| Architecture is the name given to the art of designing structures, from the design of the internal physical aspects that keep the building in place to the decoration surrounding the outside of the edifice. There have been many architectural styles over the years. Some are unique in themselves, others have evolved from other styles. Many of the early buildings of the world now lie in ruin although there is much we can learn from the construction of early architecture. The first signs of this early architecture hail from the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Classic examples of early architecture include the mighty Angkor Wat in Cambodia, The Chichen Itza in Mexico and the ancient Pyramids of Egypt. European styles include Renaissance, Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Byzantine, Classical, Neoclassical and Rococo. Each of these styles are very decorative. The Gothic style is famous for being the style adopted for the design of many of the churches that we see in modern day Europe. Some of the architecture in Prague (Czech Republic) is representative of this period, not forgetting Cologne's Dom Cathedral in Germany. Islamic architecture can be found throughout the Middle East and the Indian Sub-continent. It started in the 8th century at around the time of Islam's foundation. Islamic architecture is represented by ornate domes and minarets. A famous example of ornate Islamic architecture is the Taj Mahal in India. The Parthenon is a legendary figure and example of Classical Architecture. It stands atop of the acropolis in Athens, Greece. The Parthenon was once a great temple, characterized by its huge stone columns. New York has an abundance of modern architecture, such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
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Global Information: Architecture