Title: -The Evolution of Embellishment in Architecture Subtitle: - a Necessity or Leisure?
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The act of embellishment has been foremost for every object since the dawn of humankind. As Ada Louise quoted “Embellishment is an irresistible and consuming impulse, going back to the beginnings of human history”. The term embellishment refers to the addition of something to enrich the value or beautify a people or an object. The simplest example to understand is the star on a Christmas tree. It is evident in all human creations. Sometimes used to beautify, and sometimes to conceal the truth beneath the surface. Ranging from the absolute body of a human to the large terrains of land, Architecture has been using embellishments to sometimes enhance the beauty of a building and sometimes as an opaque layer to secrete something.
Embellishments in architecture have been used to create an image of grandeur and aristocracy since prehistoric times. The Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles are considered to be among the oldest. The period, that persisted between the mid-tenth and thirteenth centuries, was notable for its structural elements and ornamentation. The embellishments were often used to append elegance and a fancy look to the structural elements. Each embellishment had a unique symbolic, functional, and cultural significance that was readily apparent. One of the most notable features was the attractive flying buttresses, geometrically beautiful complexshaped piers, and colonnettes. It was during this period that the juxtaposition of medieval art and embellishments opened up a wide gate of potential architectural style explorations.
As the styles emerged, by the time the Baroque and Neo-classical periods arrived, architectural embellishments evolved not only as an aesthetic addition but also as a utilitarian and pleasurable addition. The embellishments now integrated aesthetic as well as functional components. The major examples include elegant window frames, fancy shutters, and many more pleasing elemental details. Architects started using embellishments to showcase the majesty and eminence of buildings. This improved the appearance and attractiveness of the structures. The concept of painted ceilings, which was an iconic milestone in the embellishments, was introduced by the Baroque style.
Fig_ 1: Ceiling of a Roman Catholic church Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-baroque-architecture.html
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Numerous additional design ideas were instilled with the advent of the Neo-classical period. There was rigid symmetry in the design. Along with the grandeur and royalty, there were now cultural and social aspects to be observed in conjunction with the architecture. There were also simplistic geometric patterns inculcated in design. One of the key aspects that came into existence was the embellishment of columns through their numerous components such as the base, capital, entablature, and so on. The new appreciation for ancient simplicity was a reaction to the excesses of the Neo-classical style.
Fig_ 2: Neo-classical building interior Source: https://www.veranda.com/travel/g34299821/best-neoclassical-architecture/
As is well known, the quality of embellishments increased in conjunction with the advancement of building. Starting during modernism (the 1920s-1950s) by Robert Venturi and Dennis Scott Brown, the process of Embellishment took a major change in its role. This could be better understood through the discussion mentioned in the book “Learning from Las Vegas”. The thing to be noted at that time was the belief of minimalism v/s the requirement of embellishments by architects for appeal. Both were intended to be equally correct and visually pleasing in their way. This paved the way for even more alterations to be included in subsequent architectural styles.
Today's architecture, known as contemporary architecture, allows for the use of embellishment in a variety of methods. With the advent of new and improved technological advancements, it plays a modern role in both beautifying and functioning, blending in with the architecture to provide the appealing aesthetic value that users value. But as Alvin Toffler puts it “Our technological powers increase, but the side effects and potential hazards also escalate.” Sometimes the act of embellishment deviates the mere attention of an observer through the aesthetic appeal and lure it brings with it. 3
In conclusion, as a result, embellishment is vital in architecture but in its way. Whether or not the embellishment is correct is a topic of contention, with numerous debate arguments revolving around it. It all depends on how one interprets the act of embellishment and how much and in what form it is used. “Ornament is the language through which architecture communicates with a broader public” - Edwin Heathcote
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