CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE
Prescribed Learning Outcomes It is expected that student will: *demonstrate awareness of artistic expression as a reflection of the culture in which it was created *describe how societies preserve identity, transmit culture, and adapt to change *identify periods of significant cultural achievement
What is Classical Architecture? Classical is the term given to time when Greeks and Romans… …influenced the western world 500 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. Also called Age of Antiquity
The Greeks and Romans Classical architecture has come to mean… …the beautifully balanced and harmoniously simple …architecture of the Greeks and Romans
Classical Architecture in Vancouver… The Classical style has influenced many buildings in the Vancouver area, including: The Vancouver Public Library
Looks similar to the Roman Colosseum … … the architects even tried to copy the wall that has been restored
Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia Street Federal Building, West Hastings Street
Seabus South Terminal
The History of Classical Architecture is Simple… Greeks developed classical forms Romans copied and adapted them Italians of the Renaissance rediscovered it after the Middle Ages
Best Examples of Classical Architecture… …are Greek Temples Greeks preferred to work in marble and… … liked the POST-AND- LINTEL STYLE
Post-and-Lintel Style…
Stonehenge in England… Built in Post-and-Lintel Style
The Romans… … called the post-and-lintel style “Trabeated” … from the root word “trabes” which means beam Romans copied the trabeated format
Romans also liked Arcuated Style Greeks did not particularly like this style
Three Classical Orders of Architecture… #1 Doric #2 Ionic #3 Corinthian
Look at the Capital First… Capital, or top of the column tells you what order the Temple is… Oldest is Doric used much by Greeks Romans Preferred Corinthian
…From the Bottom up! Once you have determined the order of the temple… You can then begin to examine its 4 parts
…From the Bottom up! Start with steps Next the entire column Next the entire column Then horizontal section on top of columns Then horizontal section on top of columns Then the angled section on roof Then the angled section on roof
1. Start with the Steps… Nimes, France 5 C.E. Paestum, Italy Many Greek Temples have 3 steps Many Greek Temples have 3 steps Roman Temples tend to have more Roman Temples tend to have more
2.Next Section is the Column… Most columns have a base at the bottom …followed by a shaft… …finally a capital on top The only order that usually does not have a base is Doric
Columns can be….. Fluted (vertical grooves) Plain or non-fluted
Doric Columns Oldest and simplest order Usually has no base Extensively used by Greeks
Doric Capital Plain Capital with no design Looks like a squished eraser
Ionic Capital Next order is a bit more fancy Has scroll-like volutes that resemble sea shells or ram’s horns Ionic columns are slimmer and usually fluted
Corinthian Capital Last order is the most decorative Used extensively by the Romans Leaves are called Acanthus Leaves
Corinthian Capitals often contain small volutes as well Acanthus leaf trees grew throughout Italy Usually has two rows of acanthus leaves
3.Next Section is the Entablature… Sometimes called the Horizontal Entablature Think of a temple as a table… columns are the legs Entablature is the “Table top”
Entablature consists of… … Three sections: 1. Architrave 2.Frieze 3.(Horizontal) Cornice
Entablature Frieze is often sculpted Architrave is often plain Entablature of the Parthenon, Athens, Greece
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
4.Next Section is the Pediment… Top section of a classical style temple is called the Pediment Triangular portion..usually contain decorative sculpture National Archives, Washington D.C., USA
Pediment consists of… Tympanum which usually contains important sculptures Sloping Cornice (usually matches horizontal cornice
Often located on the roof… Acroterion: sculptures on the front of the temple Antefixes (singular antefix) found on side
5.Examples of Classical Architecture… Palazzo Rucellai in Florence, Italy Classical Corinthian Columns have been incorporated into side of building
Pantheon, Rome Italy
Forum, Rome Italy