Overview
This lecture introduces the classical orders of Greek architecture—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—and explores their features, historical origins, and significance in Western architecture.
Architecture as Language and Origins
- Architecture uses recurring forms and styles, similar to learning a language.
- The classical orders are the foundational styles of Western architecture, developed by ancient Greeks for temples.
- Most ancient architecture uses the post and lintel system: vertical posts support a horizontal lintel.
The Classical Orders
- Three primary classical orders: Doric (oldest, simplest), Ionic (more decorative), and Corinthian (most ornate).
- Two additional orders exist (Tuscan and Composite) but are not covered in detail.
Doric Order
- Emerged in 7th-century Greece; features heavy, broad columns with no base.
- Sections include: pediment (triangular top), entablature (horizontal area below), frieze (decorated with triglyphs and metopes).
- Triglyphs (three grooves) alternate with metopes (spaces often filled with sculpture).
- Columns are fluted (shallow vertical grooves) and composed of stone drums stacked with wood pegs.
- Features entasis: column shafts swell about one-third up and then taper, giving a lively, elastic appearance.
Ionic Order
- Developed after the Doric; associated with delicacy and considered more feminine.
- Columns are taller and feature a base, as well as capitals with volutes (scroll-like shapes).
- Fluting style differs from Doric.
Corinthian Order
- Most ornate and decorative; has bases and is taller like the Ionic.
- Capitals are distinguished by elaborate acanthus leaf designs and sometimes include volutes.
- Inspired by a myth involving acanthus leaves growing around a basket.
Influence and Legacy
- The Greek orders were adopted by the Romans and continue to influence architecture today.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Post and Lintel — Basic construction system with vertical posts and a horizontal lintel.
- Order — Architectural style characterized by specific elements, especially columns and entablature.
- Doric Order — Oldest, simplest order with heavy, plain columns and no base.
- Ionic Order — Taller, thinner columns with volute capitals and bases.
- Corinthian Order — Most complex order, with capitals decorated with acanthus leaves.
- Pediment — Triangular gable at the end of a building.
- Entablature — Horizontal structure supported by columns, includes frieze.
- Frieze — Decorative horizontal band, especially in Doric with triglyphs and metopes.
- Triglyph — Panel with three vertical grooves.
- Metope — Space between triglyphs, often decorated.
- Capital — Uppermost part of a column.
- Fluting — Vertical grooves carved into a column shaft.
- Entasis — Slight swelling in a column’s shaft to counteract optical illusion of concavity.
- Volute — Spiral scroll feature on Ionic and Corinthian capitals.
- Acanthus — Leaf motif found on Corinthian capitals.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams or images of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns.
- Study the architectural terms and their definitions.
- Prepare for discussion or quiz on the distinguishing features of each order.