Ancient Greek architecture as a basis for European architecture
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European-style architectural design is a world of architectural design that is considered classic and timeless. The European style has drawn upon elements from older worlds over thousands of years while also referring to and relating to modern classical content.
A deeper understanding of European architectural characteristics will lead us back to previous years in order to understand the basis for the development of this style to the present day.
Ancient Greek Architecture – The Origin and Basis of European Architecture
Architecture in ancient Greece developed from the 12th century BC to the 4th century AD, when ancient Greek architecture reached its peak. The architectural style of ancient Greece constitutes the earliest basis for most architectural styles that developed until the 20th century, including today's European-style architectural design.
Characteristics of the architectural style of ancient Greece
Ancient Greek architecture made frequent use of stone and marble. The construction technology was considered simple, using rectangular structures, stone or marble columns, horizontal beams made of stone, wood and the use of triangular gables. At this time, the Greeks did not have the technique to erect buildings with an arch or dome, and therefore the frequent use that was made was based on building plans of right angles and/or triangular gables.
The development of the Greek style matured around the sixth century BC. The strictness of symmetry was often perfect. This of course characterizes the clean European architecture that can be seen most often in urban spaces to this day. On the other hand, the Greeks did not maintain the symmetry of the buildings scattered throughout the space, with the decision of the Greek architect being to place each building according to the topography and natural elements in that space.
The architectural design of a residential house at that time
Along with the fact that at that time the architects in Greece were busy building and designing temples, theaters, gymnasiums and stoas, it was possible to notice the architectural style that developed at the level of the buildings that were used by the inhabitants of ancient Greece for housing.
The typical Greek house consisted of a one-story building that converged into a courtyard. The building included an entrance hallway that led to that courtyard. The other rooms in the house also faced the courtyard and not the other directions outside the house. On one side of the courtyard were columns known as a "portico". These columns created a type of internal balcony that also faced the courtyard.
Every Greek house had a reception room where the members of the household and guests would hold feasts. In the room, beds were placed around it facing its center and next to the low beds that allowed comfortable seating and access to food and drink that were served alongside a show held in the center of the room.
Even today, architectural designs in Europe can be seen in which the spaces of the house drain towards a wide backyard. Many private homes in which the living room is located, which is also the main guest room, allow a view from the wide living room window towards the yard and even a convenient exit to it to the deck located at the same level as the living room. Furthermore, the windows of the rooms also face towards that yard and less towards the street.
A deeper understanding of European architectural characteristics will lead us back to previous years in order to understand the basis for the development of this style to the present day.
Ancient Greek Architecture – The Origin and Basis of European Architecture
Architecture in ancient Greece developed from the 12th century BC to the 4th century AD, when ancient Greek architecture reached its peak. The architectural style of ancient Greece constitutes the earliest basis for most architectural styles that developed until the 20th century, including today's European-style architectural design.
Characteristics of the architectural style of ancient Greece
Ancient Greek architecture made frequent use of stone and marble. The construction technology was considered simple, using rectangular structures, stone or marble columns, horizontal beams made of stone, wood and the use of triangular gables. At this time, the Greeks did not have the technique to erect buildings with an arch or dome, and therefore the frequent use that was made was based on building plans of right angles and/or triangular gables.
The development of the Greek style matured around the sixth century BC. The strictness of symmetry was often perfect. This of course characterizes the clean European architecture that can be seen most often in urban spaces to this day. On the other hand, the Greeks did not maintain the symmetry of the buildings scattered throughout the space, with the decision of the Greek architect being to place each building according to the topography and natural elements in that space.
The architectural design of a residential house at that time
Along with the fact that at that time the architects in Greece were busy building and designing temples, theaters, gymnasiums and stoas, it was possible to notice the architectural style that developed at the level of the buildings that were used by the inhabitants of ancient Greece for housing.
The typical Greek house consisted of a one-story building that converged into a courtyard. The building included an entrance hallway that led to that courtyard. The other rooms in the house also faced the courtyard and not the other directions outside the house. On one side of the courtyard were columns known as a "portico". These columns created a type of internal balcony that also faced the courtyard.
Every Greek house had a reception room where the members of the household and guests would hold feasts. In the room, beds were placed around it facing its center and next to the low beds that allowed comfortable seating and access to food and drink that were served alongside a show held in the center of the room.
Even today, architectural designs in Europe can be seen in which the spaces of the house drain towards a wide backyard. Many private homes in which the living room is located, which is also the main guest room, allow a view from the wide living room window towards the yard and even a convenient exit to it to the deck located at the same level as the living room. Furthermore, the windows of the rooms also face towards that yard and less towards the street.
