GREEK ARCHITECTURE

GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Importance of Greek Architecture

  • Significantly influences Western architecture.

  • Embodies cultural and historical values of ancient Greece.

UNESCO and Cultural Heritage

  • Recognizes contributions of Greek architecture to global heritage.

ORIGINS OF GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Etymology

  • "Architecture" from Greek "architecton," meaning "master carpenter."

  • Initial structures made of wood and mud-brick did not survive.

Transition to Stone

  • Required adaptation to stone properties:

    • Stone has higher compressive strength but lower tensile strength than wood.

    • Necessitated thicker beams (entablature) and thinner columns.

Columns

  • Initially made of wood; later transitioned to stone due to wood scarcity.

MARBLE IN GREEK ARCHITECTURE

  • Abundant in Greece; primarily creamy white.

  • Used extensively in constructions.

GREEK ARCHITECTURAL ORDERS

Schools of Architecture

  • Three main orders: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.

Components of Columns

  • Pediment, Cornice, Entablature, Frieze, Column, Architrave, Base.

DORIC ORDER

Characteristics

  • Sturdy design with a plain capital.

  • Used primarily in mainland Greece and its colonies.

Doric Columns

  • Square block capital and rounded piece below.

  • Thick columns with square bases.

IONIC ORDER

Characteristics

  • More elegant and thinner compared to Doric.

  • Decorated capital with scroll-like design (volute).

  • Primarily found in eastern Greece.

Ionic Column Features

  • Skinnier structure with rounded and square base sections.

CORINTHIAN ORDER

Characteristics

  • Most decorative order with leaf-like capitals.

  • Seldom used in Greece, more common in Roman architecture.

KEY TERMINOLOGY

Entasis

  • Aesthetic convex curve applied to columns to counter optical illusions and enhance visual effect.

Golden Section

  • Mathematical ratio frequently appearing in geometry, foundational in classical architectural design.

TEMPLES IN GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Construction

  • Utilized post-and-beam (trabeated) structures.

Purpose

  • Temples as homes for deities, not congregation places.

  • Central cult images in naos (chapel).

Types of Temples

  • Classified by column arrangement: Prostyle, Amphiprostyle, Peripteral, etc.

ERECHTHEION

  • Ionic order temple, dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, notable for unique architectural plan.

THEATRE IN GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Structure

  • Included skene, orchestra, and tiered seating.

  • Acoustics designed for large audiences in natural amphitheaters.

STAO

  • Covered walkway or colonnade for public use, evolving through different architectural styles.

GREEK HOMES

Design

  • Simple layout centered around a courtyard; privacy-oriented with minimal openings.

  • Typical functions included kitchen, storage, and andron (men’s quarters).