Colonial Architecture

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Colonial Architecture

• From Survival to Style

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Learning Goals

• What are you learning?
• Colonial architecture.
• Why do you need to know this information?
• To gain an understanding of colonial culture.

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• How do you know your work is good?
• You can describe basic elements of architecture.
• How can you tell if your work is good enough?
• You can describe the function of several elements
  of colonial architecture.

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Native American Architecture

• In the Powhatan village near Jamestown,
  structures were designed for functionnot style.
• They were made a materials found nearby.

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• The houses were made of marsh grasses found in
  or near the water.

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• The stone axe was one the primary tools used by
  the Powhatan and other Native American nations to
  build shelters.

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• A fire pit in the center served as a cooking
  area, as well as providing heat.

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• Smoke escaped through a hole in the roof.
• It had a flap that could be lowered in bad
  weather.

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• When the English colonists arrived in Jamestown
  in 1607, they also used native materials.
• They way they used them, however, reflected their
  different culture.

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• The English Tudor style of architecture which
  flourished from about 1485 to 1603 is evident in
  the earliest buildings in Jamestown. Most common
  buildings were half-timbered with wooden frame
  work.

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• The Jamestown colonists used a variety of metal
  tools in the construction of their homes and
  fort.

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• The construction is called stick daub because
  the walls are made of woven branches filled in
  with a clay-like mud.
• The roofs are made from marsh grass.

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• The protective walls were made of saplings cut
  fitted into the ground.
• They made attack more difficult.

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• The only structure remaining from the 1600s is
  the entrance to the church.

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• The rest of the church is a reconstruction done
  very early in the 20th century.

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Williamsburg

• Williamsburg, Virginia was the colonial capital
  from 1699 to the American Revolution. Many of
  its buildings reflect the Georgian style of
  architecture.

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Georgian Style Architecture

• The symmetrical, orderly Georgian style of
  architecture became prominent in colonial
  America.
• Georgian homes often have these features
• Square, symmetrical shape
• Paneled front door at center
• Decorative crown over front door
• Flattened columns on each side of door
• Five windows across front
• Paired chimneys
• Medium pitched roof
• Minimal roof overhang

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Architecture Reflects Social Class

• When one thinks of colonial structures, it is the
  houses of the rich that comes to mind.
• The Wythe House is an excellent example of the
  Georgian architectural style.

George Wythe House
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• The Red Lion Tavern is another excellent example
  of the Georgian style.
• See how many Georgian features that can be found
  on the building.

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Ludwell-Paradise House

• Colonial masons used brick from local plantations
  build homes. Later additions changed the
  architectural balance of homes from formal to
  informal.

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• The way in which bricks overlap is called the
  bond. Many of the colonial brick structures
  reflect the use of the decorative Flemish bond.
  It is created by alternately laying headers
  (smallest end of brick exposed) and stretchers
  (longest side of brick exposed) in a single
  course or row.

Glazed-headed Flemish Bond
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• However, it was the housing of the merchant class
  and yeomen that was much more common. These
  served as both home and workshop.

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The Raleigh Tavern was a popular meeting place in
Williamsburg. It displays formal balance or
symmetry that was popular during the era.
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Brick House Tavern
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• At the lowest end were the homes of the servants
  slaves.

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• These homes would contain just the basic
  necessities.

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Government Buildings
Courthouse

• Buildings for governmental purposes can easily be
  picked out by their design.

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Powder Magazine
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Colonial Governors Mansion
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Colonial Capital Building
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An aerial view of the colonial capital reveals
its radial symmetry or balance.
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Interior of the Capital
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Buildings for Worship
Bruton Parish Church
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Plantations

• Plantation houses, such as George Washingtons
  Mount Vernon, were located in outlying areas.
  The houses were often a reflection of the owners
  economic status.

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Monticello

• Thomas Jeffersons home, Monticello, was based on
  European Neo-Classical style of architecture with
  designs going as far back as ancient Rome and
  Greece.

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MONTICELLO
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• Colonial architecture changed to reflect new
  influences, designs, and building materials. The
  changing needs and economic status of colonists
  were reflected in their homes and public
  buildings. The emphasis of architecture changed
  from survival to style.