Oct. 5 : World Architecture Day

Oct. 5 is World Architecture Day, so we will take a look at some history of Architecture today. Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings. The history of architecture dates back to ancient times, with early civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks making significant contributions to the field. Greek architecture, in particular, has had a profound influence on the development of architecture throughout history. The world Architect comes from the Greek word Architecton.

Greek Architecture

Greek architecture is characterized by simplicity, proportion, perspective, and harmony in buildings. It includes some of the finest and most distinctive buildings ever built, such as temples, theatres, and stadia, all of which became common features of towns and cities from antiquity onwards. Greek architects created the first three orders of classical architecture – Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian – which would go on to greatly influence architects in the Hellenistic period and in the Roman world, providing the foundation for the classical architectural orders which would dominate the western world from the Renaissance to the present day.

The Doric order was the first of the three orders to be developed. It was a vertical fluted column shaft, thinner at its top, with no base and a simple capital below a square abacus. The entablature frieze carried alternating triglyphs and metopes. The Ionic order, with origins in mid-6th century BCE Asia Minor, added a base and volute, or scroll capital, to a slimmer, straighter column. The Ionic entablature often carries a frieze with richly carved sculpture. The Corinthian column, invented in Athens in the 5th century BCE, is similar to the Ionic but topped by a more decorative capital of stylized acanthus and fern leaves.

The Greeks certainly had a preference for marble, at least for their public buildings. Initially, though, wood would have been used for not only such basic architectural elements as columns but the entire buildings themselves. Early 8th century BCE temples were so constructed and had thatch roofs. From the late 7th century BCE, temples, in particular, slowly began to be converted into more durable stone edifices; some even had a mix of the two materials. Some scholars have argued that certain decorative features of stone column capitals and elements of the entablature evolved from the skills of the carpenter displayed in more ancient, wooden architectural elements. The stone of choice was either limestone protected by a layer of marble dust stucco or even better, pure white marble.

The Influence of Greek Architecture

Greek architecture has had a significant impact on the development of architecture throughout history. The Romans drew heavily from Greek architectural styles and techniques, adapting them to suit their own needs and tastes. The Greeks also influenced the development of Byzantine architecture, which emerged in the 5th century CE and continued until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Byzantine architecture is characterized by its use of domes, vaults, and arches, which were all features of Greek architecture.

The influence of Greek architecture can also be seen in the development of Renaissance architecture, which emerged in Italy in the 14th century and continued until the 17th century. Renaissance architects drew heavily from the classical orders of Greek architecture, particularly the Doric and Ionic orders. The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in the classical world, and architects sought to revive the architectural styles of ancient Greece and Rome. This led to the development of a new style of architecture that was characterized by symmetry, proportion, and harmony.

The influence of Greek architecture can also be seen in the development of neoclassical architecture, which emerged in the 18th century and continued until the early 20th century. Neoclassical architects drew heavily from the classical orders of Greek architecture, particularly the Corinthian order. Neoclassical architecture was characterized by its use of classical motifs, such as columns, pediments, and friezes, and its emphasis on symmetry and proportion.

In conclusion, Greek architecture has had a profound influence on the development of architecture throughout history. Its emphasis on simplicity, proportion, perspective, and harmony in buildings has been a guiding principle for architects for centuries. The classical orders of Greek architecture have provided the foundation for the classical architectural orders which would dominate the western world from the Renaissance to the present day. The influence of Greek architecture can be seen in the development of Byzantine, Renaissance, and neoclassical architecture, as well as in the architecture of many other cultures throughout history.

If you want to learn more visit the page about World Architecture Day. The Toys section of our shop has a lot of Lego Architecture sets you might enjoy.