"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."
An overview of the five classical orders of architecture, including their defining characteristics, history, and usage in neoclassical design.
History of Neoclassical Architecture: The origins and development of the Classical Orders in ancient Greece, Rome, and their revival during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods.
The Five Classical Orders: A detailed study of the five orders, their proportions, and characteristics: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite.
Orders as a Language: Understanding how the Orders were used to express different ideas or representations in architecture.
Elements of Orders: A comprehensive study of individual parts that make up the Orders such as Architrave, Capital, Frieze, Entablature, Base, and Column.
Proportions: The ratio and measurements of the different elements of the Classical Orders, and how they establish harmony and balance.
Cornices: Detailed examination of the types of cornices decoration found in Neoclassical architecture.
Greek & Roman Temples: Analyzing temple designs of both ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Stages of Order Development: Understanding how the Classical Orders evolved in style, shape and size.
Classical Orders for Modern Buildings: Examining how classical orders are being used in modern buildings and the influence of neoclassical design in contemporary architecture.
Ornamentation and Detailing: Looking into the intricate design and detailing on different parts of the Classical Orders in architecture.
Drawings and Models: Learning how to draw and create models of Classical Orders and understanding the importance of sketches and scale models in neoclassical architecture.
Theory and Practice: Studying the theoretical concepts of classical architecture and putting the theory into practice by applying these concepts to different building types.
Historic Examples: Discovering stunning examples of Neoclassical architecture around the world.
Building Materials and Construction Techniques: Exploring the materials such as marble, limestone, and granite, and construction techniques used in Classical Orders.
Contemporary Adaptations: Analyzing how contemporary architects are adapting the Classical Orders to modern construction projects.
Doric Order: This type of order features simple, sturdy columns that do not have bases. The capital is plain and is characterized by a circular shape that gradually slopes inwards.
Ionic Order: This type of order is marked by the scrolls or volutes which adorn the capital of the columns. The order's columns also feature fluting, and the base of the column has a distinctive shape.
Corinthian Order: This type of order features ornate columns which are decorated with acanthus leaves. The order's capital has a bell-shaped design, and the column is often fluted to provide additional decoration.
Tuscan Order: The Tuscan Order originated as a simplified version of the Doric Order, and was used for buildings which required a simpler design. The columns are unfluted and do not have a base, while the capitals are plain and feature a flat square.
Composite Order: This type of order is a combination of both the Ionic and Corinthian Orders. The capital features scrolls and leaves, much like the Ionic Order, and the column is fluted, like the Corinthian Order.
Scamozzi Order: This type of order is based on the Corinthian Order, and features a capital which is more ornate than the Corinthian capital. The columns are also more slender and are often fluted.
Roman Doric Order: This type of order is similar to the Doric Order, except that the columns feature a base. The capital of this order is also often a bit more ornate than the classic Doric capital.
Composite Tuscan Order: This is a mix of the Tuscan Order and the Composite Order. The columns are unfluted and do not have a base, while the capital is a combination of the Composite and Tuscan capitals.
Fluted Order: This is a generic term for any classical order where the columns feature fluting.
Unfluted Order: This is a generic term for any classical order where the columns do not feature fluting.
"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..."