Norman Revival Architecture
Norman Revival Architecture was a part of the Gothic Revival Architecture movement that began in the mid-18th century and spread through Europe in to the 19th century. Its influence came from the structures built by a group that was referred as the Normans in the 11th century. The Normans were a group of Scandinavians that conquered Normandy, France then mixed with the French race and conquered England.
The most prestigious work done by the Normans were the cathedrals and churches built after 1070 in England. This style of churches and cathedrals were brought back to life during the Norman Revival era and helped revive Gothic architecture, taking it to new levels.
[ Norman Revival Home in Willo Historic District ]
In Phoenix it's present mostly in residential homes in neighborhoods like the Willo historic district.
Gothic Architecture evolved from Romanesque Architecture and made a significant impact on the medieval period, giving it another element to their dark style. When originating in the 12th century, Gothic Architecture became known as the French style as it was the custom for their architecture. The term gothic came as a result of the latter part of the Renaissance era. Pointed arches, flying buttresses, and ribbed vaults are some of the common features usually found in Gothic Architecture.
This style of architecture of more commonly found in Europe than in America because it is the style that many prestigious buildings in Europe were based on. Several cathedrals, palaces, castles, churches, and universities were built in Europe that used the gothic style as its guide in the construction. The more common Gothic architectural structures that are found in Europe are cathedrals that are still places that many tourists go to visit. Once the Gothic style of architecture was revived in the mid-18th century, it quickly spread through Europe and allowed for the Normal Revival Era to take place.
Norman Architecture usually includes significantly large structures that draw a lot of attention because of its size and detailed structure. The walls of these structures are very thick with some very small openings throughout. Depending on the area in which these structures were built determined what the structures were made of but brick was commonly used in the more significant structures.
While buttresses were a common feature of Gothic Architecture, Norman Architecture did not feature this trait because of the size and thickness of their walls. The buttresses in Norman Architecture are usually flat and do not extend beyond the walls like in most Gothic architectural structures.
Another common feature of Norman Architecture is the arches that are usually used in creating doorways, windows, vaults, and arcades. The arch is a common style in many architectural structures to signify an opening in the structure. Columns are another common feature of Norman Architecture and play a significant role in the structure as well as the decoration.
The ways in which the columns were incorporated in to the structure depended on the architect and where the structure was built. One of the common forms of decoration inside Norman Architecture is wall murals that are painted to add character and individuality to each structure. One of the most significant structures that came as a result of the Norman Revival era was the Natural History Museum in London, England.
In Phoenix the best examples of this architecture are in the historic neighborhood namely Willo.
