8-1Architecture

//Answer Prepared by Serena// //Shimshak:// The architecture and interior decoration from Elizabethan England varies immensely compared to the common forms of design in our world today. Many different aspects and characteristics of Elizabethan architecture make it unique. During Shakespeare’s time buildings tended to correspond with each other, having vertically symmetric facades, and were apt to look alike. Also, doors and windows were placed very proportionate to each other. Doors during this time tended to be very large, as this marked importance; and as for windows, the majorities were small and adorned with colored glass. Similar to our views and opinions today, buildings that were grand and elegant in this time were displayed as having perfect harmony and balance. Another popular form of architecture during this time was arches and columns. Arches and columns not only served as structural function but also they contributed to the appearance of the building itself. During the Elizabethan Era suburbs were also being created. Roy Porter, author of //__London, A Social History__,// tells us on page 83 that Architects had to invent new styles, which were a mix of urban and rural. This style of architecture consisted of rooms, which were spacious, light, and informal. All together the different aspects of architecture in the Elizabethan Era made it unique.
 * What were common forms of architecture and interior decoration in Elizabethan England? **

A typical Elizabethan house. As for interior decoration different styles existed based on the so-called “class” of the family. For the upper class it was trendy to have tapestries adorning the wall along with textiles. These demonstrated affluence and also kept the warmth in. The wealthy were also known for having elaborate furniture and beautiful arches and doors. It was also common for the wealthy, to have lavish windows, which were bright and large. On the other hand, the lower class was the opposite. Glass windows were too expensive and instead they had to decrease the number of window openings to conserve heat. They lived nowhere close to the conditions of the upper class. Jeffrey L. Singman, author of //__Daily Life in Elizabethan England__// states on page 73, the average peasants house was made from frames of oaks, which were held together with timbers. Eventually these timbers would rot with moisture from the ground. Most people in the lower class were very susceptible to diseases since they rarely washed. Diseases caused many deaths during this time, especially the plague. Timothy Biel, author of //__The Black Death__// explains on page 26, that the plague was also known as the Black Death, for the reasons that it created large, black swellings all over the body, and would smell of decay. In conclusion, the life of the upper class and the lower class contrasted in many ways during the Elizabethan Era.   Works Cited:


 Elizabethan Era. 2008. Web.14 Apr 2009. [] 

 Porter, Roy. London A Social History. Great Britain: Harvard University Press, 1994.




