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
Ministers to unleash biggest building boom in half a century
50 major infrastructure projects, 5 billion for housing and 1.5 million homes.
RIBA Principal Designer Practice Note published
With key descriptions, best practice examples and FAQs, with supporting template resources.
Electrical businesses brace for project delays in 2025
BEB survey reveals over half worried about impact of delays.
Accelerating the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding in England
The government publishes its Remediation Acceleration Plan.
Airtightness in raised access plenum floors
New testing guidance from BSRIA out now.
Picking up the hard hat on site or not
Common factors preventing workers using head protection and how to solve them.
Building trust with customers through endorsed trades
Commitment to quality demonstrated through government endorsed scheme.
New guidance for preparing structural submissions for Gateways 2 and 3
Published by the The Institution of Structural Engineers.
CIOB launches global mental health survey
To address the silent mental health crisis in construction.
New categories in sustainability, health and safety, and emerging talent.
Key takeaways from the BSRIA Briefing 2024
Not just waiting for Net Zero, but driving it.
The ISO answer to what is a digital twin
Talking about digital twins in a more consistent manner.
Top tips and risks to look out for.
New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware
Published by GAI and DHF.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved.
New alliance will tackle skills shortage in greater Manchester
The pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.