How did Robert Adam and James Adam develop the Adam style?

Robert and James Adam developed the "Adam style" by synthesizing various architectural influences into a new, decorative approach characterized by lightness, freedom, and a fresh combination of classical elements. Following Robert’s extensive study of Roman antiquities—including his detailed examination of Diocletian’s palace in Spalato—and his collaboration with the French architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau, the brothers moved away from the rigid constraints of Palladianism.12

Their mature style, fully developed by the mid-1760s after James joined Robert in London, incorporated several key influences:
* Classical and Renaissance sources: Roman archaeology and 16th-century Italian Renaissance ornamentation.1
* Architectural theory: The movement and vigor of Sir John Vanbrugh and the work of earlier Palladian architects.1
* Contemporary trends: French design, particularly regarding planning and furniture.1

The brothers defined their approach through the concept of "movement"—the strategic use of advance and recess in building forms to create a picturesque composition. They applied this style meticulously to interiors, designing everything from structural elements to carpets and decorative details.1