Before the word ‘architecture’ was even thought of, humankind has been building with stone and earth.
Evidence of this can be found in some of the world’s oldest structures, such as the Stonehenge in the United Kingdom and Göbekli Tepe in Turkey.
Today, such examples are referred to as prehistoric architecture. Little is known about how these were built by early humans. Archaeologists are typically the ones who find and ‘dig’ up these formations. However, explorers and common folk can also stumble upon them if they had any luck.
Studying architecture can help us understand how people lived during a particular period. It can reveal a lot about that era’s technology and education as well.
For instance, one of the world’s architectural marvels, the pyramids of Giza, were created using sun-baked mud. The Egyptians also used granite and limestone, especially in their tombs and temples.
Great structures, aside from being a window to the past, can inspire better, stronger architecture for the future. Classical styles like that of the Roman and Greek empires are good examples.
Aside from considering aesthetics, it is said that builders back then used mathematical principles to make their constructions. Until now, people are in awe of these Classical designs, as seen on the famous Parthenon and the Roman Colosseum.
Other prominent architectural styles include Gothic, as characterized by pointed arches, flying buttresses, and ribbed vaulting; then there’s the Baroque, usually associated with opulence and exaggerated ornamentation, like the impressive Palace of Versailles in France; and during the 19th century, everyone can recall the birth of the Art Nouveau.
Each architectural style is unique and features great feats in engineering as well. Nowadays, architecture takes on a new form in the sleek, minimalist lines of modernist design.
But more than simply being another technique, it’s challenging us to a new way of thinking, too. Thanks to architecture, not only can people of a specific era leave something behind, we can also challenge the future.
Love architecture? Then get a load of these amazing FREE architecture photos.
Free Architecture Pictures
Amazing curves on public stairs in Sevastopol.
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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib photographed through the entrance gate during sunset.
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White temple rooftop with golden decorations at a tea plantation in Chiang Rai.
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Close-up shot of the roof of the Doi Suthep Temple in Thailand.
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Magical sight of the Kinkaku-ji Temple in Japan.
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Red and gold Thai temple rooftop with incredible detail.
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Decorative rooftop at the Doi Suthep Temple in Thailand.
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Residential building in Yalta photographed from below.
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Amazing interior in an Orthodox Church in Yalta.
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Sun shining on the upper half on an apartment building in Yalta.
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Small temple in Kyoto with beautiful tall trees in the background.
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Beautiful castle in Yalta built at the top of a cliff with the mountains and the sea in the background.
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Christian church photographed behind tree leaves silhouettes.
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Retro neighborhood in Yalta with palm trees in front of a house.
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Tall and beautifully designed minaret in Qutub Minar complex, Delhi.
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Beautifully designed Islamic temple in the Qutub Minar complex.
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The beautiful Qutub Minar photographed behind stone pillars.
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Stunning architecture photography of a New York City skyscraper disappearing in the fog.
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Magnificent Pattern on the Ceiling of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
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Beautifully designed building in New York City reaching into the clouds.
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The Manhattan Bridge in New York City with the cloudy sky and buildings in the background.
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Wonderful shot of the ceiling and the beams in the St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
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Ancient Cambodian temple photographed at sunset.
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Red rooftop on a temple in Cambodia with golden decorations.
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Beautiful temple ruins in Cambodia.
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Modern architectural design of an apartment building in Bangkok.
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Black and white architecture photography with an upwards view.
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Stunning office building with a beautiful architectural design.
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Abstract architecture photography. Tall blue windows on a white modern building.
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Black and white photography of rooftop tiles on top or a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand.
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An artistic window in a Barcelona church.
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Islamic architecture shape on a stonewall building in Dubai.
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White architectural design of a resort building and the sky in the background.
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Blue and gold exterior design on a Muslim building in Dubai.
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The ceiling of the BKK Airport in Bangkok.
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Islamic architecture art. Stunning wall on a Dubai mosque.
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The Dubai flag waving on the top of the National Museum.
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The tallest building in the world in Dubai. Photographed from below with the sky in the background.
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Two extremely tall buildings in Dubai, both designed perfectly.
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Islamic facade in Dubai made with old stone.
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Green and yellow architectural designs in Dubai photographed from below.
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Four very different architectural designs of Dubai skyscrapers.
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Three very tall buildings at the Dubai marina with one beautiful building in front.
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Modern blue and white office building in Dubai photographed from below.
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Burj Khalifa building in Dubai. The tallest building in the world with 828 meters.
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Architectural design of a Dubai hotel. Blue and white exterior design with the clear blue sky in the background.
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Brutalism architectural building design photographed in black and white.
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Huge tree-like constructions with purple lights in the midst of trees.
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Amazing architecture of a Chinese temple in Singapore with white and dark red walls and golden decorations.
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Amazing grayscale photography of specially designed stairs.
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Dubai exterior architecture design. Modern buildings in many different shapes and colors.
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Old buildings in Dubai photographed from below. Both are the same, and have wooden sticks and net walls.
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Beautiful architectural design of a Dubai mosque with the sky as a background.
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A close-up view of a golden temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Download / By Igor Ovsyannykov
Palau de la Música Catalana, a concert hall in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Download / By Igor Ovsyannykov
