Greek Architecture Lecture Notes PDF

INTRODUCTION TO GREEK ARCHITECTURE Greek architecture refers to the architecture of the Greek- speaking peoples who whose culture flourished on the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the Greek colonies in Ionia (coastal Asia Minor), and Magna Graecia (Greek colonies...

INTRODUCTION TO GREEK ARCHITECTURE Greek architecture refers to the architecture of the Greek- speaking peoples who whose culture flourished on the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the Greek colonies in Ionia (coastal Asia Minor), and Magna Graecia (Greek colonies in Italy and Sicily). (900-27 BCE.) Greek architecture influenced Roman architecture and architects in profound ways. Geography plays a critical role in shaping civilizations, and this is particularly true of ancient Greece. GEOGRAPHY Greece is surrounded on three sides by the sea. The mainland and islands of Greece are rocky, with deeply indented coastline, and rugged mountain ranges(kept villages separated) with few substantial forests The Aegean and Mediterranean sea provided many natural harbors that were means of communication and trades with other countries. Most of Greek mainland was rocky and barren and therefore bad for agriculture. The mountainous nature of the country separated the inhabitants into groups or clans and was thus responsible for that rivalry which characterized the old Greek states. GEOGRAPHY The Greek peninsula has two distinctive geographic features that influenced the development of Greek society. First Second Greece has easy access to water. The Greece's mountainous terrain led land contains countless scattered to the development of the polis islands, deep harbors, and a network (city-state). of small rivers. The polis became the structure by which people organized themselves. Athens and Sparta are two good examples of city-states that contrasted greatly with each other. GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY HELPED SHAPE EARLY GREEK CIVILIATION Mountains cover much of Greece, so contact with other villages was difficult. These groups set up independent city-states. The Greek word for city-state is polis. People created their own governments and ways of life. People settled in the flat areas along the coast and in river valleys. Because travel was so difficult inland (from isolation), Greeks turned to the seas on all sides. They became skilled shipbuilders and sailors. The sea became a source of food as well as a way of trading with other communities. They also exchanged ideas with other cultures CLIMATE The climate in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters, relatively warm and dry summers and, generally, extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year. The clear atmosphere, largely resulting from the rocky nature of the country and the absence of forests. The hot sun and sudden showers were probably answerable for the porticoes and colonnades which were such important features. This attractive situation encouraged an open air, communally oriented attitude to life, which assisted the development of Greek democracy. Meeting took place in open air, new indoor meeting places such as assembly hall and council hall (bouleuterion) were designed. MATERIALS USED As in any time or place, the raw materials available and the technologies developed to utilize them largely determined the nature of architecture MATERIALS USED The most freely available building material is stone. Limestone and marble were readily available and easily worked. This material was a major contributing factor to precision of detail, both architectural and sculptural, that adorned Ancient Greek architecture. Deposits of high-quality potter's clay )‫ (طين الخزف‬were found throughout Greece and the Islands, with major deposits near Athens. It was used not only for pottery vessels, but also roof tiles and architectural decoration. Clay is inexpensive and readily available. It is weathered rock that has crumbled to dust. Terracotta (baked clay) used for In the Mediterranean region, most clay has been deposited by roof tiles and architectural glaciers and is known as secondary clay. ornaments. Metals (especially bronze) used for The principle materials of Greek architecture were wood used some decorative details in supports and roof beams. Unbaked brick used for walls especially in private houses. Lime stone and marble used for columns and walls and upper portions in temples and public buildings ANCIENT GREEK CITY DEVELOPMENT Determinants for ancient Greek city development 1. Regional topography 2. Climate 3. Building materials GREEK CITY-STATES = POLIS Polis = city City surrounding a fort Absolutely independent and self-sufficient The city-state became the foundation for Greek civilization and gave the Greeks an identity. A city-state was usually built around a strong fortress on top of a high hill called an Acropolis. The town around the Acropolis was surrounded by walls for protection. The Acropolis overlooked a town, farmlands, and the marketplace in the open space below = Agora Life in the city focused on the marketplace, or Agora. INTRODUCTION TO GREEK ARCHITECTURE Greek architecture is most famous for its stone temples. The Parthenon , Erechtheum, and Temple of Athena Nike, all on the Acropolis at Athens; and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus at the foot of the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. It contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance. The word acropolis is from the Greek words (akron, "highest point, extremity") and (polis, "city) Temples were placed on hilltops, their exteriors designed as a visual focus of gatherings and processions. TYPES OF BUILDINGS The Ancient Greeks did not have royalty, and therefore had no need for palaces. Their architecture was devoted to public buildings. Temple the central market place (agora), with its covered colonnade (stoa) the monumental gateway or processional entrance (propylon) the council building (bouleuterion) the open-air theatre the gymnasium (palaestra) the hippodrome (horse racing) the stadium (athletics) CLIMATE EFFECT ON CITY DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHITECTURE The climate of Greece is maritime, with both the coldness of winter and the heat of summer tempered by sea breezes. This led to a lifestyle where many activities took place outdoors. THE AGORA Shopping = Democracy Along with exchanging goods, people exchange ideas. This may have helped democracy develop Agora was a central spot in ancient Greek city-states. The Agora was an “open place of assembly”. The most important function of the Agora was place for daily communications and formal and informal assembly. Helding political and religious assemblies in the Agora THE AGORA THE AGORA THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS CLIMATE EFFECT ON CITY DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHITECTURE Stoa Colonnades encircling buildings, or surrounding courtyards provided shelter from the sun and from sudden winter storms. CLIMATE EFFECT ON CITY DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHITECTURE Theatres Theatres were often an enhancement of a naturally occurring sloping site where people could sit, rather than a containing structure.