Severalfragments of a stool were
discovered in the forth-century BCE. tomb in
Thessaloniki, including two of the legs and four transverse
stretchers. Once made of wood and covered in silver foil, all
that remains of this piece are the parts made of precious
metal.

20. The Greek folding stool survives in
numerous depictions, indicating its
popularity in the Archaic and
Classical periods; the type may
have been derived from earlier
Minoan and Mycenaean examples,
which in turn were likely based on
Egyptian models. Greek folding
stools might have plain straight legs
or curved legs that typically ended
in animal feet.

21. Klinai:-A couch or klinewas a form
used in Greece as early as the late
seventh century B.C.E.Theklinewas
rectangular and supported on four legs,
two of which could be longer than the
other, providing support for an armrest or
headboard. Three types are distinguished
by Richter –those with animal legs, those
with “turned” legs, and those with
“rectangular” legs, although this
terminology is somewhat problematic.

22. These furnishings would have been made of leather, wool, or
linen, though silk could also have been used. Stuffing for
pillows, cushions, and beds could have been made of wool,
feathers, leaves, or hay. The foot of a bronze bed discovered
in situ in the House of the Seals at Delos indicate how the
“turned” legs of a klinemight have appeared.

23. Table:-The most common type of Greek table had a rectangular
top supported on three legs, though numerous configurations exist.
Tables could have circular tops, and four legs or even one central
leg instead of three. Tables in ancient Greece were used mostly for
dining purposes –in depictions of banquets, it appears as though
each participant would have utilized a single table, rather than a
collective use of a larger piece. On such occasions, tables would
have been moved according to one's needs. One example by the
Chicago Painter from The Art Institute of Chicago, dating to
around 450 B.C.E., shows an image of three women performing a
Dionysian ritual, in which a table functions as an appropriate place
to rest a kantharos –a wine vessel associated with Dionysus.

24. Roman:-
Ancient Roman furniture
followed those of their Classical
and Hellenistic Greek
predecessors. Because of this, it
is difficult to differentiate Roman
forms from earlier Hellenistic
ones in many cases. Gisela
Richter's typological approach is
useful in tracing developments of
Greek furniture into Roman
expressions.

25. Knowledge of Roman furniture is derived
mainly from depictions in frescoes and
representations in sculpture, along with actual
pieces of furniture, fragments, and fittings,
several of which were preserved by the
eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. The most
well-known archaeological sites with preserved
images and fragments from the eruption are
Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy. There are
fine examples of reconstructed Roman
furniture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
in New York City as well as the Capitoline
Museum in Rome.

26. Chairs:-The sella, or stool or
chair, was the most common
type of seating in the Roman
period, probably because of its
easy portability. The sellain
its simplest form was
inexpensive to make. Both
slaves and emperors used it,
although those of the poor
were surely plain, while the
wealthy had access to precious
woods, ornamented with inlay,
metal fittings, ivory, and silver
and gold leaf. Bronze sellae
from Herculaneum were
squares and had straight legs,
decorative stretchers, and a
dished seat. The sellacurulis,
or folding stool, was an
important indicator of power in
the Roman period.

27. The Roman cathedra was a chair with a back,
although there is disagreement as to the exact
meaning of the Latin term. Richter defines the
cathedra as a later version of the Greek klismos,
which she says was never as popular as its Greek
predecessor. A. T. Croom, however, considers
the cathedra to be a high-backed wickerwork chair
that was typically associated with women. They
have also been seen being used as early school
teachers, pupils would sit around him in this chair
while he taught. It showed who held the seat of
power in the classroom.

28. The Latin soliumis considered to be equivalent
to the Greek term thronosand thus is often
translated as “throne.” These were like modern
chairs, with backs and armrests. Three types of
soliabased on Greek prototypes are
distinguished by Richter: thrones with “turned”
and “rectangular” legs and grandiose thrones
with solid sides, of which several examples
remain in stone. Also, a type with a high back
and arms, resting upon a cylindrical or conical
base, is said to derive from Etruscan
prototypes.

30. Couches:-Few actual
Roman couches survive,
although sometimes the
bronze fittings do, which help
with the reconstruction of the
original forms. While in
wealthy households beds were
used for sleeping in the
bedrooms (lectuscubicularis),
and couches for banqueting
while reclining were used in the
dining rooms (lectus
tricliniaris), the less well off
might use the same piece of
furniture for both functions.

31. The two types might be used interchangeably even in
richer households, and it is not always easy to
differentiate between sleeping and dining furniture.
The most common type of Roman bed took the form
of a three-sided, open rectangular box, with the
fourth (long) side of the bed open for access. While
some beds were framed with boards, others had
slanted structures at the ends, called fulcra, to better
accommodate pillows. The fulcra of elaborate dining
couches often had sumptuous decorative
attachments featuring ivory, bronze, copper, gold, or
silver ornamentation.

33. The bench, or subsellium, was an elongated stool
for two or more users. Benches were considered
to be “seats of the humble,” and were used in
peasant houses, farms, and bathhouses. However,
they were also found in lecture halls, in the
vestibules of temples, and served as the seats of
senators and judges. Roman benches, like their
Greek precedents, were practical for the seating
of large groups of people and were common in
theaters, amphitheaters, odeonsand auctions.

34. Tables:-Types of Roman
tables include the abacus and the
mensa, which are distinguished
from one another in Latin texts.
The term abacus might be used
for utilitarian tables, such as
those for making shoes or
kneading dough, as well as high-
status tables, such as sideboards
for the display of silverware. A
low, three-legged table, thought
to represent the mensadelphica,
was often depicted next to
reclining banqueters in Roman
paintings. This table has a round
tabletop supported by three legs
configured like those of a tripod.

35. The medieval/middle
ages

36. Medieval Times
Life
The medieval time
period (from the
fall of the last
Roman Emperor, in
476 AD, to the fall
of Constantinople,
in 1453) was the era
in which furniture
began to develop its
modern
characteristics.
Early medieval
Europe was a place
of unrest; the
medieval era was a
time when not only
nations but also
lords of the manor
fought for supremacy
and battled to
establish boundaries
and kingdoms.
Medieval history
abounds with
struggles between
countries, between
rival barons, and
between neighbors.
Large aspects of the
medieval age are still
in darkness to us today
-confusion even reigns
as to spelling with
many variations of the
term in use, such as
midieval, medevil,
midevil, mideval,
medival, mediaeval, and
midievil!
Medieval life was
uncertain, and families
were often on the move:
fleeing from conflict,
or traveling to lend
support to the warlord
of their choice.
Journeying from one
dark, draughty castle
or medieval manor to
another, their
possessions needed to
be portable, and needed
to provide maximum
protection from the
bleak northern European
winters.

37. Medieval Decor
Textiles were the
central focus of
medieval decor.
Light, portable,
and
multifunctional,
textiles could be
used as room
dividers, wall
hangings, floor or
bed coverings, or
protection from
the cold. Colorful
fabrics added
brightness and
life to dark rooms
where glassless
windows were of
necessity small
and shuttered
against the
weather.

38. Medieval Period
Furniture
Medieval furniture
was primarily made of
oak, since it was
easy to obtain,
strong and durable.
Perhaps the most
important piece of
medieval furniture
was the chest or
coffer. Chests were
originally made from
hollow tree trunks
banded with iron,
hence the origin of
the modern word
'trunk'. A type of
chest known as the
hutch could be used
for packing household
possessions when
traveling, but it was
also used as a seat,
a desk, a table, and
a couch for sleeping
purposes. When not
traveling, the hutch
was used for storage.
For the very early years of the medieval
age, when Europe was in great disarray,
little can be said until we meet the rise
of theCarolingiandynasty in Germany in
the mid 8th century. Following the
Carolingian reordering of European society
we encounter the great, settled traditions
of medieval art, the Romanesque,
andGothic. Also discussed in this section
is the Eastern contribution to furniture
design in theByzantineworld.

39. Medieval Homes
Medieval homes were the origin of
the expression 'bed and board',
since these were the items of
furniture necessary to life in
the medieval age. Medieval
peasant furniture probably
consisted of the 'bed and board'
only, with perhaps a few
cushions, mats and hangings to
provide warmth. The 'board'
referred to the chief furnishing
of the great dining hall where
both the owners and the
dependents of medieval manor
homes gathered together at meal
times. Originally, the 'board'
was just that -a board, probably
supported on tree trunks. This
evolved into the portable trestle
table that could be easily
transported, or packed away when
not in use.

40. Cupboards
In the medieval period, the 'cup
borde' was a board used to store
cups. The cup bordegradually
acquired the characteristics of the
modern cupboard, with shelves and
doors. Later in the medieval age the
buffet was used for storage in the
dining hall.
Benches, Stools, & Chairs
Benches and stools were commonly
used for sitting in medieval times -
only the rich and important, or
perhaps occasionally the privileged
head of the house, ever used an
actual chair. Folding chairs were
popular amongst the medieval
aristocracy, since they could easily
be transported when on the move.
Medieval Beds
Beds in Saxon times consisted of a
board often placed in a recess, hung
about with curtains for warmth and
privacy. A rough mattress made of
straw was covered with decorative
fabric.
The Normans brought with them from
medieval France a more elaborate bed
style, where iron railings were used to
hang the curtains, and both coverings and
curtains were rich, elaborate and highly
prized. These gradually developed into
the huge fourposter beds, heavily carved
and richly hung. The Great Bed of Ware,
now in a museum, was eleven feet square.
However, despite the expensive and
decorative hangings and covers, early
beds were still based on a mattress of
straw. It was only in the 14th century
that feather beds began to be used. A
feather mattress was a prized family
possession in the later medieval era.

41. Medieval Art &
Design
The best examples of medieval design, not
only in furniture but also in medieval art
and architecture, are found in churches and
cathedrals. The church alone was neutral in
times of conflict, and was more or less
exempt from the nomadic lifestyle that so
influenced medieval furniture
characteristics. Such medieval antiques as
are still in existence are mostly examples
of the more solid, permanent style of
furniture only possible in churches.
Medieval Revival
Furniture &
Decor
Medieval home decor is again becoming
popular, and medieval furniture
replicas are 'in'. Medieval home
designs can be fun, with lots of scope
for using bright fabrics and
interesting lighting effects.
Use tapestries and hangings to cover
the walls, rush matting for the floors,
carvings or stencils in ancient
heraldic designs, simple but sturdy
medieval furniture, "Lord of the Rings"
style weapons, armor or shields as
decoration, and plenty of small candle -
type light fixtures. Medieval interior
decor is all about color and warmth,
use of textures and textiles, and
simply made, practical furniture. Life
in the middle ages was harsh, but also
full of excitement, fun and romance.

42. Byzantine Culture
& History
In the fifth century, the seemingly
invincible Roman Empire fell to
hordes of invading barbarians, and
most of Europe was plunged into the
Dark Ages. Art, architecture,
education and craftsmanship were
lost as the common man struggled
for survival in a world of anarchy,
warring tribes and plundering
invaders. And yet a small bastion
of civilization survived midway
between Europe and Asia. Some years
earlier, the Roman Empire had split
into two, with the eastern half
taking Constantinople (previously
named Byzantium) as its capital.
This became the Byzantine Empire,
the only surviving link with the
old civilization.

43. Byzantine
Religion
Byzantine religion was a strong factor in
this culture, with the first imposing
church structures being built during this
era. Byzantine icons from this era are
still in existence and are much prized
today.
Byzantine
Government
The Byzantine government was strong
enough to withhold against the menace
of the barbarian strongholds that
surrounded the empire, and culture,
art, mathematics and craftsmanship
thrived and grew in the relative peace
of this great empire. Byzantine
furniture, architecture and art all
flourished during this time with
artists and craftsmen building on the
skills and techniques of earlier
civilizations.

44. Byzantine Art
Glass making techniques were refined to
a fine art, and with the addition of
gold to the mix, richly luminous
stained glass was used to produce the
famous Byzantine mosaics -works of
outstanding beauty. Byzantine art moved
away from the three-dimensional
sculptures of Roman times to painting
on flat surfaces. Byzantine paintings
mainly depicted forms of humans and
angels, and were usually religious in
context.
Architecture
Byzantine architecture was a mixture of
Eastern and Western influences, with
elements of Greek and Roman styles
intermingled with the spires and domes
of the East.

45. Byzantine Empire
Furniture
Early Christian and Byzantine furniture
was of two distinct types. The common
people had very little furniture. The few
items they had were lightly built and
usually designed so that they could be
easily folded and put away, leaving
additional space in cramped environments.
Church and palace furniture, however, was
built of solid, heavy timber, designed to
last, and designed for the space it was
to occupy.
Palace Furniture
Byzantine palace furniture can still be
seen in museums today. The throne of
Queen Marie, for example, is skillfully
turned and richly carved. The back is
inlaid with silver embossed in an
intricate design. Palace furniture
included heavy, carved and pillared
chairs, tables with inlaid worktops,
cabinets and storage chests.
Chests, Stools,
Tables & Beds
Chests were also used by the common people,
and were often fitted with locks and keys.
Folding stools were popular. These could be
build entirely of wood, a combination of
wood and fabric or, occasionally, from
metal. Folding tables were also much used
as they were portable and easily moved out
of the way when not in use. Beds could be
folding stretchers, simple sleeping
platforms, frames strung with cords -or
just a mattress on the ground.

46. The Romanesque
Period
The Romanesque period covers the 11th and
12th centuries, a time when civilization in
Europe was beginning to re -emerge after the
Dark Ages followed the fall of the Roman
Empire. Taking ancient Roman remains as
their model, Romanesque artists, architects
and furniture designers copied Roman styles
in a rather crude fashion, although later
works of Romanesque art show a brilliance of
their own.
Romanesque
Architecture &
Cathedrals
Both Gothic and Romanesque architecture
styles are predominantly seen in
churches and cathedrals. However,
Romanesque cathedrals were massive,
solid, dark and gloomy, whereas the
Gothic style was much lighter, with
slender, steeper lines and tapering
spires. Romanesque churches and
monasteries were the focal point of
civilization, and most of the furniture
and works of art of this period are
ecclesiastical.
The style of Romanesque architecture is
impressive, since with little knowledge
of mathematics or engineering, medieval
builders were able to create massive
structures on a scale never seen before,
in such a way that they have endured
through the centuries. French Romanesque
architecture introduced the vaulted
style with soaring arches and pillars.
This style was later brought to Britain
by the Norman conquerors.

47. Portals & Sculpture
Romanesque portals were imposing and
heavily decorated. Romanesque sculpture
and artwork were used to lavishly
decorate churches and cathedrals, giving
us an insight into the fashions,
lifestyles and culture of early medieval
Europe.

48. Churches
Church furniture was ornate, decorated
with either carvings or paintings in an
imitation of the old roman
furniturestyles. Arches and curves
were the design theme, both in the
shape of the item itself, and the
carved paneling and decoration. Simple
animal and plant forms were also used
in carving. Many items were brightly
painted to lighten up gloomy interiors.
Romanesque
Furniture
Examples
Pictures of Romanesque furniture show
carved chests, simple stools, benches
and trestle tables, and roughly carved,
pillared bedsteads. Chairs as we know
them, with back and arm rests, were
mainly the prerogative of important
personages such as bishops and
overlords. Such chairs were often
heavily decorated with carving,
painting and inlays, and were a symbol
of power.

49. Romanesque
Revival &
Reproducti
ons
In the late 19th century, styles of
architecture copying the Romanesque
andGothicarchitectural style from
about 1050 became popular in the
United States. The Romanesque
Chateauesquestyle was a symbol of
affluence, and the super -rich built
themselves imitation medieval
castles. Furniture, artwork and
sculpture Romanesque style was used
to decorate these mansions
lavishly, using some genuine
antiques but mostly imitation and
reproduction items.
Romanesque shingle style houses
were also a popular architectural
feature of 19th century America.
Loosely copying Romanesque styles,
the Romanesque Shingle style was
composed of geometric shapes
coupled together with shingles.
These styles brought about an
interest in all things
Romanesque, and the Romanesque
influence can still be seen
today in richly carved and
painted furniture, and ornately
decorated articles such
asCellini Romanesque flatware,
which has become a collector's
item.
Romanesque decor brings back an
era of romance, where knights in
shining armor rode off to
battle, poets and bards
expounded the virtues of fair
and gracious ladies, and valiant
kings laid the first steps
towards building great nations.
The Romanesque style was the
true beginning of modern
architectural and furniture
design as we know it. Its story
is continued on in the Gothic
furnitureera.

50. Medieval Gothic
Furniture
The Gothic styles of architecture, art
and furniture date from the 12th century
through to the 16th century. With
theByzantineinfluence introduced to
Europe by the crusaders, as well as
Islamic and arabesque elements, furniture
and architecture became more ornate, and
the typical Gothic motif of the pointed
arch became prevalent in furniture design
as well as in buildings.
Styles & Wood
Gothic wood furniture was mostly
made from oak, although local
softwoods were also used towards
the end of the period. Medieval
Gothic style furniture was heavily
carved and decorated. Religious
themes were popular in carvings, as
were heraldic symbols such as
griffins, lions or hawks. Floral
themes were also widely used, and
the royal fleur-de-lis furniture
motif dates from this era.
Paintings and inlays were also used
for furniture decoration so that
the whole effect was much more
ornate than the furniture of
earlier eras. Furniture pieces were
large and solid, following the
lines of Gothic church furniture.

51. Typical Gothic
Furniture
Gothic furniture craft paved the
way for the Renaissance period to
follow, and many new items of
furniture appeared at this time.
The armoire for clothes storage,
the buffet for eating utensils,
and tables with drawers were
first seen in this period. Gothic
cabinet furniture progressed a
long way from the simple storage
chests and coffers of earlier
times.
Bedroom
Gothic bedroom furniture featured
massive four poster beds, with
linenfold-carved valences, and heavily
carved and decorated posts and
bedsteads. Gargoyles and other
horrific mythical creatures were
popular motifs since it was believed
that they would frighten away evil
spirits. Bed coverings and hangings in
rich colors completed the elaborate
Gothic bedroom style.

52. Gothic Home Decor
Revival
In the 18th century, Gothic revival
furniture and architecture became popular
in England. This theme spread to the
United States in the 19th century, and
reproduction Gothic furniture of this
period is quite common. Many Victorian
pieces feature the ornate carving and the
soaring, pointed arches of Gothic origin.
This style was known as " Gothick". The
Gothickstyle was perhaps most popular in
Victorian church furnishings, since it
fitted in well with the ancient church
buildings still surviving from medieval
times.
Gothic home decor has again become popular
in recent times. The mystical, magical
aura of the Gothic era, with its strange
ceremonies and magic rites, has caught the
imagination of artists, writers and
designers. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings"
inspired an era of fantasy literature
wherein dark castles, evil warlords and
heroic warriors performed daring deeds and
overcame evil with bravery, skill, cunning
and the help of strange mythical beings.
Featuring outlandish symbols such as the
Gothic bat, home decor Gothic style gives
scope for imagination, creativeness and
fun. Gothic decor makes use of rich
tapestries and hangings, along with heavy
and ornately carved furniture. Stone walls
or paneling are ideal for the Gothic look.
Decor ideas for Gothic rooms include
plenty of candles, stained glass, brass
and pewter
Curtains are likely to be heavy and
feature rich colors such as wine,
ruby, purple, black and gold. Murals
and heraldic carvings are typically
Gothic. Victorian reproduction Gothic
furniture is perfect for this type of
decor, and there are many good modern
reproductions available as well. The
Gothic look is 'in', not only for
ancient manor houses and castles, but
also for modern homes.

53. Renaissance era
14th century-17th century

54. RENAISSANCE ERA
The Renaissance was a fervent period of European
cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth”
following the Middle Ages. Generally described as taking
place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the
Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical
philosophy, literature and art. Some of the greatest
thinkers, authors, statesmen, scientists and artists in
human history thrived during this era, while global
exploration opened up new lands and cultures to
European commerce. The Renaissance is credited with
bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and modern-
day civilization.
2

55. RENAISSANCE
HIGH
RENAISSANC
E
EARLY
RENAISSANC
E
LATE
RENAISSANC
E
3

56. 1.
EARLY RENAISSANCE

57. 5
✣Ecclesiastic and Roman influence, and some Gothic Influence was still
present.
✣One of the most important features: massive and highly decorated
✣The most common woods used for furniture: walnut, pine,
cypress, chestnut, elm and poplar
✣Were decorated with marquetry and inlays of ivory, stones, ebony,
and grotesque carvings
✣The use of columns, common in Greek and Roman buildings
were now being used in furniture design.
✣Relief ornament using carving was the most common way to
embellish the furniture during the 16th century. Pastiglia and
certosina also became very popular in this period. Aeer the 15th
century, turning became very popular and had a highly decorative
value in the Italian Renaissance furniture. Finials, bedposts and
some furniture legs were often turned.
✣During the Renaissance, the chair, once a symbol of status and
power underwent a process of democratization and now became
accessible to anyone

58. 6

59. 7

60. 2.
HIGH/MIDDLE RENAISSANCE

61. 99
✣More sophisticated understanding of concepts of roman architecture
✣Gradual increase in variety and richness of furniture types –classical
details in wall decoration , mouldings on door and window , fireplace
mantels and elaborately decorated ceiling. Painted Ceiling Fresco-a
technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid lime plaster.
✣One of the most important work of high Renaissance is Michelangelo’s
Sistine Chapel ceiling.
✣Michelangelo excelled as a painter, architect, and sculptor and
demonstrated a mastery of portraying the human figure. His frescoes
rank among the greatest works of Renaissance art
✣Central to the ceiling decoration are nine scenes from the Book of
Genesis, of which The Creation of Adamis the best known.

62. 10

63. 3.
LATE RENAISSANCE

64. 12
✣Baroqueand late Baroque, or Rococo, are loosely defined terms,
generally applied by common consent to European art of the period
from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century.
✣In interiors, Baroque movement -monumental staircases that had no
parallel in previous architecture. The other Baroque innovation in
worldly interiors was the state apartment, a sequence of increasingly
rich interiors that culminated in a presence chamber or throne room
or a state bedroom.
✣In interiors, Baroque movement -monumental staircases that had no
parallel in previous architecture. The other Baroque innovation in
worldly interiors was the state apartment, a sequence of increasingly
rich interiors that culminated in a presence chamber or throne room
or a state bedroom.
✣Rococo art and architecture in such a way was ornate and made strong
usage of creamy, pastel-like colours, asymmetrical designs, curves and
gold Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art with elegant
and ornate furniture, small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and
tapestry complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings.

66. INDUSTRIAL ERA
1760 -1910
FURNITURE AND
INTERIORS

67. INCLUDES :
❑INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ( 1760 –1820)
❑NEOCLASSICAL STYLE (1780 –1880)
❑TROPICAL ( 1880 –PRESENT)
❑AESTHETIC MOVEMENT ( 1800 –PRESENT)
❑TUSCAN (1840 –PRESENT)
❑ART AND CRAFT MOVEMENT ( 1860 –1910)
❑RUSTIC ( 1870 –PRESENT)
❑MORDENISM ( 1880 –1940)
❑ART NOUVEAU ( 1890 –1920)

68. INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ( 1760 –1820)
Throughout the Industrial Revolution
interior design was available for a wider
audience and was easier to access for the
general population than ever before. This
is in large part due to easier printing
processes creating a wide distribution of
fashion and lifestyle publications and the
fact that luxury items became increasingly
attainable.
Allacross Europe during the nineteenth
century, cities began to host large
expositions to showcase innovative
cultural ideas, designs, and inventions.
Munich, Germany, held its first annual
exhibition in 1818

69. ▪From an exhibition, a style that was
promoted and admired would be rapidly
disseminated to all parts of the world by
the press. With the world watching and
encouraging new furniture designs, a
complex eclecticism emerged, due in part
to the improvements in industrial
production, transportation, and
communication.
▪In this new industrial era, museums began
to be established.
▪Around 1830, the craftsman Michael
Thonet began making chairsby bending
pre steamed beech wood.
▪By the later nineteenth century, machines
were assisting in the carving and cutting of
wood.

70. NEOCLASSICAL STYLE (1780
–1880)
▪Neoclassical interior design is based on the
homes of wealthy Europeans and Americans in
the 1700’s and early 1800’s. In turn, they based
their style on (their conception of) the classical
period, particularly ancient Greece and Rome.
▪The furniture used in the Neo-Classical style of
decorating was simple with plain lines.
▪It is rare to see a smaller home in the Neo-
Classical style of decorating. It is very formal and
looks better in larger homes.There was
generous use of colourduring the Neo-classical
period.
▪This era saw furnishings rely heavily on the use
of bronze and gold metals, and soft furnishings
featuring silk, velvet, and satin. The trend of
matching wallpaper and furnishings also took
hold.

71. ❑AESTHETIC MOVEMENT ( 1800 –PRESENT)
The Aesthetic Movement in Britain (1860 –1900)
aimed to escape the ugliness and materialism of the
Industrial Age, by focusing instead on producing art
that was beautiful rather than having a deeper
meaning –'Art for Art's sake'.
More than a fine art movement, Aestheticism
penetrated all areas of life -from music and
literature to interior design and fashion. At its heart
was the desire to create "art for art's sake" and to
exalt taste, the pursuit of beauty, and self-expression
over moral expectations and restrictive conformity.
The Aesthetic Movement morphed into Arts & Crafts
in England and Art Nouveau on the Continent.

72. ▪STYLIZED, ABSTRACTEDornament was preferred in carving, on walls, and for textiles—flat ornament for flat surfaces. The
shaded, realistic depictions of fauna and flora as seen in the mid-Victorian period were out of fashion.
• MOTIFS in the Anglo-Japanese style were popular ca. 1875–1885: cranes, swallows, bamboo, and cherry blossoms.
Motifsand palettes were based, too, on medieval and Gothic designs. An alternate name for Aesthetic and Eastlake is
ReformedorModern Gothic.
WALL TREATMENTS embraced the tripartite division of dado, fill, and frieze. The fill was kept simple—even done in one
colour in the Japanese fashion—to set off framed prints hung from the picture rail. Wall and ceiling papers often had oriental
motifs.
• TERTIARY COLORS—olive and sage, ochre, terra cotta and russet, peacock blue—were favoured, a palette influenced by
William Morris’s revival of medieval formulas, and by the subdued but clear tones of Japanese woodblock prints.
• EXOTIC TASTES An Exotic Revival was a sub-theme peaking around 1880 with the American fascination for Arabesque
ornament. Moorish tiles, Persian furniture, and Turkish smoking rooms were all the rage.

73. Tuscan 1840’s
to Today
Taking a cue from the charming and
calming nature of Tuscany in Italy, the
focus of interior design during this period
was of straightforward simplicity with
hints of luxury for good measure.
Interiors in the Tuscan style are in full
accordance with nature.
Green tones resemble the Tuscan style of
the magnificent cypress trees that grow
along the country roads of the region.
Additionally, they tell about the vine,
fruits, and leaves of olive trees.
The Tuscan style involves the use of
special furniture, distinguish by classic
lines, skilfully polished surfaces, forged
and stained glass inserts in doors,
windows, partitions.

74. ❑ART AND CRAFT
MOVEMENT
( 1860 –1910)
•Inorder to highlight their opposition to
mass-produced ordinaryitems due to
the innovations of the Industrial
Revolution, peopleturned to
traditional crafts and classic elements
to producefurnishings.
•Itwas a a movement that flourished
between 1860 to 1910, goingeven
until the 1930's, that advocated for a
reform against theindustrial.
•Themovement expresseditself in the
form of art,textiles, music,and
evenstage productions.
Theoverarching theme ofthese
workswas nature, anod towards
earlier timeswhen people lived
inlessurban settings,working using
traditionalmethods and materials.

75. Early Arts and Crafts designers used motifs such as
ripe fruits,colourful birds, and flowers in bloom. This
was a deliberate attemptto portray the countryside
as an idyllic place compared with the dulland stuffy
nature of city factories.
Morris is regarded as thegreatest
wallpaperandtextile designer ofthe19thcentury.
Thisis largelydue to his
extraordinarytalentforpattern design.
Another characteristic of the Arts and Crafts style is
the use of pattern. Designs are sprawling and highly
decorative, with immense detail and fantastic use of
colour.
The Arts & Crafts aesthetic varied greatly depending
on the media and location involved, but it was
influenced most prominently by both the imagery of
nature and the forms of medieval art, particularly
theGothicstyle, which enjoyed a revival in Europe
and North America during the mid-19
th
century.

76. Rustic (1870’s to
Today)
•Rustic interior design features
handmade furnishings and
large, open rooms boasting
wooden beams and columns.
•Rustic decor provides the
perfect combination of
comforting, fuss-free design
and practical, functional decor,
put together to create a
warmrusticinterior. Natural
materials work as the
foundation and starting point
for creating enviable
rustichome decor celebrating
the authentic beauty of
natural materials to create a
cozy, beautiful space.

77. •Rustic furniture was originally made from
whatever natural materials were in greatest
supply, and often by poor people as items of
trade for food or cash.Rustic
furnitureisfurnitureemploying sticks, twigs or
logs for a natural look.
•Many different wood species were used
includingwillow,hickory,mountain laurel, and
Alaska cedar.In the American South,palm
frondswere occasionally employed.
•There are two basic types of rustic-furniture
construction:bentwood(sticks are harvested
fresh or steamed to make them supple, then
bent into a variety of structures and decorative
shapes) andtwig work(sticks –straight, curved
or forked –are assembled into structures and
decorative shapes within a
structure).Sometimes both types are used in
the same piece. Some rustic furniture makers
usemortice and tenonconstruction; others
simply nail or screw members together.

78. ❑MORDENI
SM ( 1880 –
1940)
•The modernist movement
stressed simplicity, clarity of
form, and rejected noise in
design. Some of the
movement’s leading figures in
includeMies van der Rohe, Le
Corbusier, and Eero Saarinen,
whose signatures seen in his
forever popular Saarinen table
and Saarinen chair are the
epitome of the design style.
•Some of the leading figures in
its history included Ludwig
Mies van der Rohe, Le
Corbusier and Eero Saarinen.

80. STYLE HIGHLIGHTS :
1. Using new material such as concrete, steel , glass.
2. Simple forms devoid of any decorative element.
3. Using simple mass, smooth, finishes of wall, open space plan in architecture.
4. Austere (severe or strict) interiors, in order to prove order.
5. Modular simple furniture.
6. using toned down natural colours.

81. Art Nouveau
1890 to 1920
•Defining Art Nouveau Art
Nouveau was an international
style in architecture and
design that emerged in the
late 19th century.
Characterized by “sinuous lines
and flowing organic shapes
based on plant forms,” it
flourished mostly
between1890-1910in Europe
and the United States.
•Art Nouveau artists advocated
the unity of all arts and fought
against discrimination
between fine art and the then-
disregarded decorative arts.
They sought to mix art with
everyday objects to liven up
people’s lives.

82. •Art Nouveau is recognized notably by its distinct
asymmetrical line, inspired by flower stalks and buds, insect
wings, vine tendrils, and many exquisite and sinuous natural
objects.
•Art Nouveau architecture employs a liberal combination of
materials—glass, brickwork, ironwork, and ceramic—to
create organic and forms
•For colour aspect, Art Nouveau sticks to the organic linear
contours, so its colour palette would be made up of muted
hues such as carnation pink, periwinkle blue, olive green,
Tuscan red, and warn brown.
•In Barcelona, Catalan architect Antoni GaudíiCornet’s work
helped defined Art Nouveau variant in Spain, dubbed
theModernismo(Modernismein Catalan). Deeply inspired
by nature as well as the Catholic faith, his works involved
vibrant surfaces and curved lines that were quite distinctive
compared to common architectural styles. This inspiration of
his was what truly made him stand out among the members
of Art Nouveau.

84. 20
TH
CENTURY
Furniture Style and Interiors

85. CONTENTS
•Electicism(1883–1926)
•Bauhaus (1919 –1923)
•Art Nouveau (1890 –1910)
•Edwardian (1901 –1910)
•Art Deco (1920 –1940 )
•Modernism (1880 –1940 )
•Scandinavian (1960s and 1970s)
•De Stijl ( 1917 –1931 )
•Miesvan der Rohe
•Le Corbusier (1928)

86. •ELECTICISM ( 1883 –1996) :
Eclecticism is a nineteenth and twentieth-
century architectural style in which a single
piece of work incorporates a mixture of
elements from previous historical styles to
create something that is new and original.
In architecture and interior design, these
elements may include structural features,
furniture, decorative motives, distinct
historical ornament, traditional cultural
motifs or styles from other countries, with
the mixture usually chosen based on its
suitability to the project and overall
aesthetic value.

87. Eclectic interior design is a style
that artfully mixes elements of
multiple design styles into one
space. It involves an informal
mix of furnishings and décor and
pulls from a wide variety of
styles. Often, eclectic décor
combines bright colors and
patterns and mixes in
unexpected elements.
Eclectic style is all about
harmony and the coming
together of disparate styles,
juxtaposing textures, and
contrasting colors to create a
cohesive, beautifully interior.

88. The StaatlichesBauhaus,
commonly known as the
Bauhaus, was a German art
school operational from
1919 to 1933 that combined
crafts and the fine arts.Thee
first thing that is known
about this type of furniture is
that it came from the
Bauhaus school. As a result,
there were Bauhaus artists
who understand so much
about the style of developing
modern, sleek, yet amazing
furniture.
BAUHAUS (1919 -
1933) :

89. The style used in making the
Bauhaus type of furniture is
unique. It brings out the
influence of Bauhaus, and it
is unique in its own. One
thing is that it is a type of
furniture that is made from
plywood forms, glass slabs,
steel tubing, and the use of
simple geometry. However,
the Bauhaus designs and style
have made them popular all
across the world.

90. ART NOUVEAU (1890
–1910) :
Art Nouveau (‘New Art’ in French), also
known as Secession Art, is a style that
dominated the late 19
th
and early 20
th
centuries. The most prominent feature of
this style includes a deliberate move from
historicism and inspiration drawn from
nature itself. Asymmetry, whiplash lines,
and natural forms dominate the fixtures
from this period. However, the key
takeaway was that the designers
deliberately used ‘futuristic’, modern
materials such as glass, ceramics, iron, and
even concrete. In terms of the items,
Oriental and naturalistic motifs took center
stage.

91. Art Nouveau was
inspired by nature
and references to
flowers and trees
were abundant.
Varnished
mahogany and
walnut were used but
painted woods were
also a popular finish.
The furniture pieces
had some ornaments
and curved lines, but
they were often
subtler when
compared to the
continental pieces.

92. While Art Nouveau pieces were
expensive and popular among
the upper classes, Edwardian
furniture was mostly created for
the middle class. Therefore, the
pieces had a moderate scale in
order to fit into smaller rooms.
EDWARDIAN
(1901 –1910)

93. The designs were light and simple
with soft curves and a moderate
ornamentation. Edwardian
furniture had a more informal
look. Furniture makers
incorporated bamboo and wicker
as new materials. Traditional
woods like mahogany, rosewood
and satinwood were sometimes
used as well. Some pieces had
ornamental details of bone inlays,
and the upholstery often featured
plenty of floral designs and light
colors.

94. •ART DÉCO (
1920 –1940 ) :
The Art Deco style started in
France around the year 1920.
It is often considered as an
evolution of Art Nouveau.
This new style had simplified
forms, looking to make
industrial production easier. It
was very popular in most parts
of Europe and North
America. It was also seen in
England, although not as
widespread.

95. The furniture pieces were
symmetrical and the layouts
emphasized geometric forms.
Designers combined straight
and curved elements to create
simple yet bold outlines with an
elegant look. Mahogany and
walnut were often used for the
finer pieces, which were usually
given a very glossy finish. Maple
and pine were more affordable
materials and were commonly
used for the lacquered pieces
that featured a shiny finish.
Also, furniture designers often
incorporated elements of
aluminum, stainless steel and
glass.

96. Mid-century modern design, also
called Modernism for short, came
about during World War II. During
the war, purpose often
overshadowed design. So,
contemporary designers focused on
creating functional, practical pieces.
However, they didn’t focus on
symmetry as much as Art Deco did.
Furthermore, they completely
embraced modern materials, such as
vinyl, Formica, and chrome. Of
course, the new style also relied
heavily on mass production, slightly
deviating from older styles in that
regard.
MODERNISM (1880 –1940 ) :

97. Modernist furniture
became known for its
sober character and
undecorated elegance,
with comfort and
functionality often
being the priority and
ornaments being
considered
unnecessary. Also, the
furniture pieces were
conceived to be
affordable and easily
mass-produced.

98. •SCANDINAVIAN (1960s and 1970s) :
The Scandinavian style has seen a bit of a resurgence in the past decade. Lots of
Millennial homeowners seem to dig it, and not without good reason. Scandinavian
style fittings are the logical progression of both Art Deco and Modernism, with an
even bigger focus on function, mass production, and —most importantly —
availability. The Scandinavian designers’ main goal was for everyone, rich and poor,
to have access to high-quality products. That is why their items focus on function
over form and almost always contain modern materials like pressed plastic, steel, etc.
Furthermore, each piece has natural-looking, rounded lines and edges.

99. •De Stijl ( 1917 –1931 ):
Dutch for “The Style”, also known as Neoplasticism, was a Dutch art movement
founded in 1917 in Leiden. De Stijl consisted of artists and architects. In a more
narrow sense, the term De Stijl is used to refer to a body of work from 1917 to 1931
founded in the Netherlands.Proponentsof De Stijl advocated pure abstraction and
universality by a reduction to the essentials of form and colour; they simplified visual
compositions to vertical and horizontal, using only black, white and primary colors.

100. Developed in America and Europe in the 1920s and 1930s and interwoven with the clean
aesthetic of Modernism, the International Style is defined by minimalism, a lack of decoration,
rectilinear forms, open plan interiors, visual weightlessness and the use of innovative materials
such as steel, glass and concrete, with the belief that form should rule over function.
Miesvan der Rohe’sdesigns were central to the show, reinforcing his role as a frontrunner of the
International Style, as well as introducing the approach to the wider world. Once considered a
revolutionary declaration, Miesvan der Rohe’sfamous dictum ‘less is more’ means that simplicity
can be better than extravagance or complication.
Miesvan der Rohe:

102. •Le Corbusier (1928) :
Le Corbusier was instrumental in the creation of the International Style. This was a
movement defined by rectilinear forms, open interiors and 'weightless' structures.
These design principles were realised in stunning designs that combine form and
function with true elegance.Le Corbusier began experimenting with furniture design
in 1928 after seeing a model apartment designed by the architect Charlotte Perriand
and inviting her to join his studio.Le Corbusier relied on ready-made furniture to
furnish his projects, such as the simple pieces manufactured by Thonet, the company
that manufactured his designs in the 1930s.

104. Future direction

105. THE
POSTMODERN
DESIGN

106. INTRODUCTION
The Postmodern design movement is among the most popular
styles that started in America in the mid-1960s. In its inception, it
has become controversial for its use of unconventional angles
and playful symmetry in the design of interiors, modern furniture
pieces and modern décor. Surprisingly, form can be favored over
function if necessary. Moreover, wit and humor has found its
place in interiors through Postmodernism.

107. 3

108. 4
FEATURES
Modern furniture pieces in this era were designed to give the stylish comfort that that
everyone needs. In contrast to its antecedent, Modern style, Postmodern style is less
rigid and less restrictive. It allows a mixture of various design styles and modern
décor. It features a diverse mix of historical elements, craft revival, ergonomic
furniture and art furnishings.
Diversity is among the key principles of this style. It is favorably matched with design
trends like classic modernism, Memphis style, Deconstructivism as popularized by
Frank O. Gehry and industrialized high-tech style.
It has added the graceful designs of the ancient Greeks while promoting freedom of
expression in form and color. It possesses the elements of surprise and awe. That is to
say, Postmodernism proves that there is beauty in complexity and contradiction.

109. 5

110. 6
FURNISHINGS
Modern décor of this era often aims to add a surprising twist or
dynamic flair. To add interest to your Postmodern style home,
make sure to have some pop art motifs, posters and a
whimsical theme. You may also include some colorful free-
formed glass vases. These interesting modern décor elements
increase the exuberance of your decor.

111. 7

112. 8
MATERIALS
Postmodern design maximizes the use of widely available modern
materials like plastic and laminates, concrete, marble, glass and
metal. But wood is still a preferred material. In the 1970’s when
recycling became a trend, Postmodern style also reflected the use of
unexpected recycled materials in its modern furniture and modern
decor.
Judy McKieis considered an icon in terms of furniture design in the
Postmodern period. In the early 1990s, she became known for her
whimsical sculptural modern décor and furniture inspired by animal
forms. Her hand-made designs are described to be unconventionally
beautiful, sculptural and functional.

113. 9

114. Hi-teach :-
High-tech architecture, also known
as structural expressionism, is a
type of Late Modernarchitectural
style that emerged in the 1970s,
incorporating elements of high tech
industry and technology into
building design. High-tech
architecture grew from the
moderniststyle, utilizing new
advances in technology and
building materials. It emphasizes
transparency in design and
construction, seeking to
communicate the underlying
structure and function of a building
throughout its interior and exterior.

115. High-tech architecture makes extensive
use of aluminium, steel, glass, and to a
lesser extent concrete(the technology
for which had developed earlier), as
these materials were becoming more
advanced and available in a wider
variety of forms at the time the style was
developing -generally, advancements in
a trend towards lightness of weight.

116. High-tech architecture
focuses on creating
adaptable buildings
through choice of
materials, internal
structural elements, and
programmatic design. It
seeks to avoid links to the
past, and as such eschews
building materials
commonly used in older
styles of architecture.

117. Early high-tech buildings were referred to
by historian ReynerBanhamas "serviced
sheds" due to their exposure of mechanical
servicesin addition to the structure. Most
of these early examples used exposed
structural steelas their material of choice. In
the early 1970s, high-tech architecture saw
much experimentation with this material.

118. Characteristics of hi-tech
:-High-tech buildings often incorporate
a range of materials reminiscent of
industrial production. Steel, aluminium,
glass, and concrete are all commonly
found in high-tech structures, as these
elements evoke a feeling of being mass-
produced and widely available. Not all
high-tech designs are made to
accommodate truly mass-produced
materials, but nonetheless seek to
convey a sense of factory creation and
broad distribution. Tensile structures,
cross beams, and exposed support and
maintenance elements are all important
components found in high-tech designs.
A focus on strong, simplistic, and
transparent elements all connect high-
tech as a style to the principles of
engineering.

119. Tensile structures, cross beams, and exposed support and
maintenance elements are all important components found in
high-tech designs. A focus on strong, simplistic, and
transparent elements all connect high-tech as a style to the
principles of engineering. Tensile structures, cross beams, and
exposed support and maintenance elements are all important
components found in high-tech designs. A focus on strong,
simplistic, and transparent elements all connect high-tech as a
style to the principles of engineering. The HSBC Building
in Hong Kong, designed by Norman Foster, is another
excellent example of a high-tech building designed to be
changed over time according to the needs of its users.

121. Its use of suspended floor panels and the design of its
social spaces as individual towers both place emphasis on
the new approach to creating and servicing an office
building. The externalization of functional components is a
key concept of high-tech architecture, though this
technique may also be applied to generate an aesthetic of
dynamic light and shadow across the facade of a building.
Color also plays an important role in the decoration of
high-tech buildings, as various colors can be used to
represent different service elements or to give the building
the appearance of a set of architectural diagrams.

122. As of 2016, recent Structural Impressionism has
two major trends: braced systems and diagrid
systems. Both structural systems have the
structural support elements visible from the
outside, unlike many postmodern architecture
buildings where most structural elements are
hidden in the interior. The braced systems have
strong exterior columns connected by "heavy"
cross bracingelements. The diagridsystem
consists of a lattice of "light" diagonal elements
and horizontal rings forming triangles, without
vertical columns.