A guide to the vocabulary of classical architecture:
The parts of a column:
The entablature is what rests on top of a column.
Here are its different parts:
Here are its different parts:
And here are the Classical Orders
An "order" refers to the design, shape, and proportion of a column and its entablature:
An "order" refers to the design, shape, and proportion of a column and its entablature:
Flutes
The decorative notches running along the length of some columns
The decorative notches running along the length of some columns
Volutes
The distinctive swirls of Ionic capitals
The distinctive swirls of Ionic capitals
Pediment
The triangular gable which rests on the entablature
(You also get them above doors and windows)
The triangular gable which rests on the entablature
(You also get them above doors and windows)
Tympanum
The inside part of the pediment, often decorated with sculptures and paintings
The inside part of the pediment, often decorated with sculptures and paintings
Portico
An porch supported by columns
An porch supported by columns
Colonnade
Any series of columns, whether part of a building or standalone
Any series of columns, whether part of a building or standalone
Intercolumniation
The spacing between columns, defined as a multiple of the columns' diameter. Proportion is vital in classical architecture.
Such pycnostyle (1.5 diameters) or diastyle (3 diameters).
The spacing between columns, defined as a multiple of the columns' diameter. Proportion is vital in classical architecture.
Such pycnostyle (1.5 diameters) or diastyle (3 diameters).
Crepidoma
The platform on which the main structure rests. Each layer is smaller than the one below, thus forming steps.
The lower layers are called stereobates. The highest is called the stylobate.
The platform on which the main structure rests. Each layer is smaller than the one below, thus forming steps.
The lower layers are called stereobates. The highest is called the stylobate.
The number of columns in the portico of a classical building has its own name.
Tetrastyle (4) e.g. north facade of the White House
Hexastyle (6) e.g. Temple of Concord (below)
Octastyle (8) e.g. the Parthenon
Decastyle (10) e.g. University College London
Tetrastyle (4) e.g. north facade of the White House
Hexastyle (6) e.g. Temple of Concord (below)
Octastyle (8) e.g. the Parthenon
Decastyle (10) e.g. University College London
Cella: the internal, main area of a temple
Pronaos: the entrance part
Pronaos: the entrance part
Pilaster
A purely decorative column which is in "two dimensions" so to speak
A purely decorative column which is in "two dimensions" so to speak
Dentils
Those small decorative supports that look like teeth running along the bottom of a cornice
Those small decorative supports that look like teeth running along the bottom of a cornice
Superimposed Order
When two or more orders are placed above one another in a building
When two or more orders are placed above one another in a building
Attic Story
An additional element between the entablature and the pediment (if there is one at all) usually used for decorative purposes
An additional element between the entablature and the pediment (if there is one at all) usually used for decorative purposes
Aedicule
A small recess with its own columns and pediment.
A small recess with its own columns and pediment.
Acroterion
Decorative element at the corners or top of a pediment
Decorative element at the corners or top of a pediment
Triglyphs are the three-banded clusters along the frieze in a Doric order.
And metopes are the empty spaces between, usually used for sculptures and decoration.
And metopes are the empty spaces between, usually used for sculptures and decoration.
That's probably enough for now.
This has covered some of the fundamentals of classical (and therefore also of neoclassical) architecture.
Look out for these elements in future.
This has covered some of the fundamentals of classical (and therefore also of neoclassical) architecture.
Look out for these elements in future.
Knowing what things are called is the first step to understanding them better.
Indeed, in a very simple way, being able to point out a pediment rather than "that triangular bit" allows you to engage much more deeply with a building.
And it brings architecture to life.
Indeed, in a very simple way, being able to point out a pediment rather than "that triangular bit" allows you to engage much more deeply with a building.
And it brings architecture to life.
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