Construction and Its Beginnings: A Journey from the Basics to Modernity #part-2
Development of Techniques and Materials
As time progressed, civilizations discovered new construction techniques and materials that allowed them to build more sophisticated and durable structures. Among these advances are:
- The use of brick and stone: The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were pioneers in the use of more resistant materials such as stone and brick for the construction of temples, amphitheaters and bridges. The Romans, for example, were known for their skill in building aqueducts and complex structures such as the Colosseum, which endure to this day.
- Greek and Roman architecture: In ancient Greece and Rome, construction became an art and a science. Columns, arches and vaults began to be used to create larger buildings with a more advanced aesthetic. The Colosseum in Rome and the Parthenon in Athens are emblematic examples of this era.
- Gothic Cathedrals: The impressive cathedrals of Europe, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, were an example of the rise of religious construction during the Middle Ages. These structures were notable for their size, height, and innovations in engineering.
- The Renaissance: In the Renaissance, art and architecture were renewed, and figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo contributed to the advancement of construction and engineering. More advanced techniques were used in building planning and the use of mathematical proportions to improve aesthetics and functionality.
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance
The Middle Ages was a stage in which construction was mainly influenced by the church and military fortifications. During this period, Gothic construction techniques, such as pointed vaults and high-rise cathedrals, marked a new stage in the history of architecture.