Which type of architecture typically features columns, pediments, and formal symmetry?

The correct answer is Beaux Arts architecture, which is characterized by its grandiosity and classical details. This architectural style heavily draws from classical Greek and Roman influences, featuring prominent elements such as columns, pediments, and a strong emphasis on formal symmetry.

Beaux Arts designs often incorporate elaborate ornamentation and a monumental scale, aiming to convey a sense of opulence and order. The columns used in this style might be in the Ionic, Doric, or Corinthian orders, each contributing to the aesthetic appeal and historical narrative of the structure. The use of pediments, typically triangular at the top of a building entry, reinforces the classical ideals of harmony and balance.

In contrast, other architectural styles mentioned do not emphasize these classical features. For example, Brutalism prioritizes raw materials and utilitarian structures with a stark, rugged aesthetic, while Postmodern architecture mixes historical references with new elements, often eschewing formal symmetry. Meanwhile, the International style is known for its minimalist design, glass and steel construction, and lack of ornamentation, focusing on function and simplicity rather than the classical elements seen in Beaux Arts architecture.