Overview
This lecture introduces the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—and explains their distinguishing features and long-lasting influence on Western architectural design.
Introduction to Classical Orders
- Classical orders are ancient Greek architectural styles used for over 2,500 years as the foundation of Western architecture.
- The basic construction method used is post and lintel, where vertical posts support a horizontal lintel.
- The three main classical orders are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
Doric Order
- Doric is the oldest and simplest order, originating in 7th-century mainland Greece.
- Key elements: pediment (triangular top, not officially part of the order), entablature, frieze, triglyphs, and metopes.
- Triglyphs feature three vertical marks, historically representing wooden beam ends; metopes are spaces between triglyphs, often filled with sculpture.
- The Doric capital is plain and heavy, with a flared shape and simple slab.
- Columns (shafts) have shallow vertical grooves (flutes) and no base, going straight into the floor.
- Columns are built from stacked stone drums.
- Entasis is a slight swelling in the column shaft that creates a sense of liveliness and verticality.
Ionic Order
- The Ionic order is more elegant and slender than the Doric, considered feminine.
- Ionic capitals have scroll-like shapes called volutes.
- Columns have bases and a slightly different type of fluting compared to Doric.
Corinthian Order
- The Corinthian order is the most decorative and elaborate.
- Its distinguishing feature is a capital decorated with stylized acanthus leaves and volutes.
- Columns have bases and are typically taller, similar to Ionic.
- Origin myth: the capital’s design was inspired by acanthus leaves growing around a basket.
Legacy and Influence
- Greeks invented the three classical orders; Romans and later architects adapted and continued their use.
- Elements of classical orders remain visible in contemporary architecture.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Post and Lintel — construction system with vertical posts supporting a horizontal lintel.
- Order — a style or set of rules for design in classical architecture.
- Doric — the simplest classical order, characterized by plain capitals and no column base.
- Ionic — an order with capitals featuring spiral volutes and a column base.
- Corinthian — the most ornate order, marked by an elaborate capital with acanthus leaves.
- Pediment — triangular upper part of a building’s front.
- Entablature — the horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
- Frieze — central section of the entablature, often decorated.
- Triglyph — a panel with three vertical grooves on a Doric frieze.
- Metope — the space between triglyphs, sometimes sculpted.
- Capital — the topmost element of a column.
- Fluting — shallow grooves on the column shaft.
- Entasis — a slight bulge in the column for visual effect.
- Volute — a spiral scroll characteristic of Ionic and Corinthian capitals.
- Acanthus — a plant whose leaves inspired the Corinthian capital’s decoration.
- Drum — a cylindrical stone segment of a column shaft.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders for visual reference.
- Read about Roman adaptations of Greek orders.
- Visit buildings or images that feature classical orders to observe architectural details.