HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE-IV GREEK ARCHITECTURE SAMIYA RAMSHA 3PO22AT025
CONTENT INTRODUCTION APPRICATIONS OF WORK ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES. (EARLY, LATER PERIOD) DORIC, IONIC AND CORINTHIAN ORDERS AND OPTICAL CORRECTIONS. STUDY OF PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN OF GREEK ARCHITECTURE. Monumental (Built to impress and Last) ex. • Parthenon, • Theatre at Epidauros. 2. Domestic (Built to inhabit): • House of Colline , • House of Masks, 3. Civic space: • The Agora and Acropolis.
GREEK ARCHITECTURE Classical Greek architecture is highly formalized in structure and decoration, and is best known for its temples, many of which are found throughout the region as substantially intact ruins. Each classical Greek temple appears to have been conceived as a sculptural entity within the landscape, and is usually raised on higher ground so that its proportions and the effects of light on its surface can be viewed from multiple angles. Open-air theaters are also an important type of building that survives throughout the Hellenic world, with the earliest dating from approximately 525-480 BCE.
Greek architectural style can be divided into three separate orders: the Doric Order, the Ionic Order, and the Corinthian Order. These styles have had a profound impact on Western architecture of later periods. In particular, the architecture of ancient Rome grew out of Greek architecture. While the three orders of Greek architecture are most easily recognizable by their capitals, the orders also governed the form, proportions, details, and relationships of the columns, entablature, pediment, and stylobate . Orders were applied to the whole range of buildings and monuments
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF EARLY PERIODS Most ancient Greek temples were rectangular, and were approximately twice as long as they were wide, with some notable exceptions such as the enormous Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens with a length of nearly 21⁄2 times its width. A number of surviving temple-like structures are circular, and are referred to as tholos.[35] The smallest temples are less than 25 metres (approx. 75 feet) in length, or in the case of the circular tholos, in diameter. The great majority of temples are between 30 and 60 metres (approx. 100–200 feet) in length. A small group of Doric temples, including the Parthenon, are between 60 and 80 metres (approx. 200–260 feet) in length. The largest temples, mainly Ionic and Corinthian, but including the Doric Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Agrigento, were between 90 and 120 metres (approx. 300–390 feet) in length.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF GREEK LATER PERIODS DORIC The Doric order of Greek architecture was first seen towards the beginning of the 7 th century BCE, causing many to think of it as the oldest order, as well as the simplest and most massive. Doric columns were stouter than those of the Ionic or Corinthian orders. Their smooth, round capitals are simple and plain compared to the other two Greek orders. Columns: Doric columns are typically fluted (with shallow vertical grooves) and have no base. The shaft of the column is usually tapered and rests directly on the stylobate , the top step of the temple platform. The columns are usually wider at the bottom ( entasis ) and narrower towards the top (tapering), giving them a slight convex curvature to counteract the optical illusion of concavity. Capital: The capital of a Doric column consists of a plain, cushion-like slab called the echinus, which supports a square abacus (the flat slab at the top). The echinus is often decorated with simple convex curves known as annulets or fillets. Unlike the Ionic and Corinthian orders, Doric capitals do not have volutes (scroll-like ornaments). Entablature: The entablature of a Doric order consists of three main parts: the architrave, frieze, and cornice. The architrave is a plain, horizontal beam that rests directly on the columns and supports the weight of the structure above. The frieze is typically decorated with triglyphs (vertical grooves) and metopes (rectangular panels), which alternate along the length of the entablature. The cornice is the uppermost part of the entablature and often features a projecting molding called the corona.
Proportions: Doric temples are characterized by their simple and harmonious proportions, based on mathematical ratios and principles of geometry. The column height is typically four to six times the diameter of the column shaft, while the intercolumniation (spacing between columns) is usually one and a half to two times the column diameter.
Function and Symbolism: The Doric order was associated with masculine virtues such as strength, solidity, and austerity, and was often used for temples dedicated to male gods, such as Zeus and Apollo. Doric temples were designed to convey a sense of power, stability, and grandeur, reflecting the ideals of ancient Greek society. Examples: Some famous examples of Doric architecture include the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, and the Temple of Hera at Olympia. These temples showcase the timeless beauty and enduring legacy of the Doric order in ancient Greek architecture.
Ionic The Ionic Order originated in Ionia, a coastal region of what is now called Turkey, which is where it gets its name. It is characterised mainly by the scroll-like ornaments that appear on Ionic column capitals known as volutes, as well as the column base supports that are not featured on Doric columns. Columns: Ionic columns are typically taller and more slender than Doric columns. They have fluted shafts with deeper vertical grooves, and they rest on a base. The most distinctive feature of Ionic columns is the capital, which consists of volutes (scroll-like ornaments) on either side of the echinus (a cushion-like slab). The volutes are often said to represent either the curls of hair of a maiden or the horns of a ram, depending on interpretation. Capital: The Ionic capital is adorned with volutes, which are spiral or scroll-like ornaments that give the order its distinctive appearance. Beneath the volutes is the echinus, a convex, cushion-like slab that supports the abacus, the flat slab at the top of the column. Below the echinus, there may be a band of moldings known as the necking.
Entablature: The entablature of the Ionic order consists of three main parts: the architrave, frieze, and cornice. The architrave is divided into three horizontal bands, often with the uppermost band being decorated with relief carvings or other ornamental motifs. The frieze is typically continuous and may feature sculptural reliefs, decorative patterns, or other embellishments. The cornice is less projecting than in the Doric order and may include dentils or other decorative elements.
CORINTHIAN Unlike the Doric and Ionic orders, the Corinthian Order does not have its origin in wooden architecture, having grown directly out of the Ionic Order in the mid-5 th century BCE. Taking its name from the city of Corinth, the Corinthian Order can be distinguished from the Ionic Order by its more ornate capitals carved with stylized acanthus leaves.
On the Corinthian entablature, the frieze was usually decorated with continual sculptural reliefs, where the figures were raised from the surface but not completely freestanding. Examples of Corinthian columns in Greek architecture The Temple of Olympian Zeus
STUDY OF PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN OF GREEK ARCHITECTURETHE
The Parthenon is an ancient temple located on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. It is one of the most iconic and celebrated monuments of ancient Greek architecture and is considered a symbol of classical civilization. Construction: The construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BCE and was completed in 438 BCE, during the Golden Age of Athens under the leadership of the statesman Pericles. It was built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron deity of Athens.
Architectural Style: The Parthenon is a Doric peripteral temple, meaning it has a rectangular floor plan surrounded by a colonnade of Doric columns on all four sides. It follows the classical proportions and design principles of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by harmony, symmetry, and balance. PARTHENON
Materials: The Parthenon was constructed primarily of Pentelic marble, quarried from Mount Pentelicus , located northeast of Athens. The marble blocks were carved and transported to the Acropolis, where they were assembled to form the temple structure. The columns, entablature, and pediments were also made of marble.
Dimensions: The Parthenon measures approximately 30.9 meters (101 feet) in width, 69.5 meters (228 feet) in length, and 13.7 meters (45 feet) in height at the peak of the pediments. It is designed with meticulous attention to detail and proportion, with subtle adjustments made to counteract optical illusions and create an impression of perfect symmetry.
CHARACTER OF PARTHENON Architectural Harmony:The Parthenon embodies the principles of classical Greek architecture, characterized by a sense of harmony, balance, and proportion. Its design reflects the classical orders, with Doric columns supporting the entablature and pediments. Doric Architecture:As a Doric temple, the Parthenon features sturdy and simple architectural elements. Its columns are robust, with fluted shafts and no bases, rising to support the entablature above. The capitals are plain and consist of a rounded echinus and a square abacus.
Symmetry and Proportion:The Parthenon is renowned for its mathematical precision and architectural symmetry. The temple is built on a rectangular plan with a series of evenly spaced columns on all sides, creating a sense of balance and order.
Sculptural Friezes: The exterior of the Parthenon is adorned with sculptural friezes that depict various mythological and historical scenes. The most famous of these is the Ionic frieze that adorned the exterior of the cella (the inner chamber of the temple) and depicted the Panathenaic procession.
Pediment Sculptures: The pediments of the Parthenon were adorned with large sculptural compositions depicting mythological narratives, such as the birth of Athena and the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of Athens. These sculptures were executed in high relief and added to the visual splendor of the temple.
Optical Illusions: The architects of the Parthenon employed subtle optical refinements to counteract the visual distortions created by the human eye. For example, the columns are slightly tapered and bowed to appear straight when viewed from a distance, and the horizontal lines of the entablature are subtly curved to counteract the optical effect of sagging.
The Theatre of Epidaurus, also known as the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus or the Epidaurus Theatre, is an ancient Greek theatre located in the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. Here are some key aspects of the Theatre of Epidaurus: Construction: The Theatre of Epidaurus was built in the 4 th century BCE, during the classical period of ancient Greece. It is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek theatres and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and architectural design. THEATRE AT EPIDAURUS
Architectural Style: The theatre is a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture and is considered one of the finest examples of classical theatre design. It is a large, open-air theatre with a semicircular orchestra (the performance space) surrounded by tiered seating for spectators. The seating area consists of 55 rows of limestone benches, divided into two main sections: the lower diazoma (circumference) and the upper cavea (auditorium). The theatre could accommodate approximately 14,000 to 15,000 spectators.
Acoustics: One of the most remarkable features of the Theatre of Epidaurus is its exceptional acoustics. The design of the theatre, with its semicircular shape and carefully calculated proportions, creates an acoustic environment that allows sound to be transmitted clearly and evenly throughout the space. Even a whisper spoken from the stage can be heard by spectators seated in the highest rows of the theatre, without the aid of amplification.
Function: The Theatre of Epidaurus was primarily used for hosting dramatic performances, including ancient Greek tragedies, comedies, and religious rituals dedicated to the god Asklepios , the ancient Greek god of healing. The theatre was an integral part of the sanctuary of Asklepios , which was a renowned healing center in antiquity.
Modern Use: Despite its ancient origins, the Theatre of Epidaurus is still used for performances today, particularly during the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which features a variety of theatrical, musical, and cultural events. The theatre continues to serve as a venue for classical Greek drama, as well as modern theatrical productions, concerts, and other cultural performances.