Video:Characteristics of a Neoclassical Home Style
with Fred AblerNeoclassical architecture is associated with historic American buildings like the White House, but is also common in neighborhood home design. Watch this About.com video to learn more about the characteristics of Neoclassical style.See Transcript
Transcript:Characteristics of a Neoclassical Home Style
Hi, I'm Fred Abler, Graduate Architect and CEO of FormFonts.com. I'm here today for About.com to talk to you about the characteristics of Neoclassical homes.
Neoclassical is Inspired by Roman Architecture
Essentially meaning "New" Classical, this style is inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. It's a style most commonly seen in the Southern, Southeastern, and Eastern states of America, although you can find examples of these homes sprinkled elsewhere throughout the U.S.
Historical American Buildings Feature Neoclassical Architecture
While earlier examples do exist, this style really gained a national foothold between 1885 and 1925. Neoclassical homes are timeless, denoting status and importance, which is why they were favored by of our founding fathers. The White House, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and George Washington's Mount Vernon are all excellent examples of Neoclassical homes, albeit on a grand scale.
Common Traits of Neoclassical Architecture
These homes are symmetrical and proportional; windows are evenly spaced, often adorned with shutters, and divided into six or eight panes; entrys are elaborate, with decorative pediments surrounding the front door; and last, but not least, an even number of tall Doric columns grace the front of these homes. Rooms often line either side of the center hall on the ground level, with a similar arrangment for the bedrooms upstairs.
Neoclassical Home Design Evolved Through the Years
Antebellum homes are often Neoclassical, as are many plantation homes. It's also been a popular style over the years for governmental, educational, and other types of institutions. The early 1900s saw smaller and more modest versions of Neoclassical homes; referred to as row houses, they were often stripped down on the exterior, with two to three bedrooms inside and minimal square footage.
Historically, Neoclassical row houses are considered to be the precursor of modern tract homes. The look and size of these homes, coupled with their historic appeal, bodes well for them in all housing markets.
The Neoclassical style has always been worthy of admiration and will continue to be so in the future. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.