{"id":4009,"date":"2023-03-29T00:46:25","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T23:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architecturemaker.com\/?p=4009"},"modified":"2023-03-29T00:46:25","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T23:46:25","slug":"what-is-entasis-in-greek-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architecturemaker.com\/what-is-entasis-in-greek-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"What is entasis in greek architecture?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Greek architecture, entasis is the slight swelling of a column or pilaster in its middle, used to offset the optical illusion created by a tapering column.<\/p>\n

Entasis is a feature of Greek architecture in which a column is slightly tapering, giving it the appearance of being straight. This was done to correct the optical illusion that a straight column would appear to be bowed.<\/p>\n

What is Greek entasis? <\/h2>\n

Entasis is an optical correction used in architecture to give the illusion of strength and stability to a column, spire, or other upright member. The convex curve of entasis helps to correct the illusion of hollowness or weakness that would arise from normal tapering. This optical correction is almost universal in Classical columns.<\/p>\n

Entasis was used by the Greeks while building monuments to correct optical illusions. The technique involves adding a convex curve to an otherwise straight vertical structure, which has the effect of correcting the perception of the object. This was especially important for buildings like temples, which were meant to be seen from a distance and needed to appear straight and symmetrical. Entasis was used in a variety of ways, depending on the desired effect, and the results could be quite dramatic.<\/p>\n

What is entasis in the Parthenon <\/h3>\n
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The columns on the Parthenon are not straight, but have a slight swelling in the middle. This is called “entasis” and was done to counteract the optical illusion that columns with straight sides appear to be thinner in the middle.<\/p>\n

Entasis is a technique that was used in ancient times to build large structures. Some examples of structures that were built using entasis include the Egyptian pyramids, Mesopotamian ziggurats, the Greek Parthenon, and the Incan Machu Picchu. Entasis was such an important technique because it allowed ancient societies to build larger structures than previous attempts.<\/p>\n

How is entasis rule used? <\/h2>\n

In architecture, entasis is the application of a convex curve to a surface for aesthetic purposes. Its best-known use is in certain orders of Classical columns that curve slightly as their diameter is decreased from the bottom upward. It also may serve an engineering function regarding strength.<\/p>\n

The columns of the Athens Parthenon were built with a slight bulge in the middle, a design element known as entasis. This swelling was intended to give the columns the appearance of being tensioned, like a human muscle, under the weight of their load. The entasis of the Parthenon columns is a classic example of the use of this design element.<\/p>\n

Does the pantheon use entasis? <\/h2>\n
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The porticus of the Pantheon in Rome is an iconic example of columns with entasis. This article provides exact measurements of the proportion of the columns and a method to determine the geometry of the entasis. The Bern Digital Pantheon Model is used as the data source.<\/p>\n

The entablature is the group of horizontal members that rests on the columns of one of the classical orders. It is divided into three parts: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The architrave is the lowest member of the entablature, resting directly on the columns.<\/p>\n

Why do columns have entasis <\/h3>\n

Entasis is a slight convexity in the body of a column that is often seen in Doric temples. It is believed that entasis is used to compensate for an illusion of concavity in columns with truly straight sides. Guide-books often suggest that visitors to Doric temples should look out for this characteristic feature.<\/p>\n

architechtural experts generally agree entasis is “swelling given to a column in the middle parts of the shaft for the purpose of correcting a disagreeable optical illusion, which is found to cause their outlines to seem concave instead of straight” -Penrose (1888).