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Craftsman architecture facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
GambleHouse-2005 edit1
The Gamble House in Pasadena, California is an example of Craftsman architecture

The Craftsman style is a type of architecture that became popular in the United States in the early 1900s. It got its name from a magazine called The Craftsman, which was published by Gustav Stickley. He was famous for making furniture by hand. This style was part of a bigger movement called the Arts and Crafts movement. That movement started in England in the late 1800s. It aimed for a "simpler way of life." This was a reaction against the fast-paced, machine-made world of the Industrial Revolution.

Architects like Greene and Greene designed many Craftsman homes, such as the famous Gamble House. These houses were known for being very well-made. They did not have a lot of fancy decorations. Often, their designs used ideas from nature. A smaller version of the Craftsman home was called the bungalow. By the 1910s, many Craftsman bungalows were being built in and around American cities. Besides America and England, the Craftsman style was also very popular in Japan.

What is Craftsman Style?

The Craftsman style is a unique way of designing buildings, especially homes. It focuses on quality and natural beauty. This style became very popular in the United States during the early 20th century. It was a time when many people wanted to move away from mass-produced items. They preferred things made by skilled hands.

Where Did the Style Come From?

The name "Craftsman" comes from a magazine. This magazine was called The Craftsman. It was created by Gustav Stickley. He was a furniture maker who believed in high-quality, handmade items. The Craftsman style was also a big part of the Arts and Crafts movement. This movement began in England in the late 1800s. It encouraged people to appreciate handmade goods and a simpler way of living. This was a contrast to the rapid growth of factories and machines during the Industrial Revolution.

Key Features of Craftsman Homes

Craftsman homes have several special features. They are known for being very sturdy and well-built.

Natural Materials

These homes often use natural materials. This includes wood, stone, and brick. You might see exposed wooden beams inside and outside the house. This shows off the natural beauty of the materials.

Simple Design

Craftsman houses usually have simple, clean lines. They do not have a lot of extra decorations. Instead, their beauty comes from the quality of the materials and the way they are put together. Many designs also connect with nature. They might have wide porches or large windows to let in light.

The Bungalow Style

A very common type of Craftsman home is the bungalow. Bungalows are usually smaller than other Craftsman houses. They often have one or one-and-a-half stories. By the 1910s, bungalows were built in large numbers. They offered affordable and well-designed homes for many families.

Famous Craftsman Architects

One of the most famous architectural firms known for the Craftsman style was Greene and Greene. They designed many beautiful homes, including the famous Gamble House in Pasadena, California. Their work showed the best of the Craftsman ideals.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: American Craftsman para niños

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