The Americas, China, India, & Cambodia

 In the Americas, they had no knowledge of Europe and the advanced civilizations they contained. In the areas of Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and the United States there were vastly different civilizations and architecture and interior design differences. One of the most commonly known architectural structures from this time period, Machu Picchu, was designed and built by the Incan civilization. Located in Peru, this group of people had many different building types as they had a mountainous land and a variation of climates. 

As shown in the structure of Machu Picchu, the Inca were very crafty in stone cutting and had three types of and often preferred unique stone that were often used. Yucay limestone, green Sacsayhuaman, and black andesite were often seen in their structures. These stones often weighed several tons and without modern equipment it was a challenge to move these stones into place. Ropes, logs, poles, levers, and ramps were used to help aid this process. What is interesting is that these stones often had protruding pieces to help better grip them as well as they featured marks to indicate if they were pounded into shape or cut into shape. Shapes such as the trapezoid doorways were often a double doorway in a sense. A square doorways was seen in stone as the outside shape but, the inside shape was made into a trapezoid. It created a unique layered effect, and in Machu Picchu, different colors of stone were used to further highlight this design choice. These stones were cut so precisely, that mortar was not needed to bond the the stones together. 

China was yet another region that had such a distinct style of architecture. A Stupa, which was a mound of dirt where a permanent structure is built overtop of. These mounds were often burial ground, and was a way to pay respect to and preserve the burial ground. While India was the country that founded this structure, China took it and turned it into their iconic structure. There was an influence from the Stupa that led to Pagodas which combines the Stupa shape and the tower buildings. 

The interiors of Chinese homes and commercial spaces focused on the courtyard style. The orientation and layout of these spaces was often symmetrical, and very well planned out. Partially solid screens were often used within these interiors to create defined spaces while maintaining a flow between the spaces. The furniture came to replace mats that were placed upon the floor but, kept the light nature of mats. Often constructed from wood, curvilinear shapes were present within folding chairs and they were often paired with a footrest. Intricate designs were carved into the backrest of these chairs and added a level of sophistication. 

Modern Applications

Dividing screens are still quite popular, especially in commercial spaces. These can create defined waiting areas without cutting the space off completely. The same idea of cut out shapes is still present as it is used as a focal point rather than just something that is functional. 

The desire to create a statement with entry doors has been seen throughout the ages. The Inca preferred to use trapezoids to create a dramatic statement when entering. In modern times, extending doorways, especially in residential spaces, is seen to create an impact. The human eye is naturally drawn to geometric shapes so these are often used to create those statement pieces. The height in this space as well creates drama and a feeling of luxury. 

China continues to be a country where architecture and design flourish, and push the boundaries of the norms. Modern tower buildings in China take on new and unique shapes and have increased their height dramatically. Playing with a taper shape and skinny buildings is something seen within their architecture. Glass is now the preferred materials and these buildings are much sleekier as opposed to Pagoda buildings, with protrusions at the corners.