Antiquities and architecture
The term ‘antiquities’ refers to artefacts from ancient history or ‘antiquity’, i.e. the civilisations of Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and other Eastern cultures.
In terms of architecture, antiquities can be said to be the styles of classical architecture that stemmed from those ancient civilisations and those dating later that were influenced by them. Although there are a wide range of classical architectural styles - and some such as the Gothic style, which are sometimes classed as classical and sometimes not – they all conform to common ‘vocabulary’ of decorative and constructive elements.
The Carolingian Renaissance of the late-8th and 9th centuries is regarded as the starting point for the reintroduction of the forms of classical antiquity into Western architecture.
Classical architecture styles would dominate the built environment from the Italian Renaissance, which saw the demise of the Gothic style. During this period, architects drew renewed inspiration from studying ancient Roman buildings and from Vitruvius’ treatise ‘De Architectura’; and in so doing, revived the architectural language of antiquity which would dominate until the 20th-century and the era of Modernism.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architecture.
- Architectural styles.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Classical Revival style.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Genius loci.
- Italian Renaissance revival style.
- Palladian architecture.
- Roman Classical orders in architecture.
- The architectural profession.
- The origins of perspective.
- Vernacular architecture.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.