medieval forms, in contrast to the neoclassical styles prevalent at the time. Modern architecture – generally characterized by simplification of form and absence of ornament. Although now historical, the ubiquitous international style which predominates in cities worldwide remains a strong influence in contemporary architecture. Postmodern architecture – began as an international style the first examples of which are generally cited as being from the 1950s, but did not become a movement until the late 1970s and continues to influence present-day architecture. New Classical architecture – a movement for reapproaching traditional architecture language, that established since the 1980s. Contemporary architecture – the architecture of the 21st century. Buildings Although not all buildings are architecture, the term encompasses a huge range of building types, as summarised in the following list pages: List of building types List of buildings and structures List of human habitation forms Building construction Building design Materials Materiality (architecture) Building material List of building materials Structural elements Arch – a curved structure, often made up blocks or bricks, spanning across an opening and supporting the weight of structure above. Works by transferring vertical loads into compression forces. There are many arch shapes including semicircular, segmental, parabolic, pointed (gothic), three-point and flat arches. Beam (structure) – a straight structural member, typically wood or steel, capable of spanning from one support to another and supporting the weight of structure above. Works by resisting bending forces. Buttress – a short section of masonry built at right angles to a wall, to resist lateral forces. Cantilever – a projecting structure without visible means of support at the projecting end. Column or pillar – a relatively slender structural element, typically circular, square or polygonal in plan, that bears the weight of the structure above. Dome – a roof structure, typically hemispherical, constructed in a similar way to an arch. The plan shape may be circular, elliptical or polygonal, and the cross section shape can vary in the same ways as an arch. Doorway – opening in a wall, typically rectangular, providing means of access, usually with a gate or door to provide security and weather protection. Facade – an exterior face of a building, especially the front. Floor – typically a horizontal surface that is walked upon, to support the expected loads of the building. Foundation or footing – solid base usually below ground, upon which buildings and other structures are built. Works by