Roman Classical orders in architecture
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The Roman Classical orders (Tuscan and Composite) are based on combinations of - and variations on - the Etruscan and Greek Classical orders that preceded them. For more information on the Greek Classical order, see Greek Classical orders in architecture.
The Roman Classical orders appear throughout the world and are particularly visible in areas colonised or controlled by rulers of the Roman Empire.
[edit] Order and harmony
The Roman Classical orders determined three key characteristics:
- The style of columns.
- The form of the structure supported by the columns.
- The decoration that followed on from them.
To the ancient Romans, the sizes of columns varied according to the extent of the building, so the Classical orders were not based on a fixed unit of measurement. Rather, the intention was to ensure that all parts of any building were proportionate and in harmony with one another.
The Roman architect Vitruvius, in the time of Augustus, studied examples of the orders and presented his 'ideal' proportions for each in his treatise, De Architectura (English: On architecture, published as Ten Books on Architecture). Sixteenth century Italian architect Giacomo Barozzi de Vignola recodified these rules for the Italian Renaissance and his forms of orders are probably the best known to this day.
[edit] Elements
Roman Classical architecture followed a structured system of proportions that related individual architectural components to the whole building. This system was developed according to several pre-existing orders.
Each order consisted of an upright support called a column that extended from a base at the bottom through a shaft in the middle to a capital at the top.This, in turn, supported a horizontal element called the entablature, which was divided further into three parts:
These elements were sometimes elaborated with decorative moulding and ornamentation. Each component of the Classical order was sized and arranged according to an overall proportioning system based on the height and diameter of the columns.
[edit] Tuscan
The Tuscan Classical order was a hybrid style that took the Greek Doric order of the seventh century BC and the Greek Ionic order of the sixth century BC and merged them with the Etruscan architectural tradition that developed in Tuscany concurrently with its Greek counterparts.
The Tuscan Classical order first appeared in early Roman times (as seen in the Roman Amphitheatre in Verona, initially built in 30 AD). It re-emerged more widely in the mid-16th century.
It was highly influenced by the simplicity of the Greek Doric order but applied the ratios and proportions of the Ionic order in columns that were placed widely apart. It also incorporated elements of Etruscan architecture, which often used wooden columns that were decoratively painted. Instead of carved stone, bases and capitals of Etruscan columns incorporated painted terracotta decorations.
St Paul's in Covent Garden by Inigo Jones (1633) is built in the Tuscan Classical style.
The omission of carving was one of the most easily identifiable aspects of the Tuscan Classical order (which included simplistic entablatures that lacked triglyphs or other ornamental carvings). The style was identified by the unadorned rounded cap at the top of the columns and the plain bottom base, which was either round or square.
Due to its strength, the Tuscan order was frequently incorporated into the designs for castles, fortresses, military buildings and other places that needed to project a sense of fortification. It was also commonly used in Georgian architecture and gardens, and it is often seen in fence posts or gates where only two columns are required.
The Tuscan order was not recognised as its own formal architectural style until the Italian Renaissance. It was sometimes referred to as the Gigantic Order as it was labelled by the Italian architect, Ottavio Bertotti Scamozzi (1719-1790).
[edit] Composite
The Roman Composite Classical order was based on the Greek Classical orders (Ionic and Corinthian) that appeared in the fifth century BC. It got its name because its capital design merges Ionic scrolls (or volutes) with ornate Corinthian acanthus leaves.
Composite capitals differ from their Ionic counterparts because the volutes appear as two separate elements (rather than as a single Ionic scroll) emerging from the leaves in the base. Also, Composite volutes often appear as four thin, separate angled entities.
Somerset House by William Chambers (1776-96) uses the Composite Classical order.
Like the Tuscan order, the Composite order was a late Roman development. It was not given its own classification until the Italian Renaissance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
The new ‘Arches for HERs’ Demo site, from the Getty Conservation Institute via HE
It shows how organisations responsible for historic environment records (HER) management can benefit from its powerful features.
ICOMOS-CIF 2024 Symposium celebrates 40th anniversary in Venice
It aims to critically review current practices and theories of conservation of built heritage around the world, and more.
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).