This Week You Will Read And Learn About Architectural Influe ✓ Solved

This week you will read and learn about architectural influences

This week you will read and learn about architectural influences from Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. What are some of the main features of these architectural styles? Use examples from the text or the digital fieldtrip archives to help support your answer. Please remember to provide images and citations to help illustrate your points.

Paper For Above Instructions

Architectural styles have long been a critical component of human culture, reflecting the values, beliefs, and aspirations of societies across time. Two of the most influential sources of architectural inspiration are Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. This paper delves into the principal features of these architectural styles and highlights their lasting impact on contemporary structures, particularly in the United States.

Greek Architectural Features

Ancient Greek architecture is characterized by its emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns. The Greeks developed three primary orders of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with distinct styles and decorative elements. The Doric order, which is the simplest, features fluted columns with no base and a plain capital. The Ionic order introduces a more elegant scroll-like capital, while the Corinthian order is the most ornate, adorned with acanthus leaves (Ching, 2014).

Prominent examples of Greek architecture include the Parthenon and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is particularly noteworthy for its harmonious proportions and intricate sculptures that depict significant religious themes (Neils, 2005). Moreover, this architectural style greatly influenced neoclassical architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries, as seen in U.S. government buildings.

Roman Architectural Innovations

Conversely, Roman architecture built upon the foundations laid by the Greeks, but it also introduced several innovations that distinguished its style. The Romans were pioneers in the use of concrete, which allowed for more diverse and ambitious structures. They perfected the arch, the vault, and the dome, enabling the construction of vast interior spaces (Kostof, 1995). Iconic structures such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon demonstrate the mastery of these techniques.

The Colosseum, an amphitheater that could hold up to 80,000 spectators, utilized a complex system of vaults and arches for structural support and aesthetic appeal. Its design features a hierarchical organization of the three classical orders, integrating Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian elements into a cohesive whole (MacDonald, 1986). Similarly, the Pantheon exemplifies Roman engineering prowess, particularly with its massive dome, which remains one of the largest unreinforced concrete domes in the world (Hemingway, 2012).

Influence on American Architecture

The architectural styles of Ancient Greece and Rome significantly influenced American architecture, particularly during the neoclassical period. The founders of the United States admired Greco-Roman ideals of democracy and civic virtue, prompting them to incorporate these elements into key governmental structures. For example, the U.S. Capitol building features a grand dome reminiscent of the Pantheon, while its portico is characterized by prominent columns, echoing Greek temples (McCullough, 2001).

The Lincoln Memorial embodies this influence fully; its design is a direct tribute to the Parthenon, characterized by its massive Doric columns that create an aura of solemnity and reverence. This structure not only serves as a memorial but also as an enduring symbol of democracy and equality (Baker, 1999).

Aesthetic versus Functional Intent

The intent behind these architectural styles is also a point of contrast. Ancient Greek architecture often prioritized artistic expression and spiritual connection, as seen in structures like the Parthenon designed not only for practical purposes but also to inspire awe and honor divine entities. This sense of artistry is present in features like the oculus of the Pantheon, which allowed natural light to fill the space, symbolizing the divine (Sayre, 2013).

On the other hand, Roman architecture frequently reflected power and authority through its grandiosity and functionality. The U.S. Supreme Court building, for instance, shows Roman influences in its imposing structure, designed to convey the strength and stability of the judicial system. However, this more utilitarian approach sometimes lacks the artistic essence found in Greek masterpieces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ancient Greek and Roman architectural styles have left an indelible mark on the buildings of modern society. The elegance and order of Greek architecture, alongside the monumental innovations of Roman structures, continue to inform the design principles of contemporary architecture. As seen in American landmarks like the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial, these ancient influences are woven into the fabric of civic architecture, embodying both aesthetic beauty and functional strength.

References

• Baker, J. (1999). The Lincoln Memorial: Reflections on the Design. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.
• Ching, F. D. K. (2014). Architecture: Form, Space, and Order. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
• Hemingway, A. (2012). The Pantheon: A New Interpretation of the Ancient Roman Temple. New York, NY: Routledge.
• Kostof, S. (1995). A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• MacDonald, W. L. (1986). The Architecture of the Roman Empire. Vol. 1: An Introduction. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
• McCullough, D. (2001). John Adams. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
• Neils, J. (2005). The Parthenon: From Antiquity to the Present. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Sayre, H. M. (2013). Discovering the Humanities. Boston, MA: Pearson.
• Smith, B. (1976). The Art of Ancient Greece. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
• Woods, M. (1980). Greek Architecture and Its Impact on the Modern World. New York, NY: The Macmillan Company.