14 Section 1 Architectural Drafting Fundamentals
the windows were less elaborate. Often, the
windows were arched. The new style was more
functional than previous styles and was consid-
ered modern for its time. The Second Empire
lost its desirability after the economic downturn
in 1873 and was out of fashion by 1880.
Stick
From 1860–1890, the Stick style emphasized the
exterior wall surface as the decorative element,
often suggestive of timber framing. Drawing
from the medieval past, the main features of the
Stick style were exposed horizontal, vertical,
and diagonal boards (stickwork). The raised
stickwork was not functional; it was just deco-
ration. Other features included steeply pitched
roofs, cross gables, exposed roof trusses, over-
hanging eaves with exposed rafter ends, wood
clapboards or shingles (often patterned), and
patterned masonry.
to be lived in. New construction techniques
allowed for complex fl oor plans and exteriors.
Several different styles are associated with the
Victorian period. It was common to mix different
elements from one style to another. In addition,
regional variations exist within each style.
Second Empire
The Second Empire style originated in France
during the 1850s and became popular in America
during the 1860s. Its most distinctive feature
was the mansard roof, which was developed
by Francois Mansart, a 17th-century French
Renaissance architect. It had a double-pitched
hip roof that allowed the top level to be used for
additional living space. The lower slope of the
roof often had patterned shingles and dormer
windows. See Figure 1-15.
The Second Empire style had the same
architectural elements as the Italianate, except
Gary Yim/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1-14. These apartments in New York were built in the Italianate style. Notice the highly decorative trim
on the overhanging eave.
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