Greek architecture is the classical architecture of the ancient Greeks, characterised by temples, the column orders, symmetry and careful proportions. It set the foundations of Western architecture and its principles have been revisited in every subsequent classical revival.
The Column Orders
Greek architecture is best known for its three column orders, each with its own proportions and detailing:
| Order | Character | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Doric | Sturdy and plain | Simple, cushion-like |
| Ionic | Slender and elegant | Scrolled volutes |
| Corinthian | Ornate and tall | Acanthus leaves |
Application
Key features
- Temples — the temple, with its colonnade, is the defining building type
- Symmetry — plans and elevations are balanced about a central axis
- Proportion — dimensions follow careful mathematical ratios
- Entasis — columns swell slightly in the middle to correct an optical illusion
Lasting influence
Greek forms reappear in Roman, Renaissance and neoclassical architecture, and in countless public buildings, banks and museums built with columned porticoes.
Related Terms
- Column orders
- Doric
- Ionic
- Corinthian
- Entasis
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