What's that type of Art / Architecture called?

[BlackPearl]

Hello, I sort of got pulled into graphic design 12 years ago and I've been doing paid work for 10 years or so. I can often design something that looks good in a style relevant to today. If they want something in a particular style I can match it if I have some examples. Employers are happy, clients are happy, I am happy.

However if someone says can you do something in "this style" I can say 'yes' but I have to then research the name/style. If I'm not told the name I don't know what I'm doing. For example I've a style in mind of lots of connected shapes, no trailing edges between them, not interlocking. I don't know what that style it is called, text searching for "smooth geometric architecture" gets me 'Articulation' but the picture search doesn't look like what I have in mind.

Are there any good style showcases, that have a bunch of pictures with a bunch of categories that they can be grouped under? For instance the Art Deco gallery would have 'geometric shape' and 'pattern' plus images. Dadaism and Surrealism would both be tagged 'quixotic', both would have images. Basically I'm looking for 'a style guide', style being very big and fluid concept makes it an awkward request.

I'd rather it be on a theme of something practical like architecture or objects rather than painting.

 

[Paul Murray]

http://www.artmovements.co.uk/ has a directory of different styles and examples. It's not quite what you're after but it might be a start.

I always find it's best to get examples of what the client wants directly from them. They might say I want something in a 'gothic' style, but actually want something similar to the renaissance period for example. Having them show you examples can help you see what they see in their head.

 

[Levi]

Not sure if it's the correct or not but I'd class smooth geometric architecture as one of three terms
geo organic architecture
20th Century modern architecture (ie glass boxes)
Organic Architecture

To be honest without seeing the idea, a picture is a lot easier to work from than a description, I think we're going to struggle.