The Influence of the Classical Style on Modern Structures It’s safe to say
that the past has had profound influence on the way we live today. Many aspects
of life have evolved over time and have been fine tuned to fit our preferences.
A few examples are art, fashion and architecture. Every once in a while people
look to the past in order to decide what we want for the present. For example,
some people like to wear retro clothes that were popular in the 50’s and
listen to Elvis Prestley records. This is also true with architecture. It’s
easy to see the similarities and distinctions between ancient Greek structures
and modern structures. The classic architecture style of ancient Greece has a
profound influence on architecture today. The great political revolutions of the
late 1700’s and early 1800’s did not trigger a revolution in architecture;
instead they inspired still another classical revival (Jacobs, 135). About 1820
the Western world became very interested in ancient Greek architecture. The
Greek War of independence from Turkey was closely watched be Westerners which
sparked their interest in Greek architecture. Greek Revival style was used for
courthouses, city halls, and residences. From 1820 onward, most builders
preferred the Greek orders of column styles. These were the Doric, the Ionic and
the Corinthian styles (Hammett, 24). The Doric style was the simplest style of
columns and is characterized by having a slightly tapered column that is
relatively short. These columns have no base and sit directly on the stylobate,
or foundation, and are channeled by twenty shallow flutes. The top of the
column, or the volute, is plain and bold and generally there are three steps
which lead up to the stylobate (Alvey). Ionic styles are much slimmer, taller
and more elaborate. They are also characterized by volutes that are horn-like or
resemble a rolled up scroll. They also have bases which are very elaborate. The
Corinthian columns are similar to the ionic style but are even taller and have
more elaborate volutes that best resemble an upside-down bell surrounded by
leaves (Nuttgens, 92). The modern structure that best represents the style of
ancient Greece is the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C. Construction began on
the memorial on February 12, 1915 and was dedicated on May 30, 1922. Henry
Bacon, the architect who designed the Lincoln memorial, was an admirer of Greek
architecture and purposefully tried to show his Greek influence in the memorial.
In fact he used the Parthenon in Athens as a specific model (Alvey). The
Parthenon is perhaps the most outstanding ancient Greek architectural
achievement. Built by Ictinus and Callicrates and sculpted by Phidias, the
Parthenon was dedicated to Athena, the virgin Athena. The Parthenon began
construction in 447 b.c. and was completed 432 b.c. (Alvey). Looking at the
attached photos, one can see the resemblance between the Lincoln memorial and
the Parthenon. The most noticeable characteristics are the columns and the use
of marble. The Doric style was utilized in both of these structures. The
interior of the memorial is also similar to that of the Parthenon. Both are
divided into chambers, with a statue of whom the temples are dedicated as the
focal point (Alvey). Another modern structure that show ancient Greek influence
is the treasury building in Washington D.C. The treasury building, built by
Robert Mills and Thomas U. Walter, is made of white marble and displays 38 Greek
ionic columns. Other structures that show Greek revival are the Old Illinois
State Capitol, the Ohio State Capitol, the St. Louis Court House, the Andalusia
in Philadelphia and the Second Bank of the United States which was the first of
many Parthanon adaptations (Hammett). It is easy to find Greek influence all
over the world. Just drive around to the banks, libraries or fraternity houses.
Mansions are known for having columns in front which is exclusively
characteristic of ancient Greek design. Greek architecture is so beautiful and
unmistakable that it is no wonder so many people want their home or business to
show its influence. BibliographyJacobs, David. Architecture. New York: Newsweek Books, 1974. Hammett, Ralph.
Architecture in the United States. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1976. Nuttgens,
Patrick. The Story of Architecture. London: Phaidon Press Limited, 1997. Alvey,
Kevin. "Greek Architecture and its Legacy in 20th Century American
Architecture." Http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/1070/greekarchitecture.html