Elements of Greek Architecture in Modern Buildings
The elements of Greek architecture are ofter used often in many modern-day buildings are column styled after the Classical Orders (Sayre, 2013). According to Greek architecture orders “The classical orders—described by the labels Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—do not merely serve as descriptors for the remains of ancient buildings, but as an index to the architectural and aesthetic development of Greek architecture itself”- Dr. Jeffery A. Becker
The Oldest and first order is the Doric order. This order is the simplest of the three. It is simple because it represents the transition from wood to stone. Yet this design is simple its extremely strong. The design of a Doric order is a rounded capital, fluted column shaft and doesn’t contain any base. The Parathenon located in Athens Greece, is instructed with this design of Doric column. In the united stated we have a modern building “The Lincoln Memorial” located in Washington, D.C, that is influenced by the ancient greek order, Doric columns.
The second notorious order is identified as a scrolled capital and has a base to the columns. The design of the column is much elegant because it is slender. By its profile its looks more graceful and feminine versus the Doric order that looks more thicker and masculine . An ancient building located in Athens Greece features these lighter iconic columns, is the Temple of Athena Nike. In Washington D.C we have building that is a modern version of this order, that can be seen on the Jefferson Memorial.
The most recents of the orders, is the Corinthian order. The Pantheon located in Italy, includes this “order” design of the Corinthian. The Corinthian order is also used in the modern building “U.S Supreme Court Building” located in Washington, D.C
In the United States we have buildings that are designed in such great matter including government buildings and memorial buildings. All of theses structures are influenced by great architects of the ancient world. I feel sometimes, we can take the mind blowing construction for grated because we are use to seeing them. Its truly incredible how the ancient Greeks and Romans were able to move and construct big objects to make art when creating their buildings.
It would truly be an amazing site to see these building in person!
(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Sayre, H.M. (2012). Discovering the humanities (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Answer preview:
I agree with the argument that most of the Greek architectural elements in modern buildings are based on the Classical Orders and are column styled. The classical orders indeed play an important role as an index to the architectural and aesthetic development of Greek architecture itself (Sayre, 2013). The three Classical Orders have been clearly identified from the oldest to the most modern with the oldest being the Doric order, followed by the scrolled capital (also known as the iconic columns) and the most modern being the Corinthian order. The Doric order which is the oldest of the three.
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