Architectural Complexes - Parthenon in Athens and Colosseum in Rome - Research Paper Example

? Select an architectural complex like Parthenon in Athens or Colosseum in Rome and discuss the influence of thatstructure on modern architecture. Introduction Architecture refers to the distinctive and innovative designs of buildings and other constructions. Every civilization throughout the history had its specific architecture and therefore today we have so many historical places all around the globe. The architecture is the real representative of culture, time period and the aesthetic sense of people belonging to a particular region or civilization. Like every other thing architectural complex of past nations such as Parthenon in Athens and Colosseum in Rome also have a direct influence over the modern architecture and the structure of buildings. This paper aims to establish comparison between the architectural techniques of Parthenon and that of the contemporary world. Thereafter conclusion is presented to reflect the overall study of the subject. Discussion of Architecture or Architectural Technique The Parthenon is the most admirable architectural complex in Greece which is also the largest temple in the country. The temple significantly symbolizes all the ideas, way of living, heritage and artistic sense of people of that particular time period. Furthermore it explains the great understanding of the Greek people regarding the use of mathematical formulae so as to build successful structures like Parthenon. The religious beliefs are also represented by the overall architectural structure and the statues it contained. The ancient architects used to construct buildings on huge lands since then there was no significant issue of population. Additionally they had stone walls which actually made their structures so strong that they resisted all the storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Use of wood and glass is absent in the architectural remains of Greek civilization which represents that their focus was more towards the rigidity and long lasting life of structures (The Parthenon). The Greek Architecture had a distinctive pattern of buildings with major concentration over the Greek mainland and the Aegean Islands. They had several unique features of their architectural structural and the most prominent among them was the Parthenon in Athens. Greeks had a concept that the optimum success of an architectural design lies in its arithmetic calculations which should be made with the help of comparative analysis and established theories in mathematics. This concept is reflected thorough out the Greek architectural history since they had the most accurate designs based on scientific approach. Parthenon has been built upon the perfect mathematical formula which has equal portions and rhymic correspondence. The whole structure is based upon the entablature areas which are further alienated into different ratios having harmonious and logical relationship among them. In addition to this there is a significant association of columns with the capital. The Greek architects had a firm believe on the perfection of designs and this was something they had never compromised on whether it is architecture or any other field of life. The pillars of Parthenon are made considering its vision from a distant area and due to this they always seems straight. The entasis have very little puffiness and recession of pillars’ structure and columns which is yet another application of mathematical tools and techniques (Greek Architecture). Furthermore the top most parts of the pillars are bended towards the middle point on both sides of the colonnade. The bend deepens as they move towards the end since there is a row of pillars which actually seems in line with each other and show space over the top corner. The pillars are made in such a way that if the colonnade would starts inclination then their pointers will meet one another up in the air. The curve in the middle of the design along with the horizontal lines gives a look of slump in the centre. Parthenon does not have straight lines which is a fact that confers the delicate organic feature to an apparent geometric structure (Greek Architecture). Discussion of Modern Architecture and Architectural Technique In the architectural context the word ‘modern’ does not only represents the prevailing architectural structure and design rather it has a great emphasis over the architectural revolution which took place in the 19th century. Modernism actually deals with the changing attitude of people and society collectively regards some former ideology (Modern Architecture). However, in the case of modernism people show extensive inspiration from the history of art and architecture and that is how the modern architecture came into existence after the blend of some former and prevailing idea. Modern architecture has a great emphasis over the shape, lightening effect, form of the overall structure, transparency, style and the decorative ornaments used in and outside the building. In addition to this they also focus and reflect the culture and local heritage of the society. The modern architecture extensively uses the mathematical calculations which are done with the help of latest technologies. Today architects mostly use timber, stones, bricks, wood and titles for the construction purposes. The modern architecture is also influenced by the population burden and the huge migration of people from rural to urban areas. This has forced the modern day architects to go for something that consumes less space while presenting an attractive outlook. In addition to this they use three dimensional structure which gives spacious stance (Modern Architecture). The most significant example in regard to the modern architecture is that of While House which acts as the administrative head for America located in Washington DC. It is a white color building with columns in the frontier part. The structure is built through arithmetic calculations and geometric representations which is quiet evident from its overall outlook. Furthermore it clearly reflects the cultural heritage and aesthetic sense of Americans (Bliangas). Comparison The modern architecture and architectural techniques are greatly influenced by the ancient architectural complex and therefore they represent an incorporated form of ancient and modern architecture. There are significant examples which prove that the ancient Greek architecture such as that of Parthenon has compelled the modern architects to build something similar to it. Consider the example of White House in Washington DC, its architectural design closely resembles with that of Parthenon. Both the structures have the same outlook i.e. the front of the building is built upon columns or pillars with the help of mathematical calculations which maintain equal distance and great attraction. Additionally they both have the same triangular pediment to give support to the structure. However the small decorative used in the architectural design of Parthenon are not there in the structure of White House (Bliangas). Furthermore Parthenon was built so as to give honor to the Greek Gods and therefore it had a religious outlook and impact over the viewer contrary to this White House plays the role of Administrative Head of the country consequently it has a much sophisticated architectural design. The structural design of columns used by Greeks in their official buildings is now a part of normal house structures. One can find the same sort of galleries and passage ways in the modern architectural designs as they were built by Greeks thousands of years ago. Previously in the ancient times architects used to build walls with the help of stones only while today the modern architects have the advantage of using RCC (reinforced cement concrete) which fulfills the purpose of walls and also gives them a delicate and finished outlook. The use of mathematical calculations and graphs is common between the ancient and modern architectural designs (Bliangas). Conclusion There are a lot of similarities between the ancient Greek Architecture and the Modern Architecture and Architectural Techniques which is quite evident from the structural designs of Parthenon and White House in Washington DC. With the advent of new technologies and immense increase in population modern architects are compelled to build compact structures in order to fulfill the need of populations and also to reflect the artistic sense of people. Due to this majority of the ancient column designs are now used in building small houses. The modern architectural designs show great influence of ancient Greek architecture along with the essence of modern day customs and traditions. Works Cited Bliangas, Jonathan. Ancient Greek to Modern Architecture with Greek Influence. Greek Gateway. 2012. Web. 17 March 2013. Greek Architecture. Visual Arts Cork. 2013. Web. 17 March 2013. Modern Architecture. Columbia University. 2013. Web. 17 March 2013. The Parthenon. Ancient Greece. 2013. Web. 17 March 2013. Read More