The influence of Ancient Greek Architecture is immeasurable and can be seen throughout the world in present day buildings and structures. Ancient Greece is often thought of as the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games, but it was also the birthplace of a unique style of architecture. From private homes to public monuments, the Ancient Greeks created structures with a timeless beauty and enduring legacy. This legacy has been passed down through the ages and can still be seen today in many famous buildings, both ancient and modern.
Greek architecture generally tended to use rectangular shapes with simple exterior walls that enclosed the building’s inhabitants and provided protection from the elements. Roofs were generally low and shallowly sloped, and much of the building weight rested on the exterior walls. Ancient Greek architects incorporated columns and archways, as well as colonnades and courtyards, in order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing interior. Ancient Greek buildings were also typically decorated with stone carvings, frescoes, and mosaics that often depicted mythological stories. The mathematically precise forms – intersecting planes, curved arches and perfect circles – create a harmony that has appealed to architects throughout the ages.
The lasting influence of Ancient Greek architecture can be seen in structures from all over the world. In the early 19th century, Neoclassical architecture incorporated many ancient Greek elements, such as the Ionic column, into its designs. Many of the US’s national monuments, such as the US Capitol Building, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, draw heavily from Ancient Greek architecture. Public and private buildings alike, such as museums, banks, churches, and even residential homes, are often designed in the same style as Ancient Greek buildings.
The development of Ancient Greek architecture has also had a significant impact on modern architecture and design. Greek architectural principles have been adopted into modern architecture and design, such as the use of columns and arches to create visual interest, and the use of symmetrical facades which often draw attention to the entrance of a building. Greek architectural principles also often prioritize functionality and comfort, innovations that often prove beneficial for modern buildings.
The influence of Ancient Greece Architecture on modern architecture, however, is not always direct. Even when architects do not include elements taken from Ancient Greek architecture, the principles and philosophies of the ancient Greeks can still be seen. Greek philosophy of maintaining balance and harmony, as well as their approach to proportion and creating visually stunning structures, often serve as inspiration for modern designs. Greek principles such as creating inviting forms, utilizing symmetry, and including nature into the structures, are all seen in the most artistically successful modern structures.
Innovations in Greek Architecture
The Ancient Greeks revolutionized construction technology in order to create some of the most spectacular structures the world has ever seen. A major development was the use of stone as a primary material for construction, as opposed to earlier constructions which primarily used wood and mud. The use of stone provided greater durability, allowed for more intricate designs, and allowed for the construction of much taller constructions.
The Ancient Greeks also introduced a new element to construction with the use of columns. Columns served to support the structure and allowed for designs that would have been impossible with traditional construction techniques. Another major innovation seen in many of the great Greek structures were the use of curved entablature and pediments, used above the columns to create an attractive architectural form.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is perhaps the best example of Ancient Greek architecture and its influence on modern structures. Completed in 438BC and located on the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon consists of a peristyle of 8 Doric columns on the east and west fronts, and 17 Ionic columns on the north and south. The iconic structure, with its symmetrical lines and perfect proportions, has been an inspiration to architects and designers around the world.
The Parthenon is also an example of how classical Greek architecture and design can be adapted to modern contexts. In the 20th century, the Parthenon’s design was adopted to create the National Monument to Washington in the United States. Designed by the renowned architect, Robert Mills, the Washington Monument is a prime example of the influence of Ancient Greek architecture, with its classical proportions and iconic columns.
Continued Legacy of Ancient Greek Architecture
Greek architecture has influenced architecture for thousands of years, and its influence can still be seen today. From cutting-edge modern architecture to classic monuments, the principles and ideas developed by Ancient Greek architects are still at the heart of architectural design and construction. By studying the work of the Ancient Greeks, architects can gain valuable insight into how to create beautiful, strong, and functional structures.
Preservation of Ancient Greek Architecture
There are many ancient Greek structures still standing today, and many more that have been destroyed. Preservation and restoration efforts strive to maintain and protect the structures that remain, and the rich cultural heritage that the structures represent. In Greece alone, many monuments have been restored, like the fourth-century Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Parthenon in Athens. Organizations such as UNESCO work to ensure the future preservation of these ancient buildings and artifacts.
As the world becomes increasingly modern, it is important to remember and honor the achievements of Ancient Greek architecture. Not only does it represent a unique style of construction and design, but it also serves as a reminder of the impact that ancient civilizations had on the world today. Its enduring legacy can be seen all around us, inspiring us to create beautiful and practical structures of our own.
Current Trends in Greek Architecture
Even though the principles of Ancient Greek architecture remain the same, modern designers are taking these principles and creating innovative and unique designs that incorporate new materials and technologies. Current trends in Greek architecture include incorporating modern materials such as concrete and glass, creating more organic shapes, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, and utilizing sustainable building materials. While modern structures often lack the grandeur and visual appeal of Ancient Greek structures, they can still be equally as functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Foreign Influences on Greek Architecture
Ancient Greek architecture was not static and isolated, but rather was influenced by other cultures throughout the Mediterranean world. The Greeks were heavily influenced by Minoan architecture from the island of Crete, as well as Egyptian and Persian architecture. In later years, the Romans would take many of the ideas and innovations of Ancient Greek architecture and expand upon them, creating their own unique style.
The influence of other cultures on Greek architecture continues to be seen today, most notably in the form of hybridized styles such as Greek Revival, which is a blend of Ancient Greek and Roman elements combined with more contemporary designs. The blending of the styles of different eras is a reflection of the diversity of cultures in the modern world, and the idea that blending different influences can lead to the creation of something new and unique.
Impact of Greek Architecture on Modern Design
The legacy of Ancient Greek architecture can be seen in everything from skyscrapers to garden sheds, and its influence extends far beyond architecture and into the fields of furniture and product design. Ancient Greek principles such as balance, symmetry, and proportion continue to be important elements in modern design, as do the use of columns and arches. Product designers often draw inspiration from the classic beauty of Ancient Greece, creating designs that are unique yet timeless.
In addition to inspiring designers, the influence of Greek architecture can also be seen in the everyday structures of our cities and towns. From modern apartment buildings to hospitals and museums, the designs of ancient structures are still at work in the modern world, connecting us to our past and inspiring us to create beautiful, functional, and lasting structures.
