A precedent can be defined as something done or said which might serve as a rule or example to justify or permit a subsequent act of a similar or corresponding genre (Oxman 1994). A precedent can also be defined as a thing or individual which serves as an ideal or convention establishment due to long practices. Precedents are often and widely used in architecture and they are actually referred to as architecture’s backbone. (Gerhardt, 2011). It is important to note that precedents are only used to inspire the architect. They are the guides or ideas of a method which you desire to apply to your scheme (First In Architecture, 2018). Use of precedents tends to give authority to your designs as your proposal is associated with something else. A precedent can communicate meaningful ideas to the public, client or even the designer (Charleson, 2006).
It is possible to solve problems faced in the design process by using precedents which have been applied in previous similar or different designs (Eilouti, 2017). Use of precedents is vital even when a description of the construction method and the construction materials to use is given (Eilouti, 2017).
The starting point is the most crucial stage for any architectural design and more often than not, this is what most architects find challenging in their work experiences. One needs to commence with the establishment of the brief which will enable them gain a deeper understanding of the problem. In case the problem is searching for inspiration and guidance in a particular area, it is important that one chooses relevant precedents suitable for their designs (Johnson, 1994).
The ancient Roman architecture has inspired the construction of many monuments in the past and it still continues to be an influence on the landscapes for our cities (Study.com, 2018). Surprisingly, it has stood the test of time and it is thus worthy of all credit. Numerous styles have sprung up in the architectural field as a result of the influence of the Roman architecture (Sear, 2002). As of today, these skills are not only used in Europe alone but the entire globe and almost every building borrows one or two ideas from the style. The general and most commonly used architectural styles include Neoclassical, Romanesque, Palladian and Romanesque revival (Oxman, 1993).
Europe was taken by storm between the 9th and the 13th century by Romanesque style. It is regarded as the first European style and it borrows heavily from building structures that were cited by crusaders on their return from Rome (MacDonald, 1982). Neoclassical was majorly influenced by an old form Roman and Greek architecture. It rose to fame around the 1850s and it is one of the most popular styles in the world today (Clark, and Pause, 2012). Palladian was inspired by Andrea Palladio (1508 to 1580), a Venetian architect (Eilouti, 2017). Its influence is the classical form of Ancient Rome and Greece. Palladian first became a popular style in Britain but it later spread all over Europe. Most buildings use Roman architecture as their inspiration (Conant, 1993).
Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace was inspired by neoclassical style (Salzman, 1952). It was formerly called Eastern wing but the name was changed to Buckingham Palace, which is the name that stands to date (The Royal Family, 2019). Buckingham Palace is a consolidation of different building phases onto a prototype townhouse built in 1703. John Nas and Edward Blore carried out the construction of the largest phase in the 19th century. It consisted the construction of a three wing structure around the courtyard central (Waterhouse, 1954). In 1837 Buckingham Palace was the official London residential area for the Monarch (The Royal Family, 2019). Though minor structural adjustments have been made in the recent past they do not have the effect of the changes made during the 19th and 20th centuries. The major additional adjustments included the East elevation which closed off the courtyard and it includes the popular balcony (Simms, 1996). Royal family members assembled in the balcony to greet crowds. This particular wing was further remodeled by Sir Aston Webb in 1933. The building’s current form was due to Sir Aston Webb (Priddy, Franagan and Weidman, 2000).
Buckingham palace in London. It was inspired by the neoclassical style (Rive and Malan, 1987)
The leaning tower of Pisa, Pisa
Though the tower is popular for its tilt, it’s actually a good example of the late Italian Romanesque architecture (Solari, Reinhold, and Livesey, 1998). The design was originally founded by Bonnano Pisano and construction began in 1173 (Atzeni, et al, 2010). The construction of this tower was done in three phases and it was completed in 1372 (Burland, Jamiolkowski, and Viggiani, 2009). The tilt of the tower commenced immediately construction reached the 2nd floor (Burland, Jamiolkowski, and Viggiani, 2003), causing a war of sense with gravity which still continues to date (Peters, Chung, and Chu, 1999). Allies used the tower as an observation post in World War II (Heiniger, 1995) while Galileo Galilei used the tower for his experiments (Segre, 1989).
The leaning tower of Pisa. It is one of the few examples of the Italian Romanesque architecture (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2019)
London’s Natural History Museum
London Natural history museum is a splendid building that used Romanesque revival style as its inspiration (Beconcini, Bennati, and Salvatore, 2001) The original design was from Francis Fowke an architect. Francis came up with the design in 1864 during a competition. Unfortunately, Captain Francis Fowke passed on soon after (Wiebenson, 1969). The construction was later to be overseen by Alfred Waterhouse who made several revisions on Fowke’s design. Both men made good use of the Roman-inspired architectural and arcading sculpture (Salzman. 1952).
Construction of London’s National History Museum started in 1873 and the year 1880 marked the completion (Oxman, 1993) Waterhouse’s revision incorporated the ample use of terracotta tiles. This particular adjustment would aid the structure to resist the sooty air of London Victorian. Today, the museum is one of Britain’s most loved example of Roman Architectural style inspired edifices.
National History Museum in London (Pinterest, 2019)
Conclusion
It is advisable to make use of both ancient and modern precedents when one is coming up with a design. It is also important for one to go out in the field to experience firsthand knowledge of the structure sets which can be useful when constructing their own design. This actually assists one in understanding the materials used, how the building was constructed, the time it took and the people who oversaw construction.
References
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