Classical Greek Architecture

As leading commercial concrete contractors, The Conco Companies have been honored to be involved in many distinguished construction projects over the last several decades.  As many of these projects represent exciting accomplishments in our today’s world, it got us thinking about architectural wonders from ancient times.  Our post is an acknowledgement of the enduring influence of Greek architecture. 

The terms we use to describe the five orders of classical architecture, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite, were given to us by the Romans.  The Ancient History Encyclopedia defines an order as, “a combination of a certain style of column with or without a base and an entablature (what the column supports: the architrave, frieze, and cornice).”   

The Greek’s architectural style embraced “simplicity, proportion, perspective and harmony” and inspired the building style of the Roman Empire.  Together this laid the foundation for the classical architectural orders that dominated the Renaissance period right up to today.   

Along with the Parthenon, which we wrote about in an earlier post, other significant ancient Greek temples that exemplified Doric and Ionic order include the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, completed c. 460 BC; and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which was one of the wonders of the ancient world completed c. 430 BC.  The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, built between 444-440 BC, is an example of the Greeks’ desire to not only build structures that were beautiful on the inside as well as close-up but also to construct temples that would be admired from a distance. 

On the Architecture of the Capitol website, they list a few examples of modern day buildings in Washington, DC that reflect the classic Greek orders.  These include the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court Building and the exterior of the Longworth House Office Building.  The old Senate Chamber located in the U.S. Capitol “is a two-story room modeled after the amphitheaters of antiquity.”  The eight Ionic columns that support the Chamber’s gallery on the east wall are inspired by the columns of the Erechtheion in Athens.

The Conco Companies are a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western U.S. and got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as one of the top concrete contractors in the region. Our offices serve California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.

Sources: ancient.eu/Greek_Architecture/, aoc.gov/capitol-hill/architecture-columns/ionic-columns