This document discusses the evolution of architecture through history, highlighting important buildings that demonstrated innovative uses of structural design and lateral thinking. It provides examples from ancient structures like the Great Pyramid, to modern landmarks like the Bird's Nest Stadium. Each entry briefly describes key attributes and breakthroughs of the featured buildings.
2. The Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt – 2600 BC
One of the seven wonders of
the ancient world
Remained the largest and
tallest building in the world for
over 3800 years
Needed around 15000 people
to labour over 10 years and 5.5
million tonnes of limestone
3. The Arch – 2000 BC
First found in
Mesopotamia
First used extensively by
the Romans
Replaces tensile stress
with compressive stress
4. The Flying Buttress, France - 1150
Supports the lateral
load on the walls
Allows bigger buildings
and lighter walls with
windows
Extensively used in
Mediaeval Cathedrals
6. The Home Insurance
Building, Chicago 1885
The world’s first
skyscraper
First building to use a
structural steel frame
Architect: William
Jenney
7. The Eiffel Tower, Paris 1889
Highest wrought iron building
Controversial at the time
Designed by Gustav Eiffel
Most visited paid monument
in the world
8. La Sagrada Familia,
Barcelona - 1883 onwards
Architect: Antoni Gaudi
Combines Gothic and Art Nouveau
styles
Incomplete, under construction