Reviving Mediterranean Architecture

Mediterranean architecture is an ancient design that has a long-standing impact on modern construction. A special fascination towards the Renaissance architecture of the 13th century to 16th century was rekindled as evidenced by the many early-1900 structures in the North American coastal regions like Florida and California. This is primarily because the Mediterranean style was introduced to the United States only in the turn of the 19th century.

It is called Mediterranean architecture because it is a composite of the designs of buildings along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a perfect blend of Andalusian, Moorish, Spanish, and Tuscan designs. The Mediterranean region encompasses three continents - Europe, Asia, and Africa. Countries belonging to the region include Greece, France, Italy, Spain in Europe; Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia in Africa; and Cyprus, Lebanon, and Turkey in Asia.

Mediterranean style houses display features that improve their aesthetic value, regardless of their location - on the hills or by the ocean. Aside from its red roofs, Mediterranean buildings normally have sky blue, pale yellow, light pink or lavender interiors and exteriors. Some of its main elements include courtyards, terraces, balconies, window grilles, and lush gardens. Exteriors have gardens or fountains, while interiors have chandeliers or mantelpieces. The structures are normally multi-story set on a rectangular floor plan, featuring massive, symmetrical primary facades. They also have stuccoed wall surfaces; flat or low-pitched terra cotta and tile roofs; arched, scrolled or tile-capped parapet walls; and articulated door surrounds. Moreover, many buildings have soaring towers and spiralling staircases. Some have colonnades topped with keystones, while others have porticos supported with columns.

Mediterranean architectural style can be adapted to a modern farmhouse, villa, palace, mansion, office, apartment, church, or hotel.