An Architectural era can be defined as a specific method of construction used at that time and age. This can also be characterized by the features or trademarks used, the style can be popular of the materials used or the theme that has been used. Over centuries the world has come across many architectural eras, of which some have been seen repeated over time because of the popularity or the comfort. We can easily conclude that styles of an era are emerged because of the history and society of a place.

People in Pakistan slowly became aware and comfortable of the gradual changes in architecture and had to adapt to new in given time, hence the architects evolved over time and got comfortable to new architectural practices. The first architectural era is known to be from Prehistoric times which s called as Neolithic and it was from 10,000-3000 BC. Early civilizations were scattered across the globe and to sum up their architectural practices, it was mix of timber cut from local forests and stone used from the rocks available. Some of the stronger and massive structures have survived over time and have been recorded.

The next architectural era was the Ancient Americas; they have been famous throughout history for their famous architectural pieces like the Mayan city. Civilizations like Mesoamerican, Talud-tablero, Maya, Puuc and Aztec are complete marvels when it comes to architectural eras.

Mediterranean and Middle-East civilizations have also been studied for the maximum amount of time, as architectural wonders like the Pyramids were to be seen in this period. The period was from 3000 to373 AD. Civilizations like Phoenician, Ancient Egyptian, Minoan, Knossos, Mycenaean and Sumerian were present in this era.

Now where these have been important and have shown steady progress, South Asian architecture has been a wonder to study as well. The period had temples from Hindu’s and Mosques and Mahal’s from Muslims. This era was famous for gardens by the Mughals and delicately carved stone temples by the hindu’s. Some of the most famous temples and mosques are still standing an amazing example is one of the wonder of world knows as Taj Mahal.

Moving On, the architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome has never failed to amaze the world; with ruins still standing and entire arenas built with the palace itself have been astonishing. The period lasted from 776-to323 AD. Pillars were one of the main architectural components of this era and humongous door frames were built supported by the pillars.

The Dark Ages was yet another period where Europe had architecture at its finest. The Period was from 400-1000AD. The reason it’s called the Dark Ages is like societies mind the building were dark, dingy and showed exactly what the world was about then.

Now comes the Medieval Europe, the dominance of churches over every aspect of life has been quiet extraordinary. While the Romanesque style was simple and sophisticated the Gothic celebrated humanity with arches and entertaining drawings. France, Germany and Central Europe held places of great Gothic architecture.
Later Renaissance from East Europe, Portuguese and Spain was followed by Neoclassicism. This era had Regency, Empire, Federal, Palazzo style to its name and some amazing works of architecture and architectural practices.

The dawn of 19th century brought with itself the Victorian Era which was a giant step in technology, society, architecture, thought, and ways of living. Practices like iron bridges, aqueducts, sewer systems, proper roads, trains etc were introduced and life was a whole new thing. The British Empire at that time was completely re shaped by engineers and architects. Old style was improvised to suit new needs; Orientalism was seen at a much larger scale.

Modernism was a practice that started with the Industrial Revolution, factories started producing raw materials like steel, glass, and bold large frames of buildings were coming to concept with the evolving of the materials. Modernism was not accepted with open arms it grew in a somber, bureaucratic way. Terms like Functionalism, Expressionism, Organic, Streamline Architecture came into existence.

Concepts like Living WallsVernacular ArchitectureArchesFalse Ceiling evolved and what we now have some of the most amazing firms and people devoting their lives to architecture. Modern concepts are also evolving in demand to society and technology, ever day a stunning new accessory comes forth to be used in Interior or Elevation.