Ideals of Greek Architecture

Simplicity was certainly a feature that defined Greek architecture. Their building style was based on post-and-lintel construction. This consists of laying a horizontal beam, or lintel, across a space between tow supporting columns, or posts (Harris 24). However, the Greeks elaborated on this simple style. They refined the lintel into the triangular ebtablature.

 

cornice frieze architrave

 

The entablature was split into three parts, the architrave, cornice, and frieze. The architrave was the part that actually rested on the column. The cornice was the projecting topmost section. The frieze was the elaborately decorated part between the two. The post was refined into the column, which consisted of a base, shaft, and capital (Sullivan 12-14)

There were three orders, or classifications, of Greek architecture. This was based on the style of the capital.

Doric

 

Doric order, the simplest of the three, originated in the lands occupied by the Dorians. It expressed strength and simplicity (Muschenheim 243). These columns had no base, and the shaft was channeled with shallow grooves. The capital was uncluttered, bearing 3-5 narrow horizontal bands. The temple of the Zeus at Olympia, built in the 5th century, exemplifies the Doric order.

Ionic

 

Ionic order originated on the coast of Asia Minor and the adjacent islands. These columns were taller and more slender than Doric. This graceful capital consists of a rectangular plate, each end of which was coiled like a scroll into spirals called volutes (Facelier 56).

Corinthian

 

Corinthian order was the most elaborate of the three. The capital was the shape of an upside down bell. Rising up the sides from the bottom of the bell are two overlapping rows of acanthus leaves carved in relief (Harris 151).

To read about some of the famous Greek constructions, click on the following:

..Acropolis 
..Propylaea 
..Parthenon 
..Erechtheion
..Temple of Nike Athena

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