Classical order

Table of architecture, Cyclopaedia, 1728, volume 1

Classical order refers to the styles of column and entablature originating in the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. These orders serve as a framework for architectural design, especially in the construction of temples and buildings that require a formal aesthetic. The classical orders are distinguished by their proportions, the detail of their columns, and the type of entablature they support. There are five main classical orders: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite.

Doric Order

The Doric order is the simplest and oldest of the classical orders, characterized by heavy fluted columns with plain, saucer-shaped capitals and no base. The Doric entablature includes a simple architrave, a frieze with triglyphs (vertical grooves) and metopes (spaces for sculptural decoration), and a cornice. This order was primarily used in mainland Greece and the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.

Ionic Order

The Ionic order is recognized by its slender, fluted columns with a base and volutes (scroll-like ornaments) on the capitals. The entablature of the Ionic order has a more elaborate architrave, a frieze that is usually left plain for inscriptions or friezes, and a cornice. The Ionic order was developed in the eastern Greek islands and was widely used by the Greeks and later by the Romans.

Corinthian Order

The Corinthian order is the most ornate of the Greek orders, characterized by slender fluted columns with an elaborate capital decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. The Corinthian entablature mirrors that of the Ionic, but often with more decoration. This order was used sparingly by the Greeks but became popular in Roman times for its decorative potential.

Tuscan Order

The Tuscan order is a simplified version of the Doric order, with unfluted columns and a simpler entablature. It is essentially a Roman adaptation of the Greek Doric order, with modifications to its proportions and details. The Tuscan order is often used in Roman architecture for buildings requiring a solid and robust appearance.

Composite Order

The Composite order combines elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders. It features columns with Corinthian acanthus leaves and Ionic volutes. The entablature also combines elements of both orders. The Composite order is a Roman innovation, showcasing the empire's architectural ingenuity and preference for elaborate decoration.

Application and Evolution

The classical orders were not only architectural blueprints but also conveyed symbolic meanings. For example, the Doric order symbolized masculine strength, the Ionic order represented feminine grace, and the Corinthian order was associated with luxury and sophistication. Over time, these orders have been adapted and reinterpreted in various architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture.

Conclusion

The classical orders are fundamental to the study of Western architecture, representing a language of architectural form that has been used and adapted for thousands of years. They exemplify the principles of beauty, proportion, and harmony that are central to classical and Western architectural traditions.