GREEK ARCHITECTURE

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  • Q1: Write the names of Greek Order.
    Ans: The names of the three main Greek architectural orders are: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.
  • Q2: Define Ionic Order.
    Ans: The Ionic Order is one of the classical orders of Greek architecture, characterized by slender columns with bases and capitals decorated with volutes (spiral scrolls).
  • Q3: Define Doric Order.
    Ans: The Doric Order is the simplest of the classical Greek architectural styles, recognized by its sturdy, fluted columns with no base and a plain capital.
  • Q4: Define Corinthian Order.
    Ans: The Corinthian Order is the most ornate of the classical Greek orders, featuring slender columns with elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves.
  • Q5: What is Acanthus?
    Ans: Acanthus is a type of plant whose stylized leaves are used as decorative elements in the capitals of Corinthian and Composite columns in classical architecture.
  • Q6: Define a Column.
    Ans: A column is a vertical structural element that supports a building's weight, often cylindrical and used both for support and decoration in classical architecture.
  • Q7: Define Bed-and-Reel.
    Ans: Bead-and-reel is a decorative motif consisting of alternating spherical and cylindrical shapes, commonly used in classical architecture on moldings.
  • Q8: Define Fluting.
    Ans: Fluting refers to the shallow vertical grooves carved into the shaft of a column, often used to enhance its appearance and elegance.
  • Q9: Define Fret.
    Ans: Fret is a decorative pattern consisting of continuous lines, often forming repeated right angles, commonly seen in Greek and Roman friezes.
  • Q10: Define Frieze.
    Ans: A frieze is the middle horizontal band of the entablature in classical architecture, often decorated with sculpted reliefs.
  • Q11: Define Lintel.
    Ans: A lintel is a horizontal architectural element placed across the top of a door, window, or opening to support the structure above it.
  • Q12: Differentiate between Metope and Modillion.
    Ans: A metope is the square space between triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often decorated with sculpture, while a modillion is a decorative bracket used under the cornice in the Corinthian and Composite orders.
  • Q13: Define two types of Pediment.
    Ans: The two types of pediments are triangular pediments, which are the traditional form, and segmental pediments (or curved pediments) , which are rounded in shape.
  • Q14: Define Tympanum.
    Ans: A tympanum is the triangular or semi-circular space enclosed by a pediment, often decorated with sculpture or relief.
  • Q15: Which type of order is used in the famous Greek Building Parthenon?
    Ans: The Parthenon uses the Doric Order in its design, although some Ionic elements are also present.
  • Q16: Define Peristyle.
    Ans: A peristyle is a continuous row of columns surrounding a courtyard or building, commonly found in Greek and Roman architecture.
  • Q17: Define Pilaster.
    Ans: A pilaster is a flat, rectangular column that projects slightly from a wall and serves a decorative rather than structural purpose.
  • Q18: Define Rosette.
    Ans: A rosette is a circular decorative motif resembling a rose, commonly used in classical architecture and design.
  • Q19: Define Volute.
    Ans: A volute is a spiral or scroll-like ornament found in the capitals of Ionic and Composite columns.
  • Q20: Define Gutta.
    Ans: Guttae are small, conical projections typically found under the triglyphs in a Doric entablature, serving a decorative function.
  • Q21: Define Entablature.
    Ans: An entablature is the horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
  • Q22: Define Echinus.
    Ans: The echinus is the rounded molding below the abacus on a Doric capital, giving it a simple and sturdy look.
  • Q23: Define Entasis.
    Ans: Entasis is the slight convex curvature in the shaft of a column, used to correct the optical illusion of concavity.
  • Q24: Define Abacus.
    Ans: The abacus is the flat slab at the top of a column's capital, directly supporting the architrave or horizontal beam.
  • Q25: Define Architrave.
    Ans: The architrave is the lowest part of the entablature and rests directly on top of the column capitals.
  • Q26: Define Anthemion.
    Ans: Anthemion is a decorative floral motif featuring stylized honeysuckle or palmette designs, often used in Greek ornamentation.
  • Q27: Define Tryglyph.
    Ans: A triglyph is a decorative element with three vertical grooves, used in the frieze of the Doric order between metopes.
  • Q28: Define Stylobate.
    Ans: A stylobate is the uppermost platform or step on which columns stand in classical Greek architecture.
GCT notes/Book-Exercise