Summary of The Foundations of Classical Architecture: Roman Classicism

00:00:00 - 00:55:00

This video discusses the origins of classical architecture and how it was based on the architecture of the Roman Empire. Classical architecture was used throughout the Western world in buildings such as the Library of Congress and many residential neighborhoods. However, with the fall of the Roman Empire, the rules for classical design were forgotten and many buildings were built without understanding the principles behind it.

• 00:00:00 This video explains the origins of classical architecture and how it was based on the architecture of the Roman Empire. Classical architecture was used throughout the Western world in buildings such as the Library of Congress and many residential neighborhoods. However, with the fall of the Roman Empire, the rules for classical design were forgotten and many buildings were built without understanding the principles behind it. Renaissance architects were able to learn from Vitruvius's texts and apply it to their own projects.
• 00:05:00 The treatise "The Ten Books on Architecture" by Roman architect Vitruvius was a foundational text for classical design, and it is still widely used today. Vitruvius discusses the principles of harmonic proportions, the use of eustyle spacing, and the correction of an optical illusion.
• 00:10:00 In this video, classical architect Palladio discusses the use of eustyle in porticoes and other classical architecture. He explains that eustyle is not often used in Corinthian architecture, but it can be found in more sophisticated works. He also discusses the three essentials of a work of architecture - firmitas, utilitas, and venustas - and how a work of architecture must be firm, commodious, and beautiful. Finally, he demonstrates the use of eustyle in the Colosseum, one of the most famous examples of ancient Roman architecture.
• 00:15:00 The classical architecture of Roman Classicism is characterized by the use of classical columns or orders to give character and expression to buildings. The use of classical columns or orders to give character and expression to buildings is seen in thousands of examples, and the rules for proportioning in classical architecture were worked out by trial and error over many centuries. The building shown in the video is from 2,500 years ago and still is beautiful today.
• 00:20:00 The vertical support of a classical building is the column. The column is divided into three main parts - the cornice, frieze, and architrave. The cornice, frieze, and architrave are collectively called the entablature. The entablature is divided into three main parts - the cornice, frieze, and architrave. The group of moldings at the top of the cornice collectively make up the cornice. The term cornice derives from the Greek word Coronas, meaning curved. Below the cornice moldings is a wide band called the frieze. We get the word frieze from the ancient area of Asia minor called Phrygia. Phrygia was noted for making richly decorated long bands of cloth, hence the frieze. Below the frieze is another band called the architrave. The architrave is composed of two words, arc, a Greek prefix, meaning chief as in Archangel or chief angel and trave from the Latin word trabes, meaning wooden beam. So if the architrave is the chief beam or the chief structural element of the entablature, the architrave can be either plain or composed of
• 00:25:00 The video discusses the classical architecture of the Romans and how their architecture was based on the Greeks. The different orders of architecture are discussed, with the Roman Doric being the most common. The importance of a base is also highlighted, with the majority of Renaissance and later architects believing that a direct column should always have one.
• 00:30:00 The Roman Doric order is a classical architectural style that was developed in Rome. The triglyphs and metopes display stylistic features that are characteristic of the order, such as the frieze and the triglyphs and metopes being half-glyphs. The bases of the Doric columns are based on the Roman Doric column's characteristic feature, the bases being composed of two thick boards that form the architrave. The Ionic order was developed in the Greek areas of Asia Minor, and is characterized by its scrolls in the capital of the columns.
• 00:35:00 The Ionic order is a classical style of architecture that is enriched with additional moldings, including dentils and modillions. The order's distinguishing feature is its capital, which features spiral scrolls called volutes. The form of the volutes probably derives from a ram's horn or possibly a spiral mollusk shell. The ionic capital's echinus is nearly always decorated with an egg and dart molding. Pulvinated friezes, also known as a pulvinated frieze, are an option. In addition, dentils and modillions are shown in two separate versions, but it is okay to use both in a single composition. We find them both happily together on this 18th century Charleston, South Carolina porch roof. The detail of the entablature on Palladio's Villa Rotonda shows that Palladio favored the Ionic order using parallel volutes. That is a capital with a pair of volutes facing forward and a parallel pair on the backside. Notice well Palladio's use of a pulvinated frieze and scrolled modillions but with a plain echinus in the capital. Now when you use ionic columns on both the front and sides of a building, you have to deal
• 00:40:00 The Corinthian order is based on a plant, the acanthus plant, and its distinctive features include carved acanthus leaves attached to the underside of each of its scrolling modillions, concave sides, and a carved acanthus leaf attached to the underside of each of its scrolled modillions. British architect James Gibbs published his own treatise on the orders in which he offered only the angle volute version of the ionic order. Later, Thomas Jefferson was persuaded to use Scamozzi type ionic capitals on the Virginia state Capitol because they visually unified the front and side columns. In the early 20th century, Scamozzi type ionic capitals became very popular for porticoes and porches on American homes.
• 00:45:00 The classical style of architecture is characterized by its central fleuron or flower, its use of Corinthian orders, and its use in various classical style buildings. Two of the most recognizable Corinthian orders are the ionic and the castor and Pollux orders. The first is a particularly interesting variation found on what has long been called the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, although it is uncertain to which deity it was actually dedicated. The second is a replica of the order seen on the Haier building or former bank building on Broadway near Times Square in New York.
• 00:50:00 The five orders of classical architecture are the Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite, and Tuscan. The Corinthian order is the most ornate, and is often seen on residences and religious buildings. The arch of Titus in the Roman forum is considered the earliest intact example of this order.
• 00:55:00 The five orders of classical architecture are the foundation of the classical language of architecture, and proper application of the orders can still make buildings speak eloquently with the wisdom of tradition. In this video, Calder Loth discusses the Roman composite order, which is rarely used in later classical works but is still recognizable. Colonial American buildings, such as the church of St James Goose Creek, use pairs of composite columns with correctly detailed capitals to add beauty and variety to their built environment.