Classical Greek Architectural Forms and Structures

Greek Architecture: Principles and Harmony

Greek architecture is fundamentally based on *order* and *reason*, achieving great harmony through a synthesis of concept, proportion, and measure. Buildings were always adapted to the scale of man. These features were aimed at the pursuit of beauty and balance. To achieve these objectives, architects employed numerous practical optical illusions.

Types of Greek Architecture

Religious Architecture: The Temple

The temple was the most prominent religious building, housing the divine image in its interior. Temples are typically rectangular and consist of three main parts:

• Pronaos: The entrance vestibule leading to the sanctum (naos/cella).
• Cella (Naos): The main space where the divine image or statue was kept.
• Opisthodomos: The rear room, often used to store the temple's treasure or offerings.

Temple Classification by Columns

Classification by Number of Columns

Temple classification often depends on the number of columns across the facade:

• 2 columns: Distyle
• 4 columns: Tetrastyle
• 6 columns: Hexastyle
• 8 columns: Octastyle
• 10 columns: Decastyle

Classification by Column Placement

Classification based on the arrangement of columns:

• Peripteral: Surrounded entirely by a single row of columns (a peristyle).
• Dipteral: Surrounded by two rows of columns. (The original text referred to this as "Fly").
• Pseudoperipteral: Columns are attached to the wall (engaged columns).
• Amphiprostyle: Columns only appear on the two shorter (front and rear) sides.
• Prostyle: Columns only appear on the front facade (one of the smaller sides).
• Tholos: A circular temple structure.

Civil Architecture

Domestic Structures

Houses: Domestic architecture was generally considered architecturally unimportant. The most significant feature was the central courtyard, the *peristyle*, surrounded by columns. The main living area was the *Andron* (the man's room), located at the back, with less accessible areas dedicated to the *Gynaeceum* (the woman's room).

Tombs and Monuments

Tombs: During the Classical period, tombs were not highly emphasized and were built on bases smaller than those of temples. However, in the Hellenistic period, tombs became very luxurious and elaborate.

Public and Recreational Buildings

Greek architects excelled in designing public and recreational spaces:

Theatres

Theatres were a uniquely Greek creation, typically constructed by utilizing the natural slope of a hillside. They consisted of:

• Skene (Scene): The structure where the performance took place.
• Orchestra: The circular or semicircular area where the chorus performed. An altar, often dedicated to Dionysus, was placed in the center.
• Theatron (Seating): The tiered seating area for the public.

Stadiums

Stadiums were elongated, rectangular structures designed for athletic competitions. Stands for the public were located along the longer sides.

Hippodromes (Racecourses)

Hippodromes were similar in structure to stadiums but were used for equestrian events, including horse races. (The original text referred to these as "Racecourses").

Stoas

Stoas (long, covered colonnades) became very important during the Hellenistic period. They served as public spaces for walking, meeting, and resting within the city.

Propylaea (Access Gates)

These were monumental entrance structures or gateways, serving as the architectural blocks for reaching the inner sanctuary or city area.

The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

This monument (often called the "Lantern of Lysicrates") is formed by a cylindrical base adorned with engaged half-columns. It is notable for being one of the earliest surviving examples using the Corinthian capital, characterized by acanthus leaves.