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Period Revivals

This term addresses the return to traditionalism experienced in architectural styles between the two world wars. A resurgence in traditional styles made itself apparent in style revivals such as the Colonial, Georgian, Mission and Spanish Colonial. Their influence is widely found in historic architecture throughout the continent. Locally the revival styles were adapted, diluted and combined with varied results.

Colonial Revival

Although it can vary from American interpretations, The Colonial Revival was based upon Classical architecture. Typical elements included bell cast roofs, a symmetrical plan, open front verandahs, eave brackets, classically inspired mouldings, Classical columns, and multi-paned Palladian windows. Houses of this style often sit upon a square or rectangular base and rise to a height of 2 storeys. Although similar to the Georgian, this style has a more subdued, vernacular appearance.

Georgian Revival

Based on the architecture of the Italian Renaissance, this style was initially popularized in Britain. Named for the reign of the four King Georges, it was the dominant architectural style in the American colonies in the 1700s. Its greatest popularity in BC was as an interwar period revival. Characteristic elements included a symmetrical plan, a façade divided into three, five, or seven bays, a hipped roof, a pedimented porch, columns, pilasters, cornices, multi-paned or Palladian windows, and generally Classical proportions.

Spanish/Mission Revival

This style originated in the Southwestern United States and gained popularity following the 1915 San Diego Exposition. It quickly became associated with the idealistic Californian dream and spread widely throughout the west. The style is typically defined by curved roof edges, flat stucco surfaces, open porches and balconies, roof tiles, arched window and door openings, colonnaded entrances and other references to Spanish forms. This architecture became popular at the same time as automobiles and highways throughout the Southwest and up the West Coast.

Credits:
Scott Barrett, BA - Writer

Acknowledgements:
Victoria Heritage Foundation
Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation
Heritage Society of British Columbia
British Columbia Heritage Trust - www.heritage.gov.bc.ca