"An order in architecture is a certain assemblage of parts subject to uniform established proportions, regulated by the office that each part has to perform."
The set of architectural elements used in classical architecture, including columns, capitals, and entablatures.
Ancient Greek Architecture: Study of the architectural styles and elements used in ancient Greece.
Ancient Roman Architecture: Study of the architectural styles and elements used in ancient Rome.
Vitruvius: Study of the Roman architect, Vitruvius, and his treatise on classical architecture, De Architectura.
Classical Orders: Study of the three main orders of classical architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
Entablature: Study of the horizontal elements that sit atop the columns and support the roof.
Capital: Study of the decorative elements that sit atop the column shafts and support the entablature.
Column: Study of the vertical structural elements that support the entablature and roof.
Pediment: Study of the triangular structure that sits atop the entablature and is often used as a decorative element.
Frieze: Study of the decorative band that runs along the top of the entablature.
Metope: Study of the rectangular panel that is often decorated with relief sculptures and sits between the triglyphs in the frieze.
Triglyph: Study of the rectangular panel that is often decorated with three vertical grooves and sits between the metopes in the frieze.
Volutes: Study of the spiral-shaped decorations that sit atop the Ionic columns and capitals.
Stylobate: Study of the continuous base that supports the columns.
Intercolumniation: Study of the spacing between columns.
Symmetry: Study of the balanced and proportionate arrangement of elements in classical architecture.
Proportion: Study of the relationship between the individual elements and the whole structure in classical architecture.
Balance: Study of the distribution of weight and visual elements in classical architecture.
Order System: Study of the hierarchical system used to organize and categorize the classical orders.
Ornamentation: Study of the decorative elements used in classical architecture.
Doric Order: This order is the oldest and simplest of the classical orders. It is characterized by its sturdy and plain columns, with no base and a simple capital.
Ionic Order: This order is known for its elegant and smooth columns, with a distinctive volute capital. It also has a decorative base and the columns are usually taller and slimmer than those of the Doric order.
Corinthian Order: This order is the most ornate of the classical orders, with its columns featuring elaborate acanthus leaves as capitals. The columns also have a decorative base, and are usually thinner and taller than those of the Doric or Ionic orders.
Tuscan Order: This order is a simplified version of the Doric order. It has a base, but the column is simpler in design with a plain capital.
Composite Order: This order combines elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders, with an acanthus leaf capital like the Corinthian, but with volutes like the Ionic.
Roman Order: This order is a mixture of the Greek orders with a fluted column, a decorated base, and a capital that combines elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders.
Giant Order: This order is characterized by its oversized columns that span multiple stories of a building, giving it a grand and imposing appearance.
Pilaster Order: This order is not a true order, but rather a decorative element that mimics the appearance of a column, but is only a flat projection from a wall.
"The architectural orders are the styles of classical architecture, each distinguished by its proportions and characteristic profiles and details, and most readily recognizable by the type of column employed."
"The three orders of architecture—the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—originated in Greece."
"To these the Romans added, in practice if not in name, the Tuscan, which they made simpler than Doric, and the Composite, which was more ornamental than the Corinthian."
"The architectural order of a classical building is akin to the mode or key of classical music; the grammar or rhetoric of a written composition."
"Whereas the orders were essentially structural in Ancient Greek architecture, which made little use of the arch until its late period..."
"...in Roman architecture where the arch was often dominant, the orders became increasingly decorative elements except in porticos and similar uses."
"Columns shrank into half-columns emerging from walls or turned into pilasters."
"This treatment continued after the conscious and 'correct' use of the orders, initially following exclusively Roman models, returned in the Italian Renaissance."
"Greek Revival architecture, inspired by increasing knowledge of Greek originals, returned to more authentic models..."
"It is established by certain modules like the intervals of music, and it raises certain expectations in an audience attuned to its language."
"...the Tuscan, which they made simpler than Doric..."
"...the Composite, which was more ornamental than the Corinthian."
"...Greek architecture, which made little use of the arch until its late period..."
"...except in porticos and similar uses."
"Columns shrank into half-columns emerging from walls or turned into pilasters."
"...the conscious and 'correct' use of the orders, initially following exclusively Roman models..."
"...returned to more authentic models, including ones from relatively early periods."
"...each distinguished by its proportions and characteristic profiles and details..."
"...akin to the mode or key of classical music..."