Why were columns an important part of Greek architecture?
midnightpixie_2008 asked:
Can anyone tell me Why columns were an important part of Greek architecture?
Also what were some characteristics of three distinct architectual types the Doric, the Ionic, and the Corinthian?
Can anyone tell me Why columns were an important part of Greek architecture?
Also what were some characteristics of three distinct architectual types the Doric, the Ionic, and the Corinthian?
3 Responses on Why were columns an important part of Greek architecture?
They didn’t have an arch so column supported the horizontal framing. There were so many they had to be pretty.
They supported the structures. There was three designs of columns.
Contrary to the other poster, the Greeks DID have the arch, they just really liked the post and lintel system a lot. One reason the Greeks liked the column is that, when constructed out of several discs (stacked, with a wooden post down the center) it provided excellent earthquake resistance in an area know for tremors. Using bricks and mortar, as in the arch, would not be as flexible in an earthquake.
Doric columns were usually very simple, having a rounded capital and usually no base, although sometimes they had square bases.
Ionic columns are characterized mainly by the use of scrolls for the capital. They had more elaborate bases that were usually made up of rounded sections.
Corinthian columns had very elaborate capitals. They had what look like floral designs on the capitals, and the bases were a lot like Ionic bases.
It’s important to note that the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders were not just apparent in the columns. The style of art and decoration that went above the columns also changed during each period.
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