Comparative Research and Analysis of Greek and Roman Architecture Theories
What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art and science of designing and building, as distinguish from the skill with construction. The practice architecture is employ to fulfill both practical and expressive requirements, and thus it serves both utilitarian and aesthetic ends.
What is Theory of Architecture?
The Theory of Architecture deals with analyzing a structure and providing varying and logical solutions to the existing problems. It also empowers the designer to show more content.
What are the Influencing Factors of Architecture?
There are 6 influential factors in architecture; (1) geography, (2) geology, (3) climate, (4) religion, (5) social and political, (6) culture and (7) history. Geography is often a key factor in shaping the design of behavioral healthcare facility and influence design choices such as color, materials, lighting, or structural elements of a building. A behavioral healthcare facility in a rainy suburb of Settle may look nothing like facility in a hot desert like Arizona. Full knowledge of geology may increase the strength, stability and durability of a project. Architecture intentionally modifies the climate of an immediate area-and traditionally, its design has been shaped by the stresses and opportunities inherent in the regional climate. Architecture is the process that directly related to the people’s beliefs and in general, their religion. As we observed that every region and country has its own architecture, we can find that religion plays a major role in architecture. Architecture represents and symbolizes our values and enacts vision of social order. It is not merely a backdrop of political life, but an important political agent itself. Architecture as a matter of human life reflects the culture in every society interacting closely with structural, historical, political, economic and social features of society.
COMPARATIVE TABLE ANALYSIS OF GREEK AND ROMAN ARCHITECTURE
Anthropometric Basis of Architectural Design
Human dimensions and capabilities are paramount in determining a building's dimensions and overall design. The underlying principle of anthropometrics is that building designs should adapt to suit the human body, rather than people having to adapt to suit the buildings.
There are two basic areas of anthropometry:
o Static anthropometry is the measurement of body sizes at rest and when using devices such as chairs, tables, beds, mobility devices, and so on.
o Functional anthropometry is the measurement of abilities related to the completion of tasks, such as reaching, maneuvering and motion, and other aspects of space and equipment use.
Dimensions: Scale and Proportion
Scale has reference to proportions which are good for humans. Scale deals with the relation of architectural motifs, such as doors, windows or moldings, to each other and the human figure. Architecture must be adapted to human needs. Doors should be large enough to walk through in comfort but not so gigantic that they require an almost impossible physical effort to close them. Design is a matter of the adjustment of architectural elements to meet the needs of the human race, and proper scale should be present when this adaptation is made.
While proportion refers to the mathematical relationships among the real dimensions of a form or space, scale refers to how we perceive the size of a building element or space relative to other forms. In visually measuring the size of an element we tend to use other elements of known-size in their context as measuring devices.
Scale and proportion are both design elements that have to do with size. Scale is the size of one object in relation to the other objects in a design or artwork. Proportion refers to the size of the parts of an object in relationship to other parts of the same object
Shape, Form and Unity
The principle of Unity deals with visual composition in design. Composition means the relationship between the visual elements. The brick work, timber and concrete which we use as building materials for protection from weather or for structural support from the visual composition of architectural composition. To get a good composition, the elements of unity should be chosen carefully.
Every building’s form is unique but most fall into some general category of architectural shape. There are a handful of geometric shapes that provide the proper support, function, and aesthetic to serve as a building’s foundation.
In architecture, a form is a three-dimensional object or building that is perceived by a viewer in space and time, and made possible by the action of light and shadow. For example, a building may be said to present a complex, geometric form on the skyline.
Balance and Gravitational Curve
Balance is equality. It is composition. It is the foundation upon which arrangement, harmony and adjustment of weights, tones, values, etc. are developed. Proper balance satisfies the eye with reference to the relative importance of the various parts of the design. If balance does not exist, there must necessarily be lack of balance or inequality. Gravitational is the natural tendency toward some point or object of influence. The gravitation of people towards suburbs.
There are three {3) types of BALANCE in the study of composition.
• SYMMETRICAL BALANCE monumental effect centralized formal radial
• UNSYMMETRICAL BALANCE informal
• GRAVITATIONAL BALANCE picturesqueness of surroundings.
Visual Acuity and Perception
Perception is the process by which we organize and interpret the patterns of stimuli in our environment, the immediate intuitive recognition, as of an aesthetic quality. The separation of two lines placed end to end can be perceived more readily than the separation of 2 lines placed side by side. Acuity increases with increase in intensity of illumination.
All spatial implications are mentally conditioned by the environmental and experience of the viewer. Vision is experienced through the eyes, but interpreted with the mind. Perception involves the whole pattern of nerve and brain response as well as the visual 'stimulus'.
User Requirement and Perception of Space
As for Architectural systems, it is important to start with the USER. The designer shall recognize his or her characteristics and constraints. Determine the user's needs, create a place for the user to perform whatever tasks he or she expects to do.
Space planning is a complex process with many factors to consider. The principles of space planning involve satisfying defined criteria on a priority basis - as a result, space planning is frequently about compromise. That being said, there is often more than one solution to planning out the space requirements of a building. The design of a building or space will have numerous requirements from the client or end user. It is important in the very early stages of design to carry out in depth research and consider as many aspects of the use of the spaces as possible.
Analysis of Greek Architecture Theories
Introduction about Greek Architecture
Greek architecture came from the Greek people from about 900 BC until the first AD. The earliest architectural structure was built around 600 BC. The Greek architecture was best known for its temples that can be found throughout the region. Parthenon is one of the example of it. another architectural structure built during Greek period is the open-theater, stoa (a long colonnaded building}, agora (the public square), stadium and mausoleum (monumental tomb). Greek architecture is characterized by its simplicity & harmony, purity of lines, perfection of proportions, refinement of details. Greek architecture is also known for architectural styles namely; Doric order, ionic order and Corinthian order. Marble is their chief building materials, they also had ample supplies of building stones.
Anthropometric Basis of Architectural Design
Greek temples were mostly intended to serve as homes for their gods. They were design to fit the structure of their gods. The gods were believed to be really large and powerful, therefore the temples were built in a really large proportion. The temples were made to house the statues of the gods. The buildings were more than 5 times that of a normal human being. The temples were also located on high ground to further allow it be seen and show the dominance of the gods.
Dimensions: Scale and Proportion
Proportioning systems
Golden Section – defined as the ratio between sections of a line, or the two dimensions of a plane figure, in which the lesser of the two is to the greater is to the sum of both. It is expressed algebraically by the equation of two ratios: a/b = b/(a+b). The Fibonacci Sequence close approximates the Golden Section. Golden Section can be seen in the façade of the Parthenon, Tempietto and other famous buildings.
▪ Golden Rectangle – a rectangle whose sides are proportioned according to the Golden Section.
▪ Regulating Lines – lines that indicate common alignment of elements (i.e. parallel diagonals of two rectangles with similar proportions).
Classical Orders – represented the proportioning of elements with perfect expression of beauty and harmony. The basic unit dimension was the diameter of the column from which other measurements are derived. ▪ Intercolumniation is the spacing between columns based on column diameter.
▪ Pycnostyle, Systyle, Eustyle, Diastyle and Araeostyle Renaissance theories
Anthropometry – functional type of proportions, based on the theory that forms and spaces in architecture are either containers or extensions of the human body and should therefore be determined by its dimensions. ▪ The dimensions of the human body affect the structural elements of the building and the volume of spaces, and even how we locate ourselves within the space (proxemics).
Shape, Form and Unity
Greeks usually builds rectangular temples. In this way, we can see the unity of architectural structure of Greece.
Balance and Gravitational Curve
Ancient Greek architects took a highly pragmatic approach to the rules surrounding proportions. Thus when it came to the mathematics of an architectural design they yield to appearance as their guiding principle, thus if the correct mathematical proportions didn't look right, they used a different set! In particular, they treated a temple like a sculptor treats a statue: they wanted it to look good from every angle. So they added a bit of width here, a bit of height there, and so on and so forth, until the structure looked perfect and balance.
Visual Acuity and Perception
Ancient Greek architects counteracted the deformity that comes with visual perspective. Objects appear smaller as they are farther away, and as Greek temples were “buildings in which merits and faults usually last forever” it was important that all parts be seen in their correct size. An ideal building would be seen as a whole object, with parts that fit perfectly. Unless it displays correct proportions, “there can be no principles in the design of any temple; that is, if there is no precise relation between its members.” Greek and Roman builders sought to “counteract the ocular deception by an adjustment of proportions.” Objects farther away were enlarged so that they matched the objects around them. Architects adjusted proportions so that the temple would appear correct when viewed a distance six times the height of a column. This precise viewing distance related the viewer to the architecture and made him part of it.
User Requirement and Perception of Space
Ancient Greece architecture was much more spatially refined than their art from the same period. The evolution of the first abstract concept of space proceeded over a period of roughly three centuries, from 600 to 300 B.C. There was no single point in Greek history where the concept of space just came into being with space having a complete set of characteristics. The process can be represented as a continuous transition of different ideas, each defined by their own terms as presented by individual philosophers. However, this process can also be seen as a sequence of shifts in the thought or direction of Greek philosophy as a whole. In this way, the problem for Greeks, represented as “an abstraction and concentration of the idea of pure extension” which ultimately qualified space as a fundamental entity within physical reality, was to refine, differentiate and separate the notions of space, time and matter which were vaguely referred to as a single entity beginning with the earliest thoughts of mankind example.
Sample Theory Application in Greek Architecture
Analysis of Roman Architecture Theories
Introduction about Roman Architecture
Roman architecture was known for building an architectural structure such as vaults, arches and domes. they adapted the architectural style and structure of Greek architecture. They used Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian order in their buildings. They made another style order which is called a Composite order. The building materials they used are concrete which is made from the rubber mixed with lime and a volcanic sand called pozzolana. Some of their well-known structures are the Imperial Forum, the rectangular temple, Pantheon (a circular temple), Thermae (public baths) and Basilica.
Anthropometric Basis of Architectural Design
The use of anthropometry in building design aims to ensure that everyone has as much comfort as possible while doing work. For example, dimensions must be appropriate, the roof ceiling is quite high, the doors and aisles are wide enough, and so on.
Dimensions: Scale and Proportion
Golden Section – defined as the ratio between sections of a line, or the two dimensions of a plane figure, in which the lesser of the two is to the greater is to the sum of both. It is expressed algebraically by the equation of two ratios: a/b = b/(a+b). The Fibonacci Sequence close approximates the Golden Section. Golden Section can be seen in the façade of the Parthenon, Tempietto and other famous buildings.
▪ Golden Rectangle – a rectangle whose sides are proportioned according to the Golden Section.
▪ Regulating Lines – lines that indicate common alignment of elements (i.e. parallel diagonals of two rectangles with similar proportions).
Classical Orders – represented the proportioning of elements with perfect expression of beauty and harmony. The basic unit dimension was the diameter of the column from which other measurements are derived. ▪ Intercolumniation is the spacing between columns based on column diameter.
▪ Pycnostyle, Systyle, Eustyle, Diastyle and Araeostyle
Renaissance Theories - the architects of the Renaissance, believing that their buildings had to belong to a higher order, returned to the Greek mathematical system of proportions.
▪ Palladio’s 7 ideal plan shapes
▪ Palladio’s Room Height Determination – based on the dimensions of the room and Pythagorean theorem
Anthropometry – functional type of proportions, based on the theory that forms and spaces in architecture are either containers or extensions of the human body and should therefore be determined by its dimensions. ▪ The dimensions of the human body affect the structural elements of the building and the volume of spaces, and even how we locate ourselves within the space (proxemics)
Shape, Form and Unity
The roman architectural revolution was a widespread use in Roman Architecture of the previously used forms of the arch, vaults and domes.
Balance and Gravitational Curve
The statues of Roman provide a clear example of asymmetrical balance. The figure does not stand in a symmetrical way, but overall, seems even, calm, balanced. In this case, the figure has his weight on his right leg, so this leg is tensed. The left leg is relaxed and bent. Balancing this out, the right arm hangs loosely, but the left arm is tensed. In this way, the body — which itself is symmetrical, or would be if he were posed with his feet side by side, looking straight ahead, with his arms hanging down — is balanced. This pose is called contrapposto, and is often used to give standing human figures a sense of life and animation.
Visual Acuity and Perception
The Roman architect Vitruvius said that all parts above the column of a Doric building should be tilted downward so that they would appear to be vertical when viewed from below. If viewed from afar, these tilted elements would appear flush.
User Requirement and Perception of Space
In re-organizing their historical tradition, the Romans of the Late Republic re-invented their past according to a vision based upon concepts of a high ethical value, even if we do not know the degree to which those concepts corresponded with reality. They formulated an ideal conception of Rome that was equal in dignity to such a vision, conferring upon their monuments a mnemonic value equal, if not superior, to that of the buildings which by their magnificence and aesthetic qualities contributed to the grandeur of classical Athens. The idealistic longings that formed part of such a vision, however, did not stop Sulla or Caesar, nor Augustus later on, from interval rung drastically, demolishing old monuments and reconstructing them according to the taste of the age. In short, learned Romans of the Late Republic favored the idea of the glories of the past, and, conversely, the idea of the space and environment which had played host to the events that made Rome the master of the Mediterranean, rather than the monuments themselves or the city's true urban shape: its true beauty derived less from the beauty of its urban fabric and its artistic and monumental components than from its image as a symbol of Rome's Political and military power.
Sample Theory Application in Roman Architecture
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