Colonial Architecture in Germany (2024)

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What is German colonial architecture? ›

German Colonial architecture

The common characteristics of their permanent households included symmetry in the facades, gable roofs typically made of clay tiles or wooden shingles, stone walls, small casem*nt windows later replaced by double-hung windows, and porches at the front of their houses.

Traditional timbered German houses and chalets can be found all over the south of the country, whilst Baltic brick homes from the Medieval era are still found in northern towns today. In the cities, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque sits happily alongside Bauhaus, Modernist, and Contemporary buildings.

Colonial architecture is a hybrid architectural style that arose as colonists combined architectural styles from their country of origin with design characteristics of the settled country.

“Bauhaus” is a German term that translates to “Building House” or “Construction House” in English. It originally referred to a renowned German art school, which was active from 1919 to 1933, and is famous for its innovative approach to design, architecture, and various forms of visual arts.

Over time, Romanesque architecture evolved into Gothic architecture, a style that flourished in Germany and across Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages as religious fervour swelled and demanded grander, bigger and more spectacular structures, leading to a number of architectural advances like flying buttresses ...

Although Bismarck "remained as contemptuous of all colonial dreams as ever", in 1884, he consented to the acquisition of colonies by the German Empire, in order to protect trade, safeguard raw materials and export-markets and to take advantage of opportunities for capital investment, among other reasons.

Germany's buildings span some 1,200 years of architectural history and were created in a number of different styles. (The Porta Nigra, a 1,800-year-old arched gateway in Trier is Germany's only remaining Roman-era structure of any significance.)

Germany is said to have led the development of the industrial design sector in the 1900s with architect Peter Behrens whose work on designing buildings also included conceiving light fixtures, furniture and fittings. Still, the creation of the Bauhaus school and the Werkbund association put German design on the map.

Study Architecture in Germany

There is no specific professional exam, but you will need to complete at least three years of undergraduate study, followed by a masters degree and then undertake employment working alongside a certified architect before you can register with the Chamber of Architects.

What makes a house colonial style? Balance and symmetry are characteristics of both the interior and exterior of most colonial homes. There are minimal decorative elements. While simple, the silhouette is a wide, expansive one, reflecting the abundance of land and open space that marked the settlers' new continent.

Why is it called colonial architecture? ›

The term colonial architecture broadly refers to the buildings and homes that were constructed during a period of colonization in a given country.

The colonial architecture of the United States and Canada was as diverse as the peoples who settled there: English, Dutch, French, Swedish, Spanish, German, Scots-Irish.

The architecture of Germany has a long, rich and diverse history. Every major European style from Roman to Postmodern is represented, including renowned examples of Carolingian, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Modern and International Style architecture.

The Trier Cathedral of St. Peter is not only Germany's oldest church but also, in its 1700 years of history, the oldest structure in Germany which has served uninterruptedly – and continues to serve – its original purpose as bishop's church.

Berlin, the city of architecture.

Architecture of Germany

During the medieval period, the Romanesque style dominated. In the 13th century, as the Gothic style took hold, some of Germany's most notable structures were built, including the cathedrals at Cologne (begun 1248) and Strasbourg (planned 1277).

Characteristics of German Renaissance Revival architecture include stepped gables, sometimes also called Flemish gables, buildings will full of sculptural ornament, some with carved or molded figures and consoles, and vertical S-shaped scrolls.

Important architecture of this period includes the Landshut Residence, Heidelberg Castle, the Augsburg Town Hall as well as the Antiquarium of the Munich Residenz in Munich, the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps.