Exotic Revival Architecture

About this course:

In the history of architecture, inspirations gleaned from travel, archeological discoveries, and interest in non-Western design generated a desire to incorporate other cultures’ visual elements into imaginative and fanciful structures. In this course, we explore the various characterizations and origins of Exotic Revival architectural styles in Europe and the United States, beginning with the 18th century, but mostly during the 19th through 20th centuries. We look at how architects and designers incorporated elements from the Middle East, Asia, Egypt, and Central America into their building styles; and how architects used these cultural influences to express their heritage or create a sense of community, embrace new aesthetics, and to push the boundaries of architectural creativity and exuberance. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.