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Architecture: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Top Home Design Software Programs
Find home design software programs that are inexpensive (or free!) and easy to use. Here are our top picks.
How Much Will Your New House Cost?
Don't be caught by hidden expenses. Use these handy tips to estimate the cost of building your new home. Also find tips for saving money when you build.
Christ Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Art Deco-style Christ Redeemer statue towers atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Page 3.
Where can you find tools to draw a simple floor...
You don't need expensive, complicated software to draw simple floor plans. Check out these easy online drawing tools.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia, or Holy Family Church, in Barcelona is Antoni Gaudi's most ambitious work, and construction is still ongoing.
Free Tools to Help You Choose House Paint Colors
Use these easy, free digital painting tools to try out paint colors for your house.
Exterior Siding Options
What type of material should you use when you install siding on your house? Compare these options.
Pick Paint Colors For Your House
Find exterior paint ideas for your home - these tips and paint color charts will help you choose house paint colors.
House Styles
Use this illustrated dictionary to identify house styles and learn about home design in North America and other parts of the world. Find photos, floor plans, and helpful resources.
House Paint Color Charts
Coordinating house colors can be confusing. These color charts suggest some possible combinations for your home.
Before You Build: 5 Steps to Your New Home
Before you build, make sure you follow these five steps.
Guide to American Homes, 1600 - Present
This easy guide traces the history of residential architecture in North America, with links to facts and photos for popular home styles in the USA and Canada from Colonial to modern times.
How much do architects earn?
These resources and surveys reveal the average income for architects in the United States.
Roof Colors
Unless you plan to install a new roof, you'll want to choose paint colors that complement the color of your roof shingles. This cottage has a green roof, so the siding is painted a similar gray-green color. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 5.
Best Wood for Decks and Porches
To build a better deck or porch, be sure to choose a better wood. Here are our top picks for the best wood to use for decks and porches.
Become an Architect!
Would you like to become an architect? This page answers some of the most frequently asked questions about careers in architecture.
1905-1930: American Bungalow
What is a bungalow? Learn about American bungalow architecture, see pictures, and find historic bungalow house plans and other great bungalow resources. Page 33.
1890 - Present: Tudor House Style
Do you live in a Tudor style house? Learn about Tudor Revival architecture and see pictures. Page 27.
2006 - Present: Katrina Cottages
Pretty and practical, Katrina Cottages can be assembled from prefab kits. Learn about the new Katrina Cottage homes. . Page 53.
1905-1930: Arts and Crafts (Craftsman)
Inspired by the British Arts & Crafts movement, American Craftsman houses came in many shapes and forms. Learn about Arts and Crafts and Craftsman architecture in the USA. Page 32.
1893-1920: Prairie Style
Pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie Style houses revolutionized residential architecture in the USA. Learn about the Prairie house style. Page 30.
1945 - 1980: Ranch Style
Easy, economical Ranch and Rambler style homes became enormously popular during the mid-twentieth century. Learn about Ranch house styles. Page 38.
Build on a Budget
How much will your building or remodeling project cost? Maybe less than you think! Here's how to cut costs without compromising comfort and beauty.
Guide to Victorian House Styles, 1840 to 1900
Learn to identify the most popular housing styles from the Victorian era.
Build the House You Want (and Can Afford)
An architect offers valuable advice and money-saving tips to help you build your dream home.
1945 - 1980s: Raised Ranch House Style
In this variation of the Ranch Style , the home has two stories. The lower story is at ground level or
Where Are The Plans for My House?
How to find the original building plans for your old house, with tips and resources.
Top 10 Romantic Castles
For castle lovers everywhere, here's a roundup of the world's most romantic castles, with links to photos and resources.
Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Tower
Burj Khalifa, also known as Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower, is now the tallest building in the world.
Statue of Liberty in New York, USA
Sculpted by a French artist, the Statue of Liberty is an enduring symbol of the United States. Learn about the famous Statue of Liberty. Page 18.
Brick and Stone
Color scheme to complement the brick and stone on a Queen Anne house. Page 6.
1945 - 1980s: Split-Level Ranch Style
From our picture dictionary of house styles, facts and photos for the popular Split-Level Ranch. Page 40.
1895 - 1930: American Foursquare
Is your home an American Foursquare? Here's how to identify the uniquely American style. . Page 31.
House Color Combinations
Is green too ordinary? Pink too bold? The answer depends on how you use the colors. These photo galleries will help you visualize color combinations on a variety of house styles.
Before You Choose an Architecture School
This helpful page has tips and resources to help you choose the best a college or university for studies in architecture, design, urban design, interior design, and similar fields.
Eiffel Tower in Paris
See photos and learn about the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Page 13.
Detail Colors
Gray accents add depth to the details on this sunny yellow Victorian home in St. Augustine, Florida. Also note the touches of red. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 8.
1975 - Present: Monolithic Dome Home
Some of the world's sturdiest homes are the storm- and earthquake-ready monolithic domes, or EcoShells. Learn more. Page 52.
Wright's Red
What was Frank Lloyd Wright favorite color? Cherokee Red! Would Wright's red be a good color pick for your house painting project? Page 7.
1950s - 1970: A-Frame House Style
An A-frame house with a steep, sloping roof offers pros and cons. Learn the about the interesting A-frame house style. . Page 45.
1690s - 1830: Georgian Colonial House Style
The young new country embraced and re-invented European Georgian architecture. Learn how to identify the Georgian Colonial houses. Page 5.
Easter Island Statues
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui and Isla de Pascua, is an isolated island owned by Chili and located
1890-1940: Tudor Cottage
Charming cottage style houses seem to be drawn from a fairy tale, but they borrow ideas from the English Cotswolds. Learn about Tudor Cottage houses and other cottage styles. Page 28.
House Paint Color Guide
What color should you paint your house? Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for house paint color advice and ideas.
Subtle Colors
Author Harriet Beecher Stowe used subtle shades of green, without dramatic contrasts, for her Connecticut home. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 11.
Classic White
White is a classic choice for stately buildings like the Colonial Revival Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 9.
Before You Remodel Your Home
The dream of remodeling your home may turn into a nightmare, unless you plan ahead. Follow these steps to get your home improvement project on the right start.
1912 - Present: Pueblo Revival Style
Pueblo Revival is a popular housing style in the American southwest. Learn about pueblo and adobe architecture. Page 34.
Dramatic Accents
What color should you paint your house? Darker shades are best for accenting recesses, while lighter tones will highlight details that project from the wall surface. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 10.
To be an architect, what subjects should I take...
While still in high school, you should plan a strong college preparatory program with...
Bungalow House Pictures
From our photo gallery, pictures of bungalow houses, including Craftsman Bungalows and other popular bungaloid types.
Balanced Color
What color should you paint your house? This much red might be overpowering on a large house, but for this cozy cottage in Los Angeles, well-balanced splashes of cherry red add charm. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 12.
1876 - 1955: Colonial Revival House Styles
Is your home a Colonial Revival? Learn how to identify Colonial Revival house styles and see photos. . Page 24.
The Space Needle
Learn about the history and design of the futuristic Space Needle, or Seattle Center, in Seattle, Washington. Page 4.
1948 - 1950: Lustron Homes
After World War II, all-steel Lustron homes rolled off the assembly line. Learn the fascinating story of these pre-fab houses. Page 41.
1935 - Present: Modern House Styles
What makes a house modern? Learn about modern home styles and see photos. Page 50.
1890 - 1920: Mission Revival House Style
The Mission style often mingles with Arts & Crafts ideas to create these unique and charming homes. Learn about Mission Revival architecture. . Page 29.
1965 - Present: Postmodern (Pomo) Homes
Unique, whimsical, and surprising, Postmodern houses give the impression that anything goes. The impossible is not only possible, but exaggerated. Learn more from our Picture Dictionary of House Styles in North America and Beyond. Page 51.
Tallest Buildings in the World
A comprehensive chart showing statistics of the tallest buildings in the world, with more than 100 skyscrapers compared, including several skyscrapers still under construction.
1780 - 1840: Federal and Adam House Styles
Do you live in a Federalist house? Learn how to identify Federal and Adam house styles and explore the history of American Federalist architecture. . Page 6.
1949 - 1974: Eichler Houses
Eichler houses brought mid-century modernism to the suburbs. Learn about this popular variation on Ranch style housing. Page 42.
Nature's Colors
A colorful garden inspired the paint color for this cheerful bungalow. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 4.
Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Complete Listing
What did Frank Lloyd Wright build? This index lists all the intact projects that Wright completed during his lifetime.
1930 - 1950: Art Moderne House Style
During the mid-twentieth century, these sleek homes were all the rage. Learn about the Art Moderne, or Streamline Modern, house style. Page 36.
1965 - present: Builder's Colonial / Neocolonial
A Neocolonial, Neo-Colonial, or Builder's Colonial house is not colonial at all. It was not constructed
1965 - Present: Neoeclectic Houses
A Neoeclectic home can be difficult to describe because it combines many styles. The shape of the roof,
1825 - 1860: Greek Revival House Style
Is your house a Greek Revival? Learn to identify the style and explore the history of Greek Revival architecture. Page 10.
Guide to Mid-Century Homes, 1930 - 1965
Explore the types of homes built in the United States that met the needs of an expanding American middle class from roughly 1930 until 1965.
1954 - Present: Geodesic Dome
The inventive Geodesic Dome by Buckminster Fuller promised to provide economical, eco-friendly housing. Learn more. Page 43.
Petra, Jordan
Carved from rose-red limestone, Petra, Jordan was once lost to the Western World. Learn about the ancient desert city of Petra, Jordan. Page 6.
1965 - Present: Neo-Mediterranean House Styles
What style is your house? Browse our photo gallery for the most popular housing styles in North America. Shown here: Neo-Mediterranean home. Page 49.
Architecture Timeline
From Prehistoric to Post-modern, a quick history of architecture in the Western world, from prehistoric megaliths to modernist skyscrapers. Follow the links to find articles and photos for each period and style.
1955 - 1965: Alexander Houses
Real estate developers in California showed how suburban tract homes could express the spirit of modernism. Learn about Alexander Homes from the 1950s and '60s. Page 44.
1935 - 1950: Minimal Traditional
What makes a house modern? Learn about one of the most popular home styles from mid-century America and see photos. Page 37.
Guide to American Bungalow Styles, 1905 - 1930
America's bungalows come in many shapes and styles. Learn to recognize the various types of bungalows, see bungalow pictures, and learn the history behind the popular American Bungalow.
1600-1830: Baroque
Early in the 1600s, an exuberant new style called Baroque lavished buildings with complex shapes, extravagant ornaments, opulant paintings, and bold contrasts. Page 5.
How does one become a professional home designer?
If you dream of designing houses and other small buildings, but don't want to spend the years it takes to become a registered architect, then you may want to explore career opportunities in the field of Building Design. Here's how to begin.
1870 - 1910: Folk Victorian
Folk Victorian houses usually have these features: Square, symmetrical shape Brackets under the eaves
1958-early 1960s: Swiss Miss Houses
Learn about Swiss Miss A-Frame houses from our Picture Dictionary of House Styles. . Page 46.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
See photos and find information for the most famous pyramids in Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza. Page 17.
Colorful Cottages
When houses are clustered close together, they create a unified color scheme. Each home is distinct, but also part of a larger picture. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 3.
Casa Josep Batlló
Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí is decorated with colored glass fragments, ceramic circles, and mask-shaped balconies. Page 9.
1915 - 1945: French Eclectic House Style
The cottage pictured above is a charming example of a home inspired by the symmetrical Provincial style.
Guide to Colonial American House Styles, 1600 -...
Is your home a Colonial? Here's everything you need to know about American colonial architecture, including New England Colonial, German Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Georgian, French Colonial, Spanish Colonial, and other styles inspired by the architecture of colonial America.
How Old Is My House?
Learn how to find the age of your old house. Use these tips and resources to research the history of your home.
Building Your New Home
Before you hire a builder for your new house, be sure that you can answer each of these important questions. Page 2.
1600s - 1950s: Cape Cod Style
Photo of a Colonial Cape Cod house with resources for learning about the popular Cape Cod style
1885 - 1925: Neoclassical House Styles
Neoclassical was not just one style, but many. Learn how to recognize the various types of neo-classical houses. Page 25.
Columns
An introduction to the types and styles of columns found in architecture through the ages.
3,050 BC-900 BC: Ancient Egypt
The pyramid form was a marvel of engineering that allowed ancient Egyptians to build enormous structures. Learn about the architecture of ancient Egypt.
Historic Colors
The coral and black color scheme at the historic Roseland Cottage is recreated from the original Victorian color palette. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas.
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
At least 50,000 spectators could sit in the Colosseum of ancient Rome. Today, performances are still held outside the enormous amphitheater. Page 2.
Top 8 Free Lesson Plans & Activities
Architecture offers a world of possibilities for classroom learning. Listed here is just a sampling of fascinating lessons and activities that you can download for free and adapt to your own classroom.
1600 - 1900: Spanish Colonial
Settlers in the Spanish territories of North America built simple, low homes made using rocks, adobe brick, coquina, or stucco. Learn about the early homes from the Spanish colonies in North America. Page 8.
What Is CAD?
The letters CAD stand for computer-aided design. Learn more about CAD software and the move toward BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.
What Is Architecture?
Definition of the word Architecture, with links, quotes, and resources, from our Architecture Glossary.
Define Architecture Words
Find definitions for styles, concepts, and technical words in this glossary of glossaries for architecture, design, and construction.
1840 - 1915: Renaissance Revival House Style
These wonderful homes imitate the Italian villas from the Renaissance era. Learn how to identify Renaissance Revival architecture. Page 14.
Jazzy Colors
You might quickly tire of green and pink, but it does attract shoppers to the antique shop located inside this bungalow in St. Augustine, Florida. Browse our gallery of house paint pictures for more color ideas. Page 2.
Safe methods to remove paint
Chapter 7 of Preservation Brief Number 10 from the US Department of Interior describes appropriate and safe methods to remove paint.
1840 - 1885: Italianate House
Picture of an Italianate style house. Page 13.
1800s: Tidewater Style
Learn about Tidewater style houses and see pictures. Page 7.
1840-1880: Gothic Revival House (Wood)
Photo of a wood-framed Gothic Revival home with links to information about Victorian Gothic Revival and Carpenter Gothic architecture. Page 12.
1860 - 1880s: Eastlake Victorian
This colorful Victorian home in California has lacy, ornamental details. Page 21.
What can I do with a major in architecture?
Architecture offers many different career paths. Learn about the jobs related to buildings and design.
1860 - 1890: Stick Style
The house shown here is an especially fine example of Victorian Stick architecture. Designed by architect
Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany
With towering white turrets, Neuschwanstein Castle is a fanciful 19th century palace. See photos and find information for Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany. Page 8.
1880 - 1910: Queen Anne
Picture of a Queen Anne house with links to information about Victorian Queen Anne architecture. Page 20.
1885 - 1925: Beaux Arts
Beaux Arts was a favored style for the homes of the rich and famous. Learn about Beaux Arts architecture and see photos. Page 26.
1840-1880: Gothic Revival House (Masonry)
Photo of the Gothic Revival Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, New York with resources for learning about the Gothic Revival house style. Page 11.
Before You Buy House Plans
Looking for plans for your dream home? Begin by exploring these options.
Vinyl Siding and Your House
Should you install vinyl siding? Builders praise it, but environmentalists raise many concerns.
1855 - 1885: Second Empire (Mansard) House Style
Photo of a Victorian Second Empire, or mansard, style house with links for learning more about the style. Page 16.
Casa Milà Barcelona, or La Pedrera
Casa Milà Barcelona, or la Pedrera, by Antoni Gaudí is an apartment building with wavy walls. . Page 10.
Free Architecture Courses
Hundreds of colleges and universities around the world offer free downloads of popular courses in architecture, urban design, and engineering. Check out the best of the best.
1861 - 1930: Shotgun House
Learn how to recognize a Shotgun Style house. Page 18.
1700 - 1860: French Colonial
Learn about the practical houses that French colonists built in the Mississippi Valley. Page 9.
Books to Help You Build a Smaller Home
Find house plans for economical small homes and ideas for designing compact houses and cottages.
1880 - 1900: Richardsonian Romanesque
Picture of a house in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Page 22.
Architecture School Rankings
Which architecture school is best? Find school rankings from the newest DesignIntelligence report, America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools.
What Is a Balustrade? What is a Baluster?
Illustrated definition of the word Balustrade from our Architecture Glossary
12 Things You Didn't Know About the White House
How much do you know about America's White House - really? Check out these surprising facts.
1874 - 1910: Shingle Style
Picture of a Victorian Shingle house with information about the Shingle Style. Page 23.
Philip Johnson's Glass House
The glass house designed by Philip Johnson has been called one of the world's most beautiful and yet least functional homes. Here are facts and resources from our photo gallery of modern houses. Page 3.
What is a gable - Architecture Glossary
Definition and illustration for the term GABLE: architecture glossary arttoday porches illustration triangle
1625 - mid-1800s: Dutch Colonial
Learn about the brick and stone houses constructed by Dutch settlers in the American colonies. Page 3.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens in Barcelona is an early example of Antoni Gaudi's flamboyant work. Page 2.
Craftsman House Pictures
When we speak of Craftsman houses, we often think of bungalows. But in the early 1900s, many types of homes were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. This photo gallery shows a variety of houses with Craftsman handiwork.
1850 - 1870: Octagon Style
Learn about Victorian Octagon houses from our Picture Dictionary of House Styles. Page 15.
Which Home Design Software is Best?
You don't have to be a computer whiz to use home design software. But beware: Follow these quick tips to find the architecture software that's right for your skills and needs.
How To Pick Paint Colors For Your House Exterior
a simple how to on choosing paint colors for the exterior of your home.
Bungalow Floor Plans Index
Use this directory to find original plans and elevation drawings for Craftsman Bungalow style mail order homes built between 1908 and 1921.
Neverland Ranch, Legendary Home of Michael...
Neverland was not only Michael Jackson's home, but also a private amusement park. Learn about Netherland Ranch and see photos. Page 2.
1600s - mid-1800s: German Colonial
Learn about German Colonial architecture in our House Style Picture Dictionary. Page 4.
Top 3 Frank Lloyd Wright House Plans
Do you dream of building the kind of home that Frank Lloyd Wright might have designed? Check out the house plans in this directory.
What Is HardiPlank? What Is HardiPanel? What Is...
Learn more about cement siding and cement siding materials, commonly known as HardiPlank and HardiPanel.
What Is Neoclassical Architecture?
Learn how to identify neoclassical architecture, from great buildings to modest homes.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a world famous masterpiece, but some experts say the landmark is in danger of collapsing. Page 7.
World Wonders
According to millions of voters around the world, these World Wonders are the greatest man-made structures built since ancient times. See photos and find facts for the New 7 Wonders of the World and other great structures.
Machu Picchu in Peru
Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, nestles in a remote ridge between the Peruvian mountains. See photos and find information for Machu Picchu in Peru. Page 5.
De Stijl
Dutch architect Gerrit Thomas Rietveld built the Schröder House in 1924 to express principles of De Stijl and neoplasticism. Page 14.
Celebration, Florida
The Walt Disney Company envisioned a Utopian village in Celebration, FL and commissioned famous architects to design the buildings. Join us for a photo tour.
Great Wall of China
Stretching for thousands of miles, the Great Wall of China protected ancient China from invaders. Learn about the Great Wall of China. Page 4.
Repairing Deteriorated Stucco
This portion of Preservation Brief Number 22 explains how to repair deteriorated stucco. Instructions include recommended colors and tints, maintenance tips, and stucco products.
What Is a Usonian?
Discover the simple Usonian style houses that Frank Lloyd Wright designed, and see photos of Usonian architecture.
Queen Anne Architecture in the USA
Of all the Victorian house styles , Queen Anne is the most elaborate and the most eccentric. The style
Architecture 101
For basic facts about architecture, from famous buildings to the design of your own home, begin with these links.
Cape Cod Houses
Is your house a Cape Cod? Learn about Cape Cod houses and find out how to identify the Cape Cod style.
Do I Need an Architect?
You are building a new home. Do you need an architect? Explore the pros and cons, and learn about cost-saving alternatives.
1600s - 1740: New England Colonial
The Stanley-Whiteman house is a wonderful example of architecture in colonial New England. Learn about the New England Colonial house style. Page 2.

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