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Architectural Development in the United States

In the United States, architecture is somewhat analogous to clothing fads, which come and go over time. Architectural style in America has however sometimes been distinctively regionally identified. In the mid to late 19th centuries, multiple styles became simultaneously popular and spread across the United States. During this period that is generally referred to as the "Eclectic Era" of architecture, Americans had the choice of numerous styles that would usher in early modernism in architecture style. The trend continued until the great depression at which time the building boom almost came to a stand still. After the Second World War, a new national boom became evident which showed a general aversion to historic references and dominated by the modern era of functionalism.

Just like clothing fads which sometimes return, the architectural style of the 70s showed a return to historic styles and a reaction against modern architectural practices characterized by the familiar glass office towers and suburban ranch houses. This led to a booming historic preservation movement that would see a revival of colonial elements. By the 1990s, the era of postmodernism was in full swing.

This continuing architectural style is characterized by exaggerated use of historical styles and imitations of older buildings. This historicism has coincided with a new movement referred to as New Urbanism that is characterized by a return to traditional planning practices where high-rise city centers and condos occur together. These neotraditional developments and designs emphasize walking, community livability, mass transit, public space and affordability.

To the outside world, the most notable architectural style of the United States has been the skyscraper. The technical advances of the elevator made this possible. It allowed buildings to rise above 4 or 5 stories and allow people to occupy them. For several decades, American skyscrapers blended technical innovation with conservative decorative elements. However, this architectural style was still limited by the fact that it became impractical to go above 20 stories due to the sheer weight that was supported entirely by the stone walls. This challenge was resolved by use of steel support frames which unburdened the wall by two thirds of the total weight. Interestingly, this allowed for another feature common in modern American architecture, the increase of window size. As a result, plate glass windows would take up a majority of a building's outer surface. Architecture in the United States has evolved over the last 2 centuries and New Urbanism owes much of its credit to the pioneers of the last century who continue to influence modern architects.

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