Classical Architecture

Classical architecture has its origins in simple houses and plain little temples built by the early peoples of the Mediterranean region. From these unselfconscious beginnings, classical style found perfect expression in the Doric and Ionic temples of the Greek city-states. The excellence of classical design is such that it has endured for more than two thousand years as the ideal of Western architecture. Moreover, the vocabulary of classical architecture-from acanthus to zoophorus-is not only alive but is enjoying yet another renaissance today. In Classical Architecture Robert Adam traces the history of classical design to the present day and provides examples of virtually everyone of its applications. He shows how the style of classical architecture has been echoed, adapted, and refined in subsequent school, including those as diverse as Hellenistic, Romanesque, and Baroque. Adam draws on an enormous range of source material to illustrate different types of classical buildings, the evolution of its orders, and its theories of proportion, He demonstrates for the first time the extent to which the language of architecture pervades our own culture, and he also lays down essential guidelines for the correct application of its principles. A special feature of this unique handbook is the presentation of illustrative material alongside the discussion of each subject. This juxtaposition of text and drawings shows at a glance the ways in which different features of classicism have been interpreted, and examples include buildings and architectural details in North America and Europe. Each illustration has been painstakingly researched, carefully drawn, and presented with scale. Every element of classical design is here, including entire sections devote to brackets, mouldings, and decorative details, as well as to domes, arches, pediments, doors, porches, windows, and even fireplace surrounds. Lavishly illustrated and accessibly written, Classical Architecture takes the reader on a journey through the history of this iconic architectural genre, starting with an introduction to its origins in ancient Greece, through its resurgence across Europe during the Renaissance, to its influence on modern-day architectural design in locations as diverse as Shanghai and Washington DC. Written by Professor of Architecture and established author Andrew Ballantyne, and illustrated with over 100 photographs, this book will prove invaluable to anyone wanting to explore and understand this important and pervasive architectural style. Classical architecture has developed through many styles to become the backbone of western architecture. It was refined in ancient Greece mainly in sacred places. This architecture of finely modelled columns was taken up by the Romans and spread across their empire, changing on the way, so by the time the Roman empire collapsed it had become an architecture of arches and vaults. The monuments were impressive, even as ruins, and inspired imitation in later ages. "Classical architecture has developed through many styles to become the backbone of western architecture. It was refined in ancient Greece mainly in sacred places. This architecture of finely modelled columns was taken up by the Romans and spread across their empire, changing on the way, so by the time the Roman empire collapsed it had become an architecture of arches and vaults. The monuments were impressive, even as ruins, and inspired imitation in later ages"--Publisher's description