Doric temples were the first forms of temples to be built from stone rather than wood, and they are distinguished by their columns and entablature. The columns have a smooth top section called a capital and are tapered with 20 flutes. They are usually made of marble or limestone, but also gabbros (granite blocks), porphyry (hardstone) and alabaster (a type of marble) have been used.
The doric order was probably introduced into Greece from the East, possibly from Egypt. It is believed to have originated in Phoenicia, where it was used for religious buildings such as churches. This style of temple building was adopted by many cultures including the Romans. The Greeks maintained this tradition and even expanded on it. For example, the Parthenon in Athens is considered one of the masterpieces of architecture. It was built between 447 and 432 B.C. and is based on original drawings created by Iktinos. The structure is made up of four parts: the cella, which contains the statue of Athena; the naos, where the priest would conduct rituals; the opisthodomos, which is the back portion that included the entranceway and other administrative offices; and finally, the oculus, which is the large opening in the center of the roof where the sunlight would enter.
The Doric order is distinguished by a simple, unadorned column capital and a column that rests directly on the temple's stylobate without a base. A frieze of trigylphs (vertical plaques with three divisions) and metopes is included in the Doric entablature (square spaces for either painted or sculpted decoration). The dromos (staircase) is usually of marble, with plain treads and risers. To distinguish it from other orders, it is sometimes called the Erechtheum Drome.
The Doric order was most popular in ancient Greece. It is also found in Roman architecture. The word "doric" comes from the city of Dorion, which was built in accordance with this order. Today, many buildings have been reconstructed following this style, especially in North America.
The Doric order is used frequently in public buildings such as courthouses, government offices, and museums. It is also found in churches where it provides an appropriate setting for religious ceremonies. This order is most effective when used in small to medium-sized structures because its simplicity allows for much detail to be incorporated into the design of the building's facade.
The Doric order is defined by its use of exclusively vertical elements: columns, walls, and roof. These components combine to form compositional units called porches. The Doric order is most commonly found in small-scale buildings; examples include houses, shops, and temples.
Heavy simplification The Doric order is the oldest, simplest, and most massive of the three Greek forms, and it was first used on temples in the 7th century B.C. Columns are commonly positioned close together and without bases, as illustrated in Figure 2. They usually have an entasis (a term derived from the Greek word for swelling or bulge) at the top that gives them strength and stability. Heavy masonry units, such as blocks of stone or bricks, were used to build the columns. These materials were chosen because they were readily available and inexpensive. A few heavy pieces placed at the base of the column would be enough to give it stability.
The Ionic order originated in Asia Minor around 550 B.C. It is characterized by a relatively thin shaft with a large diameter at the top where it receives the capital. The end cap is small in comparison and often includes a scroll design. The Ionians spread this style of column throughout Greece and Rome. The Romans adopted some features of this style of column but developed their own unique techniques for building columns. By 300 B.C., all major public buildings were being built with Ionic columns.
The Corinthian order came about in Greece during the 5th century B.C. and was used mainly for private homes. It has a tall, slender shaft with a slightly tapering top section called a "cap," which is covered in carved and gilded wood or metal.
The Doric order's temple style was also used for public buildings such as theaters and law courts. The Doric order is characterized by its large blocks and heavy emphasis on geometry. The Doric order is derived from the word Doris which means "gateway" or "door". This order was most popular under Athenian democracy, since it was easy to construct and provided good protection from the elements.
The Ionic order's temple style was also used for public buildings such as theaters and law courts. The Ionic order is characterized by its small blocks and graceful curves. The Ionic order came about when the architects needed a column base that was more decorative than the Doric order's. The term "Ion" comes from the Greek word meaning "curved". This order was popular under Roman rule since it was easy to construct and provided good protection from the elements.
The Corinthian order's temple style was also used for public buildings such as theaters and law courts. The Corinthian order is characterized by its fluted columns and decorated capitals. This order came about when the architects wanted a column base that was more decorative than the Ionic order's.
A black and white rendering of an Ancient Greek temple with Doric columns. Getty Images/ninochka The Doric order of Greek temple building, according to Vitruvius, was developed by a mythological ancestor named Doros, who resided in the northern Peloponnese, maybe in Corinth or Argos. His original design was apparently never completed and modified over time, but still bears his name. According to some sources, the first true Doric temple built by Doros is said to be the Temple of Athena Polias at Athens. However, this information has not been confirmed by other historians.
In any case, the Doric order came to be used mostly for civic buildings, such as temples and law courts, because of its simplicity and ease of construction. It also works well with many other types of architecture, especially when there are large open spaces between the elements within the structure. The Doric order consists of two parts: the entablature and the column. The term "Doric" comes from the ancient Greeks, who were the pioneers in architectural experimentation. As you can see, even though they weren't the only people who worked on designing beautiful buildings, they made many innovations that later generations have improved upon.
The Doric order was so popular that it spread far and wide, being used for temples all over the Mediterranean region and in Asia Minor. However, it was not until much later that it became known in North America.
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