Classical architecture

Classical architecture
Architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, especially from the 5th century BC in Greece to the 3rd century AD in Rome, that emphasized the column and pediment.

Greek architecture was based chiefly on the post-and-beam system, with columns carrying the load. Timber construction was superseded by construction in marble and stone. The column, a unit human in scale, was used as a module for all of a temple's proportions. The Doric order, probably the earliest, remained the favorite of the Greek mainland and western colonies. The Ionic order developed in eastern Greece; on the mainland, it was used chiefly for smaller temples and interiors. The greatest Greek architectural achievement was the Athens acropolis. By the late 5th century BC, the orders were applied to such structures as stoas and theaters. The Hellenistic Age produced more elaborate and richly decorated architecture, with often colossal buildings. Many of the great buildings were secular rather than religious, and the Ionic and especially the newer Corinthian orders were widely used. The Romans used the Greek orders and added two new ones (Tuscan and Composite); the Corinthian was by far the most popular. Roman architects used columns not only as functional bearing elements, but also as applied (engaged) decoration. Though rigidly adhering to symmetry, the Romans used a variety of spatial forms. Whereas Greek temples were isolated and almost always faced east-west, Roman temples were oriented with respect to other buildings. Roman columns carried arches as well as entablatures, permitting greater spatial freedom. The discovery of concrete enormously facilitated construction using the arch, vault, and dome, as in the Pantheon. Other public buildings included basilicas, baths (see thermae), amphitheaters, and triumphal arches. Classical architecture may also refer to architecture of later periods that employs Greek or Roman forms.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Classical architecture — Tholos temple, sanctuary of Athena Pronaia; located in Delphi, Greece Classical architecture is a mode of architecture employing vocabulary derived in part from the Greek and Roman architecture of classical antiquity, enriched by classicizing… …   Wikipedia

  • classical architecture — noun architecture influenced by the ancient Greeks or Romans • Syn: ↑Greco Roman architecture • Members of this Topic: ↑cyma, ↑cymatium • Hypernyms: ↑architectural style, ↑style of architecture, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • classical architecture — /klæsɪkəl ˈakətɛktʃə/ (say klasikuhl ahkuhtekchuh) noun 1. any architectural style distinguished by clarity and balance of design and plan, expressive of poise and dignity, and as a rule by the use of a Greek or Roman vocabulary. 2. the… …  

  • The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America — The Institute of Classical Architecture Classical America, founded as two separate nonprofit organizations in 1991 and 1968, respectively, merged in 2002 as a national organization dedicated to advancing the classical tradition in architecture,… …   Wikipedia

  • Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture — The Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture was established in 2003 by The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and is presented annually through the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture to honor a major contributor in the field …   Wikipedia

  • NEO-CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE —    The revival of classicism is a recurring theme in the history of architecture. From the earliest establishment of an architectural canon in Ancient Greece and its further codification in Ancient Rome, architects throughout time have been… …   Historical Dictionary of Architecture

  • List of classical architecture terms — This is a list of terms used in classical architecture.Building elements* Acroterion ornament mounted at the apex of the pediment of a building * Aedicule * Apollarium * Aegis * Apse * Arch * Architrave * Archivolt * Ante Fixae * Amphiprostyle *… …   Wikipedia

  • Classical antiquity — Classical era redirects here. For the Classical period in music, see Classical period (music). The works of Homer mark the beginning of classical antiquity and were revered throughout the period …   Wikipedia

  • Classical order — An illustration of the five orders engraved for the Encyclopédie, vol. 18, showing the Tuscan and Doric orders (top row); two versions of the Ionic order (center row); Corinthian and Composite orders (bottom row). A classical order is one of the… …   Wikipedia

  • architecture — /ahr ki tek cheuhr/, n. 1. the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect. Architecture often includes design or selection of… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”