Columns

Ancient Greek Columns.

Although many traditions have died out overtime, many still adapt the design from history. An example is the Greek columns. Originally the column was to support the building and provide air flow because the olden Greek buildings had no proper door way. However in the present time, buildings usually have only one door way which means columns are not necessary to be used. But till today, many columns can be seen all over buildings. But some questions may arise when we look at columns implanted on buildings.

Why do people want these elements in their design?
Perhaps people implement the element as a form of design in the structures. Besides using plain pillars to support a structure, it would be more creative if the designs of a column was added.

What does it mean here?

Some people perceive that having a column design in our structures are a state of financial being. Implementing a column design into a structure isn't a low cost requirement. Thus, people with columns in their buildings are construed to be higher than middle class financially.

How does the meaning change when used in a design?
- It serves more as a decoration rather than the core function of the column. Columns are designed to support a structure and provide air flow. But since most of today's structures do not require much airflow as there is only a single doorway. The function of the columns change to become a design element.

Types of Columns

Doric – West Greece/Mainland – 6^th BCE

The Doric column has no basement. It is a heavy column with no specific design on the top. In a Doric Temple, the part above the column is open work with metopes and triglyphs. There is a gap between the columns and the roof. The steps torwards the Doric Temples never exceed 3

Ionic – East Greece/Islands – 6^th BCE

The ionic column has a Doric column base and the cover(capital) is designed with volutes (detailed sculpted curls at the top) The area between the column and the roof is closed and designed with sculptures.

Corinthian – 4^th – 5^th BC

The Corinthian column is similar to the Ionic column because of the basement. The Ionic basement has only 1 level whereas, the Corinthian has more levels. Corinthian columns are slim and high. The volutes are replaced by acuntusleaves. The gap between the column and roof is similar to the Ionic column. The Corinthic Temple has more than 3 steps.

Columns (n.d.). The Art Podium. Web. Retrieved 22 Aug. 2011. from http://www.the-artfile.com/ArtFile/history/greek/columns.html