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American Foursquare


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American Foursquare

American Foursquare is a style of residential architecture that emerged in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a simple, practical, and affordable style that was popular among the middle class. The style is characterized by a boxy shape with four sides of equal length and a low-pitched hipped roof. The façade is symmetrical, with a single dormer window and a full-width porch. The style typically features classical elements such as columns and balustrades on the front porch, and a central doorway flanked by double-hung windows. One of the key features of American Foursquare is its efficient floor plan. The interior is usually organized around a central stair hall, with four rooms on the first floor and four more rooms on the second floor. This layout maximizes the use of space and provides ample room for a growing family. The style is also noted for its durability and low maintenance, as it is typically constructed of masonry and built to last. American Foursquare was a reaction to the ornate Victorian and Queen Anne styles of the Victorian era, which were seen as impractical and expensive. The style was favored for its simplicity and affordability, and it was widespread across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Great Plains states. American Foursquare is sometimes referred to as the Box Style and has its roots in the Prairie Style. In summary, American Foursquare is a style of residential architecture that emerged in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by a boxy shape with four sides of equal length and a low-pitched hipped roof, as well as a symmetrical façade with classical elements such as columns and balustrades. The interior is organized around a central stair hall, with four rooms on the first floor and four more rooms on the second floor. The style is noted for its durability, low maintenance, and affordability, and it was a popular choice among the middle class.

architecture, residential, middle class, efficient floor plan, durability

Thomas Harris

237803
American Foursquare

The American Foursquare is a popular architectural style developed in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Characterized by a boxy shape with four sides of equal length and a low-pitched hipped roof, the style was seen as a reaction to the ornate Victorian and Queen Anne styles of the Victorian era. This style was favored for its practicality and affordability, and it was widespread across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Great Plains states. The American Foursquare is distinguished by a two-story box shape, a low-pitched roof, symmetrical façade, and single dormer window. The style typically features a front porch with classical elements such as columns and balustrades, and often includes a central doorway flanked by double-hung windows. Inside, the floor plan is usually organized around a central stair hall with four rooms on the first floor and four more rooms on the second floor, making it a very efficient layout.

Simplicity, Economy, Symmetry, Practicality, Versatility.

Michael Adams

CITATION : "Michael Adams. 'American Foursquare.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=237803 (Accessed on May 10, 2024)"

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American Foursquare

American Foursquare is a style of architecture popular during the turn of the 20th century which is characterized by its symmetrical, boxy shape, usually two-and-a-half stories tall and typically constructed of masonry. Its most distinguishing features are the two-story, hipped roof with a dormer window and a full-width porch. It is typically an American interpretation of the Queen Anne style and is sometimes referred to as the Box Style. This style has its roots in the Prairie Style, but is distinguished by the more symmetrical lines and the use of masonry. American Foursquare homes are typically built to last and are noted for their durability and low maintenance.

Brick, Masonry, Porch, Roof, Symmetry.

Shelly Stone


American Foursquare Definition
American Foursquare on Design+Encyclopedia

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