Classical Renaissance architecture

Two bay windows built in the classical style are framed by two pillars surmounted by Doric capitals. The pillars support an austere triangular pediment. The façade is decorated with a diamond – shaped relief element. The stone bridge depicts a barrel vault with a semi circular arch. In the centre of the arch the keystone is a different colour from the other stones of the arch. The huge pillars feature bevelled elements.

Classical architecture was inspired by the art of the Antiquity, to which fresh Renaissance elements were added. This sober style relies on the same proportions as those found in ancient art, which introduce a harmony into the shapes, features and dimensions. It sought to create symmetry in the final composition. The architectural style focuses on measurements and proportions and emphasises order, hierarchy and power.

Baroque architecture

This baroque doorway opens on to a colonnade of ribbed vaulting which emphasises the perspective. The two columns are adorned with urns and support the entablature under a highly moulded pediment. Two male Atlantes statues sustain the top of the doorway. The stone bridge is remarkable for the width of its arches and the delicacy of the pillars which are adorned with bevelled elements making the structure more resistant. Above each pillar a sculpture reveals the bridge’s baroque dimension.

Baroque was born in Italy in the 16th century and spread to the whole of Europe up to the 18th century. Baroque art is often exuberant and represents the antithesis of Reformation Art. Monumental paintings and sculptures proclaim the glory of God. Baroque architecture uses substantial shapes to contrast volume with emptiness. It also often reproduces elements from classical architecture.

Glass and steel architecture

A façade of double doors is composed of glass panels secured by a metal frame. These metal elements, fashioned to create spirals and other decorations, are reminiscent of the plants which are very popular designs in Art Nouveau. The steel viaduct is made up of a metal deck, supported by a metal arch resting on carved stone pillars. Because of the great size of the arch, it spans the whole valley.

This architecture is the product of the 19th century Industrial Revolution. New materials such as glass and steel were used with traditional materials. They are no longer used just for their durability, but also for their aesthetic value. New architectural projects emerged: stations, bridges over railways, factories and department stores. Metal and glass took their place in the grandest of buildings.

20th century Architecture

Two perpendicular façades show their structure of steel frames. These façades are composed uniquely of glass panes of different sizes. The reverse of the banknote shows a cable-stayed bridge. The horizontal bridge deck rests on either bank. It is supported by two pillars from which stretch steel cables. This detail is also part of the background, only in shadow. Such a bridge can be built on any type of land.

Two European centers, the French school of Charles Edouard Jeanneret known as Le Corbusier, (1887 – 1965) and the German Bauhaus school founded by Walter Gropius (1883-1969) advocated a rational architectural style for the 20th century. Practicality was to combine with an ideal vision of perfect shapes. With this way of looking at things, architectural renewal appeared as an early sign of the renewal of society. Works of art such as the cable-stayed bridge are true architectural feats..