Romanesque Revival architecture

Romanesque Revival (or Neo-Romanesque) is a style of building employed in the late 19th century inspired by the 11th and 12th century Romanesque style of architecture. Popular features of these revival buildings are round arches, semi-circular arches on windows, and belt courses. Unlike the historic Romanesque style, however, Romanesque Revival buildings tended to feature more simplified arches and windows than their historic counterparts.

The style was quite popular for courthouses and university campuses in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, especially in the United States; a well known example is the University of California, Los Angeles. The style was widely used for churches, and occasionally for synagogues such as the Congregation Emanu-El of New York on Fifth Avenue built in 1929. Neo-Romanesque details in a neo-Renaissance structure:New York State Capitol, Albany, New York
Richardsonian Romanesque: Bexar County Courthouse, San Antonio, Texas

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Romanesque architecture

Romanesque architecture is the term that is used to describe the architecture of Medieval Europe, characterized by semi-circular arches, and evolving into the Gothic style, characterized by pointed arches, beginning in the 12th century.

The term "Romanesque", meaning "descended from Roman", was first used to describe the style in the early 19th century. Although there is no consensus for the beginning date of the style, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th centuries, examples can be found across the continent, making Romanesque architecture the first pan-European architectural style since Imperial Roman Architecture. The Romanesque style in England is more traditionally referred to as Norman architecture.

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Roman architecture

The Architecture of Ancient Rome adopted the external Greek architecture for their own purposes, which were so different from Greek buildings as to create a new architectural style. The two styles are often considered one body of classical architecture. This approach is considered reproductive, and sometimes it hinders scholars’ understanding and ability to judge Roman buildings by Greek standards, particularly when relying solely on external appearances.

The Romans absorbed Greek influence, apparent in many aspects closely related to architecture; for example, this can be seen in the introduction and use of the Triclinium in Roman villas as a place and manner of dining. The Romans, similarly, were indebted to their Etruscan neighbors and forefathers who supplied them with a wealth of knowledge essential for future architectural solutions, such as hydraulics and in the construction of arches.

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Classical architecture

Classical architecture is the set of building styles and techniques of Classical Greece, as used in ancient Greece, the Hellenistic period, and the Roman empire. In architectural history, Classical architecture also includes later and modern styles derived from Greek sources, while archaeological usage is more strictly limited to the Classical period.

Most of the styles originating in post-renaissance Europe can be described as classical architecture. This broad use of the term is employed by Sir John Summerson in The Classical Language of Architecture.

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