The history of construction dates back to more than 30000 years. During that era, people wandered from one spot to another scouting for food and water. As they were leading a nomadic lifestyle, they did not focus on constructing a house. However, at a later stage, people began to design huts using leaves, branches, and animal skin to safeguard them from harsh climatic conditions. Shelters constructed during those times were huge, robust, and comfortable.
Now let us discuss some of the key factors to get familiar with the advancement of architecture in detail.
Construction and building materials used during the Stone Age
- Old Stone Age period which is also known as Neolithic commenced from 9000 BC and lasted until about 5000 BC. It is presumed to be the final stage before the use of woodwork for construction of buildings.
- The tools were designed out of natural materials such as stone, antler, animal fiber, and bones in the form of mammoth ribs, metal, bark, and lime plaster.
- Mud bricks belonging to the late Stone Age period which were designed manually were discovered at Jericho. The Neolithic Architecture comprises tents, megaliths, and an array of huge stones.
Construction and building materials used during Copper Age and Bronze Age
- Copper Age is regarded as the initial metal age and preceded the Bronze Age. Copper was in great demand before 5000 BC and Bronze came into existence in 3100 BC
- Some of the popular tools used during these ages include chisels and axes that are highly durable and resilient. People witnessed the development of a new tool ‘Saw’ during the Copper Age. It was primarily meant for rock-cut architecture.
- Egyptians had begun to construct stone temples by implementing lintel and post-construction techniques.
Construction and Building Materials
Iron Age:- Iron Age is deemed final era in the human history. There was extensive usage of Iron for various tools and weapons. During 300 BC, steel was manufactured by including carbon iron.
Medieval Architecture:- It is defined as the art of designing mega-construction projects such as cathedrals, fortifications, and castles. This epoch was declared as the end of the Roman Era. One of the valuable materials utilized during this period was cut stone bricks and lime mortar for constructing walls.
During Renaissance, most architects leveraged pilasters and columns to design prestigious structures. This period was a fusion of art, literature, and architecture.
The Twentieth Revolution which is also termed the Technological Revolution witnessed the introduction of computer-aided designs and prefabrication. It eliminated the need for manpower and ensured seamless development of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers using elevators and cranes.
Conclusion
This valuable piece of information proves worthwhile to get familiar with connection between past and present ways of constructing buildings. The construction domain has played a pivotal role in the progression of humanity. This was a major revolution by prominent architects, engineers, and researchers which enabled us to lead a good quality of life.
