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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of entasis in classical architecture?
What is the purpose of entasis in classical architecture?
Which characteristic distinguishes the Ionic Order from the Doric Order?
Which characteristic distinguishes the Ionic Order from the Doric Order?
What is a modillion in classical architecture?
What is a modillion in classical architecture?
Which term describes the small drop-like projections carved below a triglyph in a Doric entablature?
Which term describes the small drop-like projections carved below a triglyph in a Doric entablature?
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What does the egg-and-dart molding consist of?
What does the egg-and-dart molding consist of?
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Which architectural feature is described as a triangular gable above a facade?
Which architectural feature is described as a triangular gable above a facade?
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What is found between two triglyphs on a Doric frieze?
What is found between two triglyphs on a Doric frieze?
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What is an echinus in classical architecture?
What is an echinus in classical architecture?
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What architectural feature serves as the head or crowning feature of a column?
What architectural feature serves as the head or crowning feature of a column?
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Which of the following describes the Doric Order of columns?
Which of the following describes the Doric Order of columns?
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What is the purpose of a caryatid in architecture?
What is the purpose of a caryatid in architecture?
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What function does the cornice serve in classical architecture?
What function does the cornice serve in classical architecture?
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What is the most distinctive feature of the Ionic Order?
What is the most distinctive feature of the Ionic Order?
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What is a klismos chair characterized by?
What is a klismos chair characterized by?
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Which architectural order is the most ornate?
Which architectural order is the most ornate?
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What is considered a feminine characteristic of the Ionic Order?
What is considered a feminine characteristic of the Ionic Order?
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Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the Ionic Order's entablature?
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the Ionic Order's entablature?
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What describes a drop in architectural terminology?
What describes a drop in architectural terminology?
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What is typically found in the Andron space of a Grecian house?
What is typically found in the Andron space of a Grecian house?
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Which temple is considered the best example of the Ionic Order?
Which temple is considered the best example of the Ionic Order?
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What distinguishes the egg-and-dart molding in Ionic architecture?
What distinguishes the egg-and-dart molding in Ionic architecture?
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What is the purpose of a pediment in classical architecture?
What is the purpose of a pediment in classical architecture?
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What feature is essential for the Ionic Order's columns?
What feature is essential for the Ionic Order's columns?
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What defines the term 'fret' in classical architectural design?
What defines the term 'fret' in classical architectural design?
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What is the primary function of Greek temples as indicated in the content?
What is the primary function of Greek temples as indicated in the content?
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Which architectural feature is created by columns surrounding the temple?
Which architectural feature is created by columns surrounding the temple?
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Which order of columns is characterized by having no base and a simple capital with a round Echinus?
Which order of columns is characterized by having no base and a simple capital with a round Echinus?
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What unique feature is found in the design of the Parthenon that influences its perceived stability?
What unique feature is found in the design of the Parthenon that influences its perceived stability?
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What does the term 'Entablature' refer to in Greek temple architecture?
What does the term 'Entablature' refer to in Greek temple architecture?
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Which aspect of the Greek temple design limits variations in its architecture?
Which aspect of the Greek temple design limits variations in its architecture?
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What characteristic feature distinguishes the Doric order compared to other column styles?
What characteristic feature distinguishes the Doric order compared to other column styles?
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What is the purpose of the gabled roof in Greek temple architecture?
What is the purpose of the gabled roof in Greek temple architecture?
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What architectural style does the great palace at Aachen exemplify?
What architectural style does the great palace at Aachen exemplify?
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Which feature is most commonly associated with Romanesque design?
Which feature is most commonly associated with Romanesque design?
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What is the primary structural challenge of a continuous barrel vault?
What is the primary structural challenge of a continuous barrel vault?
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What term describes the addition of a large unit at the front end of a basilica church?
What term describes the addition of a large unit at the front end of a basilica church?
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Which material was primarily used for everyday structures during the Romanesque period?
Which material was primarily used for everyday structures during the Romanesque period?
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Which of the following features is NOT characteristic of Romanesque architecture?
Which of the following features is NOT characteristic of Romanesque architecture?
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What was the purpose of vaults in Romanesque architecture?
What was the purpose of vaults in Romanesque architecture?
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In which building can the early barrel vault be prominently observed?
In which building can the early barrel vault be prominently observed?
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What architectural feature is referred to as a series of windows located in the upper part of a church?
What architectural feature is referred to as a series of windows located in the upper part of a church?
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Which of the following characteristics describes the nave of the Church of S.Foy in Conques?
Which of the following characteristics describes the nave of the Church of S.Foy in Conques?
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In the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, what is the upper level above the aisles called?
In the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, what is the upper level above the aisles called?
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What is distinctive about the shape of the plan of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes?
What is distinctive about the shape of the plan of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes?
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What type of vaulting is described by the division of the square vault into six triangular panels?
What type of vaulting is described by the division of the square vault into six triangular panels?
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What is a key feature of Stave churches found in Scandinavia?
What is a key feature of Stave churches found in Scandinavia?
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Which component is NOT typically part of the nave architecture in historical churches?
Which component is NOT typically part of the nave architecture in historical churches?
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The Borgund Church features notable characteristics in its architecture. Which element is specifically mentioned about it?
The Borgund Church features notable characteristics in its architecture. Which element is specifically mentioned about it?
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What is the primary role of a stylobate in classical architecture?
What is the primary role of a stylobate in classical architecture?
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Which architectural feature separates the triglyphs in a Doric frieze?
Which architectural feature separates the triglyphs in a Doric frieze?
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What distinguishes a pilaster from a full column?
What distinguishes a pilaster from a full column?
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In classical architecture, what is the purpose of the tympanum?
In classical architecture, what is the purpose of the tympanum?
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What is the literal meaning of the term 'Agora'?
What is the literal meaning of the term 'Agora'?
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Which part of a Greek house is typically characterized by an open court?
Which part of a Greek house is typically characterized by an open court?
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What feature of the Skias served practical purposes in the Agora?
What feature of the Skias served practical purposes in the Agora?
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What is the primary function of a minaret in Islamic architecture?
What is the primary function of a minaret in Islamic architecture?
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What materials were primarily used in the construction of Greek houses?
What materials were primarily used in the construction of Greek houses?
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What architectural feature is used to indicate the direction towards Mecca in a mosque?
What architectural feature is used to indicate the direction towards Mecca in a mosque?
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How many actual columns are present in the audience chamber known as 'The Forty Columns'?
How many actual columns are present in the audience chamber known as 'The Forty Columns'?
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Which of the following mosques features a large triple-aisled prayer hall?
Which of the following mosques features a large triple-aisled prayer hall?
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What is typically found in front of a mosque to facilitate washing before entry?
What is typically found in front of a mosque to facilitate washing before entry?
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Which feature is not commonly associated with Islamic mosques?
Which feature is not commonly associated with Islamic mosques?
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What distinguishes the Mosque of Ibn Tulun's design compared to other mosques?
What distinguishes the Mosque of Ibn Tulun's design compared to other mosques?
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In which historical context was Isfahan made the capital of Persia?
In which historical context was Isfahan made the capital of Persia?
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What is a defining feature of the Ionic Order's capital?
What is a defining feature of the Ionic Order's capital?
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Which aspect of the Ionic Order emphasizes its elegance compared to the Doric Order?
Which aspect of the Ionic Order emphasizes its elegance compared to the Doric Order?
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Which decorative element is commonly found in the entablature of the Ionic Order?
Which decorative element is commonly found in the entablature of the Ionic Order?
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What structural feature supports the roof in larger Greek temples of the Ionic Order?
What structural feature supports the roof in larger Greek temples of the Ionic Order?
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What type of molding describes a convex structure featuring disks and beads?
What type of molding describes a convex structure featuring disks and beads?
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Which of the following best describes the term 'cornice' in classical architecture?
Which of the following best describes the term 'cornice' in classical architecture?
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What characteristic design distinguishes the pediment in Greek architecture?
What characteristic design distinguishes the pediment in Greek architecture?
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Which area in a Greek city served as a central marketplace and meeting area?
Which area in a Greek city served as a central marketplace and meeting area?
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Study Notes
Greek Architecture Overview
- Greek architecture evolved from the Aegean and Egyptian influences, introduced by the Dorians and Ionians during their migrations and invasions.
- Temples became central, reflecting a combination of Aegean architecture with functional and ceremonial designs.
Greek Temple Structure
-
Characteristics:
- Gabled Roof: Supported by closely spaced columns, typically featuring a triangular gable design.
- Entablature: A decorative band of lintels carved to imply wooden rafters.
- Cella: The temple's inner sanctum, often a single room where deities were worshipped.
- Peristyle: A surrounding colonnade, commonly with six to eight columns at the front.
Column Orders
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Doric Order:
- Oldest and simplest design, originating from Dorian peoples, typically without a base, containing a simple capital.
- Tapered columns exhibit slight curvature (Entasis) for visual correction.
- Entablature divided into three parts: Architrave (plain), Frieze (alternating Triglyphs and Metopes), Cornice (projecting top).
- The Parthenon is a key example demonstrating the use of the Golden Ratio (1:1.618) and refinements for aesthetic quality.
-
Ionic Order:
- Taller and slimmer columns, identifiable by volute scrolls on the capital.
- Considered a more ornate and 'feminine' style compared to Doric.
- Comprehensive entablature design includes an architrave, a sculpted frieze, and decorative cornices.
- The Temple of Athena Nike is a prime representation, showcasing intricate moldings and pediment decorations.
Key Architectural Terms
- Abacus: Slab on top of the column capital.
- Architrave: The lowest component of the entablature, serving as a lintel.
- Capital: The crowning structure of a column.
- Caryatid: A sculpted female figure that serves as a column.
- Metope: The space between two triglyphs on a Doric frieze.
- Dentil: Small blocks used in molding beneath cornices.
- Entasis: The optical correction curve in columns to prevent the illusion of concavity.
- Fluting: Vertical grooves carved into columns for decoration.
- Pediment: Triangular section above a façade, often containing sculptures.
Greek Secular Structures
- Design of open-air theaters arranged in a semi-circle around a central stage (orchestra).
- Central square (Agora) served as a marketplace and meeting place.
- Stoa provided shelter around the Agora.
- Domestic spaces included an Oecus for family life, a vestibule for guests, and plain interiors adorned with minimal decoration.
Furniture and Design Elements
- Klismos Chair: Wooden chair with outward-curving legs and a webbed seat.
- Paintings on ceramics give insights into domestic design, despite a lack of surviving furniture.
- Common use of terracotta bathtubs and whitewashed walls in homes.
Additional Terms
- Fret: Decorative design with repeated geometric figures.
- Cornice: Uppermost part of an entablature, often being a decorative feature.
- Raking Cornice: Slopes of a pediment.
- Egg-and-dart Molding: Alternating egg shapes and arrowheads for decoration.
Summary
- Greek architecture displays a profound evolution from early influences, characterized through distinct column orders, temple designs for worship, and public spaces for community engagement, reflecting both functional and aesthetic ambitions.
Ionic Order
- Characterized by tall, slender columns topped with capitals featuring twin scrolls (volutes).
- Considered more delicate and ornate compared to Doric architecture, often perceived as feminine.
- Developed in the 5th century BC among the Ionians in Asia Minor.
- Main features include 24 flutes on columns, molded bases, and entablatures with a sculpted frieze and decorative cornices (egg-and-dart and leaf-and-dart moldings).
- Best exemplified by the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis.
Architectural Terms
- Volute: A spiral scroll design on Ionic capitals.
- Pediment: A triangular gable above facades, often decorated ornamentally.
- Cornice: The upper part of an entablature, serving as a decorative projection.
- Dentil: Small rectangular blocks used in a series to form a molding under a cornice.
- Triglyph: Elements in a Doric frieze consisting of three vertical bands with grooves.
- Tympanum: The recessed space within the molding of a pediment.
Ancient Greek Temples and Interiors
- Many temples featured a simple internal design, similar to a megaron house, with options for internal columns supporting a mezzanine.
- Open-air theatres had semi-circular seating arranged around a circular orchestra, functioning as stage areas.
- Agora: The central marketplace within Greek city-states, serving as a gathering and meeting location.
- Structures such as the Stoa provided shelter and housed commercial activities along the agora.
Romanesque Architecture
- Characterized by massive quality, thick walls, round arches, groin vaults, and decorative arcading.
- The Palatine Chapel in Aachen, built by Odo von Metz, showcased Romanesque styles with its octagonal design and elaborate interior.
- Romanesque churches often featured a basilican form, with higher, narrow naves topped by barrel vaults.
- The Abbey Church of St. Michael in Germany illustrates typical Romanesque features, including a westwork addition.
Scandinavian Architecture
- Stave churches in Scandinavia exemplified wooden construction from around 1000 to 1200, with intricate carvings and a small footprint.
- Borgund Church and Torpo Church are notable examples of Stave churches featuring semicircular arches and vibrant interiors.
Islamic Architecture
- The mosque serves as the central structure for Islamic worship, designed for assembly and prayer led by the Imam.
- Key mosque elements include the mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and mimbar (pulpit for reading the Koran).
- The Great Mosque of Damascus is a prominent example, featuring a central hall with timber-roofed aisles.
- The Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo features a rectangular plan centered around an open court and has a distinctive minaret.
Cultural Context
- Architectural styles reflect societal values, with the Ionic order symbolizing grace and beauty while Romanesque reflects strength and permanence.
- Islamic architectural design focuses on creating communal spaces while adhering to cultural traditions, eschewing figurative art for ornamental abstraction.
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Description
Explore the evolution and characteristics of Greek architecture, influenced by Aegean and Egyptian designs. Learn about the essential elements of Greek temples, including their structures and column orders such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles.
