Forntian Architectural Styles
Historical and Evolutionary Styles
Origins of Spirean Architecture
The Origin of Shelters in D'hɑlbrisir comes from the Northland shelters in the Wildlands. The Original construction style origin are unknown, but archaeological work traces their existence since 12,000 Golden Leaf Age (GLA) arising in Lothar and Mephiste. The styles were very similar which reflected some trade and idea communication. The structures which were originally made of Adobe, Ceramic tile and stoneware. The shape was largely domed which reflected the need for strong structures on the shifting tectonic plates which made demand for homes that were strong against earthquakes. With the hostile megafauna and an unfriendly landscape there was also a need for camouflaging the structures into the mountains, highlands, forests, and cliffsides. These reflect the beginning principles of Forntian Architecture through use of layered truss like shapes to hold the dome in place using wooden support beams and geometric calculation which were all solved through large scale mathematics taught in the Forntian Temples which were recognized higher institutions of learning at the time.
The original houses in D'hɑlbrisir would often have on average 20′ interior diameter, 314 sq. ft. which could withstand repeat hurricanes and seismic activity with its structural integrity. They had small windows with removable window and door shutters, monolithic slab floors that are integrated with the walls, and are built on high ground with wooden mesh that won’t rust and would need minimal replacement. On top it would have a mixed adobe-like plaster on both sides. Integrating the slab and dome and building on a rubble trench was ideal for seismic zones. In an earthquake, the building would slide back and forth somewhat like an upside down cereal bowl on a kitchen table (meaning the whole house remains intact as one shell) and it allowed for long-term survival in the Northern Volcanic Zones and Southern Hurricane zones. The trade routes along the areas also show the influence on the North-Western Altean homes. The Structures then became more and more complex from this time onward.
The Classical Period
The Classic Forntian Architectural styles are the most influential styles in Forntian Architecture with the classical principles most directly visible in the older cities in Caltris, Lothar, and Merlon. The Classical period was inspired by local styles of building generated by the Great Templar Tythus Vinduras in designing the Great Temple of Fornt in Mephiste. The High King was so deeply impressed by the design, that he ordered the Architect to design the Palace of Kings and mimetic principles of his architectural styles linger in many of the structures throughout Crystal Spires. The use of dome-like cupolas was the features that lingered from ancient Spirean homes and continued to be used along with truss framing and attempts to expand the greater use of mixed materials.The expansion from form and function into expansive ideological art-styles began to arise including the glazed stoneware carving patterns which is also seen in Spirean pottery and artifacts of the period, and it also shows the signs of repeating shapes and tendrils. The First uses of Minaret-like Watchtowers were used in the Classical Period along with Artistic Mosaics and colored glass styles. The striking interior arches and keyhole entryways were used in the Classical Period. The use of designs of air, land, and sea and marked off the rise of Kuukarah the Caste System of Crystal Spires.
North Calistas Period
The North Calistas Period is marked with open and breezy interior spaces adorned in red, blue, and gold. The walls are decorated with stylized tendril web, vines, flowers, and foliage motifs. The rise of the Hypostyle Columned halls which were designed with ornate forest shaped corbels in the interior and exterior of buildings became more and more common. This came also with walls covered in glazed tile. The design and geometrics were preserved along with the opening courtyards on the inside of buildings with a fountain as the house's centerpiece. The Mausoleum as well had found its success in the north Calistas period. It was also in this period that the wall and the ditch was popularized around cities with a defensive wall raised on the other side of the ditch which was smoothed out by stone to make scaling the ditch more difficult for land monsters. The walls were decorated with mixed composition of stone. Chiaroscuro was used first in this periods.
Ardenian Style
Religious zeal made the city of Arden patrons of Forntian architecture and art. Trade and agriculture flourished under Monarchist, and Religious Rule and their capital, Arden became the center of artistic and intellectual activity. This made Arden filled with majestic domes, courtyards, and soaring minaret-like watchtowers which spread across the city. Unlike the uniformness of the Classical and North Calistan architecture, Ardenian Style was more varied and had less uniform structures with each building reflecting the patron's individual tastes, choices, and caste. The buildings were thus incredibly varied and the skyline was notable from above. The Skyborn elite were often more knowledgeable in the art of buildings than many historians of the time, and since the Skyborn had both wealth and power, the overall moderate proportions of Skyborn architecture—compared to Seabound, Landed or classical Forntian styles which was due to the individual decisions of patrons who preferred to sponsor multiple projects. The sponsors of the Temples of Arden, Merlon, Fallhelm, Glorelheim, and Anherc all preferred to build several temples in the city rather than focusing on one colossal monument. Patrons used architecture to strengthen their religious and social roles within the community, often getting favor of the Forntian Clerics. While the organization of Skyborn monuments varied, the funerary domes, high crystal spires and minaret watchtowers were constant leitmotifs. These attributes are prominent features in a Skyborn's temple profiles and were significant in the beautification of the city skyline. In Majkalur, the funerary dome and watchtowers were respected as symbols of commemoration and worship. Patrons used these visual attributes to express their individuality by decorating each dome and watchtower with distinct patterns. Patterns carved on domes ranged from ribs and zigzags to floral and geometric star designs.
Expanding on the Landed One's concepts of street-adjusted temple facades, the Skyborn developed their architecture to enhance street vistas and skyline. In addition, new aesthetic concepts and architectural solutions were created to reflect their enforced role in history with their rising power and caste. By 1568 CE the essential features of Skyborn architecture were already established in the complex of High King Kɑrvɑn Rɛgɑrberl VI.
Neo Classical Period
Eclectic Period
Universal Forntian Principles in Design
Religious Forntian principles reflect in the different stylistic elements of Forntian Architecture. There are various ways these features introduce themselves in the principles of building. Order is a primary focus of the Architectural design, including the focus of buildings and placement of structures in deliberate geometric designs. There is also a focus on religious principles of transcendence and transformation reflected in the changing styles in interiors of buildings which if seen for the first time can often be rather jarring. Then there is the use of domes, archways, columns and other defensive and pragmatic placement of objects inside a city and also inside structures themselves.
Ordered Repetition
A strong Feature of Forntian Architecture is ordered repetition, radiating structures, and rhythmic, metric patterns. Fractal geometry has been a key utility along with rhythmic linear patterns. One specific artistic feature is one of scrolling and interlacing "tendrils" or plain lines which repeat or fractal geometric patterns which interlock, meant to represent the inherent order in the universe, and the inescapable 'Law' of the Just God. Knowledge of geometry was necessary in Classical Forntian Architecture and the use of mathematics in these designs were often crucial. These principles include the bare basics of what makes objects structurally sound and, by extension, beautiful (i.e. the angle and the fixed/static shapes that it creates—esp. the truss). The designs are and can also be equally thought of as both art and science, as the artwork is at the same time mathematically precise, aesthetically pleasing, and symbolic.
Crossing Over
Another Feature of Forntian Architecture is use of column and arches which features the keyhole arch, which is said to represent changing realms from one room to another there is often a change of focus in design to enhance this feel of entering another world with the use of the keyhole arch design. In addition to the Arches of the Spirean Architectural design in the interior of buildings it is common to have 'forest' columned Hypostyle-like halls in traditional Forntian Architecture and vaulted gateways, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open with a portal projecting from the facade of a building, usually decorated with calligraphy bands, glazed tilework, ornate corbels, and geometric designs to show the movement from one place to another.
Power and Might
In Forntian Architecture the design of a building is meant to project a sense of power to enforce the wrathful nature of justice. There is a focus on the vaults, domes, cupolas, semidomes and columns to create threatening looking structures which radiate power and a feeling of great presence. These are used often along with the large watchtowers on the top of minaret-like structures from which a Spire of the paling is placed. The Paling itself is a defense against flying threats which collects electrical force from lightening storms or mage enchantments and at will strikes flying threats down with the collected power.
Air, Land, and Sea
In classical buildings it is essential to include an open courtyard, a garden, and a central fountain to represent air, land, and sea at harmony with one another. These do not have to be immense gardens, and are often focal points to the altars of Forntian Religious Practice including the hearth. There is some root of these structures in individual survival and in case the city is sieged it is said that these gardens and water sources were often included to allow for long-term survival.
