Peripteral design

Definition

Peripteral design refers to a type of classical temple architecture characterized by a single row of columns surrounding the entire building. This architectural style is particularly prominent in Greek temple construction, where the columned periphery creates a striking visual effect and provides a sense of grandeur and symmetry. The design not only supports the structure but also enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a hallmark of classical Greek architecture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Parthenon is one of the most famous examples of peripteral design, featuring 46 outer columns that create a visually harmonious structure.
2. In peripteral temples, the columns are typically designed to be slightly tapered, known as entasis, which gives an illusion of perfection from a distance.
3. Peripteral design often incorporates both frontal and side entrances, allowing for easier access and enhancing the temple's prominence.
4. The use of peripteral design was influenced by the Greeks' desire for symmetry and balance in their sacred spaces.
5. This architectural style was commonly employed in temples dedicated to gods and goddesses, reflecting the importance of religious practices in ancient Greek society.

Review Questions

• How does peripteral design contribute to the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of classical Greek temples?
  • Peripteral design contributes significantly to both the aesthetics and structural integrity of classical Greek temples. The surrounding row of columns not only supports the weight of the roof but also creates an impressive visual effect that emphasizes symmetry and balance. This design allows for an engaging interplay between light and shadow on the columns, enhancing the temple's beauty and reinforcing its significance as a sacred space.
• Discuss the relationship between peripteral design and the cultural values of ancient Greek society, especially in terms of religious practices.
  • Peripteral design reflects the cultural values of ancient Greek society by embodying ideals such as harmony, proportion, and reverence for the divine. Temples built in this style were often dedicated to gods and goddesses, serving as both places of worship and symbols of civic pride. The grandeur associated with peripteral temples reinforced the importance of religious practices in daily life and showcased the Greeks' commitment to creating lasting monuments that honored their deities.
• Evaluate how innovations in peripteral design influenced later architectural styles and practices in both Western and non-Western cultures.
  • Innovations in peripteral design had a profound impact on later architectural styles across both Western and non-Western cultures. The emphasis on symmetry, columnar forms, and aesthetic proportion established foundational principles that informed Roman architecture, Renaissance revival styles, and even modern designs. As cultures interacted through trade and conquest, elements of peripteral design were adapted and integrated into various architectural traditions worldwide, demonstrating its lasting influence on global architecture.

Related terms

Doric Order:

One of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, recognized for its simplicity and sturdiness, featuring fluted columns with a plain capital.

Entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns in classical architecture, consisting of three main sections: architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Cella: The inner chamber of a temple where the cult statue is typically housed, often surrounded by columns in peripteral designs.