Greek architecture and the three order

Greek architecture was made up with three different orders which also known as their columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Doric was believed to be the first order among these three, however, there is no evidence proving this belief yet..

Doric

Doric columns are the basic columns that were widely used in Greek architecture and also known for being used by the spartans. According to the research, Doric style was originated in wood which then be replaced by stones. Consisting with smooth, round capitals, and plain design make Doric columns are much more simpler comparing to the other two. As well as the style reflected the more martial nature of the Dorian invaders.

Doric order

Example of Doric columns in building

The Parthenon, Athenian Acropolis, Greece

The Parthenon is the most famous surviving building with the Doric order. It was built in the 5th century BCE to honor the Greek goddess Athena.

Ionic

Ionic column style looks more slender than Doric because the shafts are taller and the base are bulged out which made the column looks more straight. Comparing with Doric, Ionic column is more decorative with scrolls added to its capital. Also flutes, line carved on the column"s surface, were added to this style.

Ionic order

Example of Ionic columns in building

The temple of Athena Nike, Athens, Greece

It was he earliest fully ionic temple on the Acropolis where people used to worship the goddess in hope of the long war against the Spartans and their allies.

Corinthian

This style of column has highly ornate and is the most decorative and elegant fully with details, flowers and leaves, at its capital below the scroll. The column is also bulged out at its base making the column looks slender.

Corinthian order

Example of Corinthian columns in building

The Negaunee National Bank, Negaunee, Michigan

The state bank was constructed in 1912 after the old bank was destroyed by fire in the same year. The building hosted the Negaunee State Bank until the bank failed during the Great depression in 1933

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