Mediterranean Revival
1890-1940
The Mediterranean style is a revival style representative of Latin-American heritage in the American southwest. However, it can also be referred to as Spanish Eclectic because of the integration of diverse ideas from European cultures such as Spanish, Italian, and French. This style conjures the romance of the European landscape but in the American settings in the warmer climates of California, Florida, and the Southwest. The Mediterranean style can be seen in architecture ranging from homes, city buildings, to hotels. The earthy texture and color of the smooth stucco gave the impression of stability to these large, stylish houses. A few architectural elements that stand out on a Mediterranean style building are its red barrel tile roof, arcaded porches, wrought iron grilles around windows which provided protection, and patios and balconies that shielded the buildings from the sun.
Photos by Ms. Sheri Barfield, ALERT teacher
Mediterranean Elements:
- Thick, stucco or plaster walls (smooth or rough textured)
- Earthy exterior colors
- Low sloped hipped roof with red barrel tiles
- Rounded arched doorways and windows
- Quatrefoil windows
- Arcades
- Wrought iron balcony
- Baroque columns
- Asymmetrical
- Ornate tile, wrought iron, and wood work
Mediterranean Revival Bibliography
Baker, John Milnes. American House Styles: A Concise Guide. New York: W.W. Norton, 1994. Print.
Blumenson, John J G. Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600-1945. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1977. N. Print.
Craven, Jackie. "Architecture Inspired by Spain." About.com Architecture. About.com, n.d. Web. 8 July 2013. <http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ss/spanishrevival.htm>.
Massey, James C., and Shirley Maxwell. House Styles in America: The Old-house Journal Guide to the Architecture of American Homes. New York, NY: Penguin Studio, 1996. Print.
McAlester, Virginia, and A. Lee McAlester. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Knopf, 1984. Print.
"Mission Revival." Architecture. Antique Home, n.d. Web. 8 July 2013. http://www.antiquehome.org/Architectural-Style/mission.htm.
Rifkind, Carole. A Field Guide to American Architecture. New York: New American Library, 1980. Print.
Van, Buren Maurie. House Styles at a Glance: An Illustrated Guide. Atlanta, GA: Longstreet, 1991. Print.
Walker, Les. American Shelter: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Home. Woodstock, NY: Overlook, 1981. Print.
Baker, John Milnes. American House Styles: A Concise Guide. New York: W.W. Norton, 1994. Print.
Blumenson, John J G. Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600-1945. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1977. N. Print.
Craven, Jackie. "Architecture Inspired by Spain." About.com Architecture. About.com, n.d. Web. 8 July 2013. <http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ss/spanishrevival.htm>.
Massey, James C., and Shirley Maxwell. House Styles in America: The Old-house Journal Guide to the Architecture of American Homes. New York, NY: Penguin Studio, 1996. Print.
McAlester, Virginia, and A. Lee McAlester. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Knopf, 1984. Print.
"Mission Revival." Architecture. Antique Home, n.d. Web. 8 July 2013. http://www.antiquehome.org/Architectural-Style/mission.htm.
Rifkind, Carole. A Field Guide to American Architecture. New York: New American Library, 1980. Print.
Van, Buren Maurie. House Styles at a Glance: An Illustrated Guide. Atlanta, GA: Longstreet, 1991. Print.
Walker, Les. American Shelter: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Home. Woodstock, NY: Overlook, 1981. Print.