Summary
There are many varieties of exterior housing styles in the United States. They
evolved from the housing styles of the Native Americans and of the settlers who brought
styles from their homelands.
Traditionalfolkstylesincludethosefrom Native Americans, Spanish, Scandinavians,
Dutch, Germans, French, and English. During colonial times, other styles unique to
the United States began to evolve. They include the Cape Cod, Saltbox, and Garrison
styles. Later, the classic traditional styles of Georgian, Federal, Adam, Early Classical
Revival, Greek Revival, Southern Colonial, and Victorian were developed.
During the twentieth century, modern and contemporary housing was designed to fi t
and take advantage of the environment and changing lifestyles. Modern houses include
the Prairie Style, the bungalow, the International Style, the ranch and its variations, and
different versions of the split-level.
Contemporary housing covers the styles of homes that are built today. Two
categories of contemporary design are the solar house and the earth-sheltered house.
Contemporary homes may use traditional or modern styles, or can be a unique, distinctive
one-of-a-kind design. Postmodernism is a recent approach to housing design that often
combines features of past housing with a new look that sometimes has a jarring effect
on the viewer.
As housing styles continue to evolve to meet changing trends and lifestyles,
preserving the best of the past for future generations is desirable. Historical preservation
saves outstanding examples of past architectural styles from demolition or significant
alteration.
Review the Facts
1. Red tile roofs, enclosed patios, and arch-shaped windows and doors are
characteristics of which style of traditional housing?
2. Contrast the meaning of folk and classic styles of traditional architecture.
3. What are the characteristics of a Tidewater South home?
4. Compare and contrast the following styles: Cape Cod, Saltbox, and Garrison.
5. Name two features typical of the Spanish style.
6. How were log cabins built?
7. What are the similarities and differences between the Dutch Colonial and the
French Manor house styles?
8. Identify three features of a Georgian-style house.
9. What two architectural styles emerged from the Federal period?
10. What is the difference between a portico and a pediment?
11. How can you identify Greek Revival style architecture?
12. Identify four characteristics of Victorian houses.
13. Who designed the Prairie style house?
14. What two features were characteristic of houses built in the International style in
the United States?
15. Name one advantage and one disadvantage of the ranch house.
16. What kind of lot is best suited to the split-level house style?
Chapter 6 The Evolution of Exteriors
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