User:Nazzezoh/Polite architecture

In 16th century England, towers and castles included both decorative and symbolic components. Such features were not only used in order to convey a grand, majestic appearance, but also were utilized as look out points. Additionally, courtyards were constructed in order to express the concept of community. Courtyards were positioned in the center where activities could be held. Other polite architectural features, such as height and lighting, were employed in order to create an aesthetic surrounding social class. Specific features that further expressed differences in social groupings included moats, gatehouses, emblems, and crenelations. With advancements in industrialization and materials, more emphasis could be placed on aesthetics and style.

Polite architecture places more emphasis on structures designed by those textually instructed architects, whereas, vernacular architecture typically are constructed through direct experiences and express local ideals and needs. In simpler terms, polite architecture refers to architectural designs that had a forethought styles. Common styles often associated with polite architecture include Victorian, Gregorian, Gothic and Classical.

Polite architecture acts as a subcategory of architecture that focuses on the sides of architecture that reinforce the idea of architecture being an advanced, specialized field.