GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Ar. Kalpeshkumar Patel

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GEOGRAPHY

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GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRAPHY

GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Peninsula West Asia Minor-Main Peninsula- dotted islands

Terrain hilly clans- Rivalry.

Climate Mild winter warm sunny

Moderate rainfall- sudden showers dust proof atmosphere

blue skies- Mediterranean blue seas

summer

CHARACTERISTICS

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GEOLOGICAL

HISTORY

Limestone stucco marble powder

Marble- Fine grained exactness of line,
detail
Mountain of Hymerrus,
Athens - Pentelicus
Islands Paros, Naxos

Minoan (Crete) Early, Middle Bronze

King Minos of Knoss

Mycenae (Helladic Greece)

Late Bronze Age

2000-1580B.C.

Geometric Age (Dorians)

900-725B.C.

Archaic Period

7th 6thB.C.

Hellenic or Classical Age

480 330 B.C.

RELIGION

Hellenistic Period

330 150B.C.

Natural forces Gods Goddesses

Roman Greece

Timber roofing
Sundried bricks

Sacrificial Altars open air

Ritual Dances
Sacred Games
Each town local heroes, traditions,
ceremonies
No regular priesthood

1400 -1100 B.C.

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CHARACTERISTICS

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Traebated Architecture columns Beams Marble

Walls stone rubble with ashlar,without mortar

Roof Pitch low-angle of pediment

Ceilings flat - coffered

CHARACTERISTICS

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ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE

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CHARACTERISTICS

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i) Column

The column height is 6 to 7 times its

lower diameter D.

The column has no base but stands

directly on a platform of three steps
called crepidoma.

The bottom part is called plinth

(stereobate) the middle dado or die and
the top one, the sylobate, each being
1/4th D in height.

The shaft has a slightly convex profile

called entasis to counteract the hollow
appearance which results from straight
sided column.

The shaft is circular and gradually

tapers to 3/ 4 to 2/ 3 at top.

The shaft in its length is divided into 20

flutes i.e elliptical channels or grooves,
separated by sharp projections or
Arrises.

DORIC ORDER

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The Inter columniation or centre to

centre distance between twp adjacent
columns measured at the lower
diameter of their shafts is 2D

The distinctive capital which is semi

diameter high consists of Abacus and
Echinus.

The abacus which is a square block,

often moulded forms the upper member
of the capital.

The echinus has a varying outline,

such as parabolic curve or ovolo of
subtle profile.

Below the echinus, there are horizontal

filtets three to five in numbers called
the Annulets which break the vertical
lines of arrises and flutes of shaft.

DORIC ORDER

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iI) Entablature
The entablature which is two diameter high,
consists of three parts, namely Architrave,
Frieze and Cornice
(a) Architrave
It is lintel proper which is plain and 3/ 4 D in
height.
It has a flat moulding at top called the
Taenia and below it is a regula a short with
six guttae i.e small cone like blocks occuring
under each triglyph.
The architrave projects beyond the face of the
column.

DORIC ORDER

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(b) Frieze

The frieze which is 3/ 4 D high contains

Triglyph and Metope.

The triglyph is formed by two upright vshaped channels with similar half
channels on both ends which are
rounded at top.

The width of triglyph is usually one

module. The triglyphs are placed
immediately over the columns and at
centres of the bays.

The triglyphs are so arranged that the

spaces between them are nearly
squares. These squares are called
Metopes which unlike the triglyphs are
set back from the face of architrave as
they generally contain sculptures of
hunting, fighting etc. eaves.

DORIC ORDER

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(c) Cornice

It is the crowing part. It is semi

diameter high.

It has at top the curved shaped slab

called Cymatium and below this, is
Corona . The cornice projects beyond
the frieze by one module.

The soffit or the underside of the cornice

is made inclined in the direction of the
sloping roof and has flat blocks called
Mutules which form the eaves.

DORIC ORDER

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DORIC ORDER

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DORIC ORDER

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i) Column

The column has a base. The column

height including base, shaft and capital is
usually 9 times the lower diameter D.

The moulded base which is semidiameter in height consists of upper and

lower torus separated by scotia and
fillets.

The circular shaft has 24 flutes

separated by fillets and not by arrises as
in Doric order.

The shaft diminishes to 5/6 the diameter

at its top.

The inter columniation is 4D

This order is remarkable for its volute or

scroll capital or decorative motif derived
from lotus or nautilus shell or rams
horns.

IONIC ORDER

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i)

Column

The capital which is 3/4 to 2/3 D high

has a pair of volutes both on the front
and back of the column and connected
by sides by the concave cushion either
plain or ornamented with flutes, fillets
and beads.

The volutes are placed parallel to the

entablature.

The outlines of the volutes are obtained

either by geometrical construction or
by smooth free hand.

In between the volutes is the necking

enriched with egg and tongue and
honey suckle ornaments separating the
capital from the fluted shaft.

Above the spiral scrolls, there is abacus

which is shallow. It is either plain or
enriched with egg and tongue
ornaments.

IONIC ORDER

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i)

Entablature

the Ionic entablature varies in height but

is usually about two diameter high. It
consists of the following

(a) Architrave

It is 3/4 D high.

It consists of triple fascia i.e. three

beams projecting one above the other.

The top cyma reversa contains leaf and

dart ornament

(b) Frieze It is either plain or ornamented by a

continuous band of sculptures. It is 3/4 D
high.
(c) Cornice

It is semi diameter high.

There is usually no antifixae on the

flanks but cymatium is elaborately
enriched by lotus and papyrus ornament.

IONIC ORDER

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(c) Cornice

Cymatium is also carried along the side

cornices .

Rain water spouts in the shape of lions

heads are provided at regular intervals
to drain out the rain water from the roof.

The corona is plain and supported by a

cyma bead moulding.

The Greek Ionic order is more ornate

than the Doric . It has grace, elegance
and refineness of outlines.

IONIC ORDER

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IONIC ORDER

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IONIC ORDER

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IONIC ORDER

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i) Column

The column including the base, shaft

and capital is about 10 times its lower
diameter D.

The base is semi diameter high with

its upper and lower torus separated by
scotia and fillets.

The lower torus is 1 1/3 times D

The shaft is circular and tapered to 5/6

D at the top.

It has 24 flutes separated by fillets,

which is nearly 1/4 of the width of the
flutes.

The inter columniation is 3 D.

This Order has distinctive capital

which is much deeper than Ionic being
about 1-1/3 D high.

CORINTHIAN ORDER

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i)

Column

Its origin is uncertain but it might have evolved

from the Egyptian bell shaped Capital or due
to Callimachus, a famous Athenian Sculptor,
who got the idea from seeing a basket covered
with tile kept over a tomb of a corinthian
maiden, the basket being placed on the root
of an acanthus plant, its stem and foliage
being turned into voluted at an angle of the tile.

Usual type of capital has a deep inverted bell

shape, the lower part of which contains two
rows of eight acanthus leaves resting on
lotus or water leaves.

In the upper part rise eight caulicoli in

between the leaves of upper row.

Each caulicoli is surmounted by a calyx from

which spring small volutes supporting the
corners of the moulded and the central foliated
ornaments.

Each face of the abacus containing a rosette

in the centre is cut at the angle and it fully
covers the bell of the capital

CORINTHIAN ORDER

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ii)

Entablature

The Corinthian Entablature which is usually 2 D

high bear a close resemblance to Ionic order. It
contains the following
(a) Architrave

It is 3/4 D high and is divided into three fascia

i.e three slabs raised one above the other with
slight projections.

(b) Frieze

It is also 3/4 D high and ornamented by a

continuous band of sculptures.

(c) Cornice

It is lighter than other types. It is also 3/4 D

high and contains dentils below the corona.

At top Antefixal ornament is provided.

The Greek Corinthian Order was chiefly used as a

decorative feature and was little used by the
Greeks.
This Order is more lighter and delicate than either
the Doric and the Ionic

CORINTHIAN ORDER

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CORINTHIAN ORDER

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CORINTHIAN ORDER

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CORINTHIAN ORDER

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CHARACTERISTICS
Caryatids statues of
draped
women instead of
columns
Priestesses from
Caryae

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OPTICAL CORRECTIONS

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Parabolic curve

Entasis

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TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

TEMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

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In antis columns in line with wall

Henostyle one column

Prostyle front only

Distyle 2 tetrastyle - 4

Amphi prostyle front/back

Tristyle -3

Peripteral - allround

Hexastyle -6 Heptastyle -7

Pentastyle -5

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Parts of a temple
Entrance porch

Pronaos

Main cella

Naos

Rear chamber/treasury Epinaos/ opisthodomos

Stood on crepidoma 3steps
Altar stood outside opposite the East Front

Not for internal worship

Outward effect
Large door East
Windows rare
Sloped roof timber truss, tiles
Sculpture - pediments

TEMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

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TEMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

TEMPLES
1. Greek temples were not very big. To support the roofs, columns were used.
2. Roofs were constructed of timber members boarded and covered with Terra-cotta on
marble tiles.
3. The entrance doors were tall. They were about two-thirds the height of the lofty naos.
4. When the doors were opened they would let enough light in to illuminate the statue in
the naos.
5. Windows were rare in the temple buildings.
6. At one time it was thought that quite a few temples must have been "hypaethral"
meaning partially open to the sky.
7. Rectangular temples are described according to the number of columns on the entrance
front and by the arrangement of the exterior columns of the temple in relation to the
naos.

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TEMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

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TEMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

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ACROPOLIS

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ACROPOLIS

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ACROPOLIS

PARTHENON

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Octastyle,
Octastyle peripteral - perpiteral

10 columns
U shaped -5

Steps 3nos.
24wide,
Pronaos -60 x14
2280x 1010
Naos
980x630

4
Ionic

9 wide

980x630

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PARTHENON

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PARTHENON

The Parthenon, an octostyle, peripteral Doric temple with Ionic architectural features,
housed the statue of Athena Parthenos sculpted by Phidias and dedicated in 439/438
BC.

The decorative stonework was originally highly coloured.

The temple was dedicated to the Athena.

The richness of the Parthenon's frieze and metope decoration is in agreement with the
function of the temple as a treasury. In the opisthodomus (the back room of the cella)
were stored the monetary contributions of the Delian League, of which Athens was the
leading member.

The Parthenon was built under the general supervision of the sculptor Phidias, who also
had charge of the sculptural decoration. The architects, Iktinos and Kallikrates, began in
447 BC, and the building was substantially completed by 432 BC.

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PARTHENON

Measured at the top step, the dimensions of the base of the Parthenon are 69.5 metres
by 30.9 metres (228.0 x 101.4 ft).

The cella was 29.8 metres long by 19.2 metres wide (97.8 x 63.0 ft), with internal Doric
colonnades in two tiers, structurally necessary to support the roof.

On the exterior, the Doric columns measure 1.9 metres (6.2 ft) in diameter and are 10.4
metres (34.1 ft) high.

The corner columns are slightly larger in diameter.

The Parthenon had 46 outer pillars and 19 inner pillars in total.

The stylobate has an upward curvature towards its centre of 60 millimetres (2.36 in) on
the east and west ends, and of 110 millimetres (4.33 in) on the sides.

The roof was covered with large overlapping marble tiles known as imbrices and tegulae.

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PARTHENON

The Parthenon was built in the simple and powerful Doric order, with 8 columns along
each end and 17 columns along each side.

Through careful adjustments to the design and location of the Parthenons columns and
floor platform, the architects counteracted optical illusions that could have distorted the
buildings appearance from a distance.

Without such adjustments, the platform might seem to sag in the middle, for example,
and the columns might appear to have a slight curve in profile. A central structure with
two chambers once housed a statue of Athena made of ivory and gold that was perhaps
10 m (33 ft) tall.

The ninety-two metopes were carved in high relief, a practice employed until then only in
treasuries.

The most characteristic feature in the architecture and decoration of the temple is the
Ionic frieze running around the exterior walls of the cella.

PARTHENON

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Metopes 92 in number
almost square.
1.45 m each side
14 on each front 32 on each side
Each depict 2 figures in combat
high relief.

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PARTHENON

Ionic frieze 1.2m Ht, 175 running metre

Figures represent gods, priests, elders Sacrifices, bearers, soldiers, Maidens, nobles.
Low relief beautifully composed

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PARTHENON

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ERECHTHEUM

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This is a complex building of up to four distinct spaces.

It is also built on a slope, so its walls are of differing heights.

It is dedicated to Athena Polias and Poseidon Erechtheus.

ERECHTHEUM

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ERECHTHEUM

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PROPYLEA
Western edge
5 gates,
Doric
Middle gate sacrificial
animals, unpaved,
other 4- paved

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EPIDAURAS

Theatre built on the slopes of hill

Four parts
1. a segmental arrangement of tiered seats
diazomata.

Auditorium cavea broad concentric belts

2. Circular orchestra used by chorus 10-12 below-enclosed by portico, balustraded

terrace.
3. Proscenium in front of skene
4. The skene tangential to the orchestra a backing simple stage dcor (dressing actors,
waiting area.

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EPIDAURAS

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EPIDAURAS

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TOWN PLANNING Hippodomas divided city 3 zones
1. Public buildings
2. Sacred use citadel -acropolis temple
3. Private homes outside the fortified walls

4. Public Buildings 2 types

a) Portico or Stoa hall open one side. By a colonnade .
b) Covered room or Hypostyle- internal columns

TOWN PLANNING

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CIVIC ARCHITECTURE
Prytaneum, Bouleuterion, Assembly Hall,

Agora town square- centre political, business, social life -open air public
space
Stoa roofed promenade, monumental appeareance 150M length

STOA
TEMPLE

AGORA

BOULEUTERION

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Prytaneum inner council

Banqueting hall

Bouleuterion Advisory
committee

Assembly Hall general

use

Odeion Musicals

Stadium foot raceOlympia 50,000

spectators

Hippodrome Horse,
chariot racing

Telesterion hall of
mysteries, magic

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CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

Thank You