Column

Definition

A column is a structural element that is typically cylindrical and serves to support weight in architecture, particularly in classical buildings. In addition to their functional role, columns are also important aesthetic features, often adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that contribute to the overall design of temples and civic structures. The style and design of columns can vary significantly, often reflecting the cultural and artistic values of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Columns are categorized into three main architectural orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with distinct characteristics.
2. In classical Greek architecture, columns not only provided structural support but also symbolized strength and beauty.
3. The use of columns became a defining feature of temples, providing a majestic presence that emphasized the importance of the structure.
4. Innovative uses of columns in civic buildings showcased advances in engineering and design during the classical period.
5. Columns were often integrated with sculptural elements, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and their narrative significance in architectural decoration.

Review Questions

• How do columns serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in classical architecture?
  • Columns play a crucial role in supporting the weight of a structure while also serving as decorative elements that enhance the building's visual appeal. Their design reflects architectural orders, which showcase cultural values and artistic trends. For instance, a Corinthian column with its elaborate capital adds grandeur to a temple while maintaining structural integrity.
• Compare the different styles of columns found in classical architecture and discuss how they reflect cultural values.
  • The three main styles of columns—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—each embody unique cultural values and artistic expressions. Doric columns are sturdy and simplistic, reflecting strength and utility; Ionic columns are more slender and ornate, representing elegance; while Corinthian columns are the most elaborate, showcasing opulence. This variety illustrates how architecture was used to convey different ideals in society.
• Evaluate the impact of innovative column designs on the development of civic structures in classical Greece.
  • Innovative column designs greatly influenced the development of civic structures by allowing for greater heights and more open spaces in buildings. As architects experimented with proportions and decorative elements, they created more complex and visually appealing structures. This evolution not only demonstrated advancements in engineering techniques but also reinforced the social and political significance of civic spaces as centers for public life.

Related terms

Capital: The topmost part of a column, which can be highly decorative and varies in style according to the architectural order.

Entablature:

The horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Pediment: The triangular upper part of a building's facade, often found above the entablature and frequently adorned with sculptures.