Roman vs Greek Architecture Assignment Sample

Question

Task:  Provide a detailed essay on the comparison between Roman vs Greek architecture

Answer

Introduction

The primary goal of writing this Architecture assignment was to inform the reader of the obvious distinctions between Greek and Roman ancient architecture. Although there are some notable similarities between the architecture of Rome and Greece, it is first necessary to comprehend their fundamental contrasts in order to comprehend both of their architectural styles. We believe that this essay comparing Roman and Greek architecture will be very useful for your historical tasks.

Greek Architecture

The influence of Greek architecture is particularly admirable in the chapters on world history and modern architectural design. Modern structures clearly drew a lot of inspiration from Greek architecture. The post and lintel system, in which designs are made by placing columns, is mostly used in Greek architecture. Even though the text makes the idea of stacking columns appear extremely elementary and straightforward, ancient Greek architecture used the same technology to produce amazing structures. You can see a high degree of precision in every design in the architecture of ancient Greece. The ancient Roman buildings were later impacted by the architecture's precision and simplicity.

Five separate orders were established for the ancient architecture. They were Composite, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian, and Doric in style. The Roman architects suggested these categorizations. Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, the first three classes, were developed in Greece and eventually gave rise to the last two classes. Instead of the first three orders, which are thought to be the true origins of classical architecture, the Tuscan and Composite orders are a mixture of several styles (Woolf, 1994). The classification of various architectural orders is done based on the design and decoration present at the topmost section of the pillars or columns.

The Doric Order

The Doric style is the first instance of order in Greek architecture. In this arrangement, a very straightforward method is used, and the column's top is left in its basic, undecorated state. However, parallel grooves could be seen all down the column.
If you look closely, the temples were constructed without a basis, following the architectural style of ancient Greece. The distinction between Doric structures in both Roman and Greek architecture is made by the alternate usage of metopes and triglyphs (Kostof, 1995). By incorporating the corresponding three grooves on the beams with wooden ends, the triglyphs were further modified. The architraves that are located at the bottom of the entablature further support the design. Each triglyph is supported by its corresponding peglikedrop in order to maintain the architecture's overall structure. Triglyphs are frequently coupled with the triglyphs at the opposite column and placed over the center of pillars or columns. The corner triglyph at each entablature's corner is a feature of Greek architecture that serves to set it apart from other columns. The triglyphs are divided using identical areas by arranging the topic topes (WALLACE?HADFULL, 1998).

The Ionic Order

If the history of Greek architecture is to be believed, the Ionic order emerged after the Doric order. The Ionic order of architecture can be recognized by examining the scrolling pattern employed at the top of the columns. The bases of the columns that fall under this classification are fluted. Compared to the pillars found under the Doric category, those in this division are significantly more slender.

The Corinthian Order

The Corinthian order rose to prominence among architects during the latter period of Greek architecture. Only the latter period of classical Greece may be used to date the first structure in this order. The Corinthian order is used to construct the majority of Greece's elaborate and significant structures. This type of construction could be used to trace a wide range of related Ionic order characters. The majority of the regal buildings are where this art form first emerged.

Roman Architecture

Rome's buildings exhibited a clear influence from Greek architecture. Numerous aspects of this civilization were similar to those built during the early Greek era. Roman architecture has been greatly impacted by the Corinthian style of architecture. As a result of their ability to adapt to new ideas and technology, ancient Roman architects were hailed as highly talented innovators. They still hold true in the contemporary era, the fresh changes they produced. Still considered to be among the most sophisticated and cutting-edge architectural techniques are those used to construct arches and domes. In their architectural designs, people in Roman society frequently combined Doric, Corinthian, and Ionic approaches. However, because the Corinthian style added aesthetic components to the design, it was primarily used in the buildings.

Let's use the Tuscan column as an example, which is quite similar to the Doric column and has delicate patterns on top. The Tuscan column is typically seen in areas like verandahs and peristyles of Rome's structures (Senseney, 2011). There was a time in ancient Rome when the columns were added more for decoration than to provide structural support for the building.

The Evident Similarities and Dissimilarities Between Roman and Greek Architecture

There are several obvious parallels between the architectural styles used by Greek and Roman culture, as discussed in the previous portion of this essay comparing Roman and Greek architecture. Rome's architects were influenced by Greek architecture, which explains why there are similarities between the two. After a protracted length of time, the Roman architects developed a distinctive art form.

The lintel construction was the one that Greek architects favored the most when it came to building techniques. The Romans, in contrast, opted to build a real arch. The Palomar Educational Style Guide mentions it.

While the Roman building techniques are affected by the traditions in Greek architecture, there are some obvious differences between them, as was previously described in this essay comparing Roman and Greek architecture. The material used to build the buildings was where the main difference could be seen. In both Roman and Greek architecture, limestone and marble are primarily employed. However, the usage of concrete for construction purposes was invented by the contemporary Rome architectural style. Concrete was a really innovative invention that made it easier to create organic shapes.

One of the common elements of the building style used in the Roman and Greek cultures is the use of pillars or columns. As was previously established, the Corinthian order was frequently utilized by the Romans, whilst the Ionic and Doric styles were frequently used by Greek architects.

When comparing the Roman and Greek architectural styles, it becomes clear that the construction's goals are largely unlike. The construction in Greece was done to honor the people and the Gods, which accounted for its straightforward design. However, the Romans later developed a number of building tools that enabled them to build intricate and flowing constructions. The architecture of diverse buildings in Rome was less homogeneous than it was in Greek architecture. Roman architecture might be more aesthetically pleasing, both internally and outside, reflecting the importance of pleasure and monarchy in Roman culture (Malacrino, 2010).

The post and lintel construction method used in the Greek style required that the building adheres to equilateral forms. Roman architects had a far more in-depth understanding of architecture and were adept at creating complex shapes like domes and arches. Roman architecture is still thought to be distinguished by these figures. However, Greek architecture is regarded as the most straightforward and ornate sort of building design.

Pantheon and Parthenon

Parthenon and Pantheon are names for Greek and Roman temples, respectively. The Parthenon in Greece is devoted to the God Athena, unlike the Pantheon in Rome, which was constructed for the Roman Gods. The Pantheon was erected much later, between 447 and 438 AD, as opposed to the Parthenon, which was completed far earlier in 126 BC.

A thorough examination revealed striking similarities between the Parthenon and the Pantheon. The reason for the striking similarity is that Roman architecture borrowed heavily from Greek design. Despite the fact that both of these buildings have undergone several renovations, commonalities still remain between them. The respective villages used both of the locations as their churches. Because the Roman populace was deeply devout, the Pantheon was unaffected by theft and other harm. Even though the situation was different from the Parthenon and most of its components were gone by the 17th century (Meritt, 1969).

The Parthenon was built on Ionic columns using the Doric style of architecture. The floor was constructed from marble over a limestone substructure. In ancient Greece, marble and limestone were regarded as the most prevalent building materials. The temple's pillars have numerous carvings on them; the east pediment depicts the birth of Athena, while the western pediment tells the rivalry between Poseidon and Athena (Taylor, 2003).

Although the art form and structure of the Pantheon are completely different from that of the preceding context, highly decorated Corinthian columns are utilized in it, along with perfect domes and arches, it is shown by many historians in their essays comparing Roman and Greek architecture. Roman building styles placed a strong emphasis on aesthetics and fine details. However, the Pantheon also uses the same building materials, like marble and limestone.

Conclusion

It is clear from reading the background information in this essay on Roman vs. Greek architecture that the present construction styles were created over the course of centuries of change in architectural history. Modern construction methods were greatly influenced by the work of Roman and Greek architects. Even while there were obvious similarities between the two styles, each had its own unique character and meaning. Roman architecture has advanced and becomes more exact as a result of the invention of concrete.

References

The Role of Technology in Architecture Assignment Sample

Introduction

Given how it has impacted several social, economic, and political endeavors, technology has emerged as one of the fundamentally important parts of the modern world. It has evolved into an important aspect of the architectural profession in this regard. Architecture used to be restricted to the physical conception and realization of building-related ideas (Emmitt 26). Modern architecture has not achieved a new status with the introduction of technology in both approaches and tools used. Using digital platforms, architects may now design, represent, and build buildings in the modern world. This has changed the field so that architects can now view the structures from multiple perspectives and build them quickly.

In essence, the use of technology in architecture can be considered in terms of the tools employed in the process, the methods envisioned by the experts, and the evolution of technology over time. As a result, the focus of this architecture assignment essay will be on how technology affects architecture in relation to the approaches that are currently in use, the tools that architects use to complete their work, and how the entire profession has changed as a result of technological advancements. This will be presented with the assumption that in order to have a successful architectural career, all of these aspects must be taken into account and employed in concert.

Technological Impact on Architectural Techniques

Data Management

The handling of data in architecture is one of the most fundamentally important parts of architecture. Prior to the development of technology, data was kept in the form of physical papers that could be accessed whenever needed. However, the storage was susceptible to being destroyed and to losing important data, which had a detrimental impact on how well the architectural proceedings went. The arrival of technology altered the entire information system, resulting in the storage of data in contemporary hardware like computers. In summary, there are several tasks that the information system fulfils when it comes to the management of data that is relevant to architecture. Data management required a number of different tasks, including data storage, transport, filtering, processing, and protection. When it comes to the overall structure of information to ensure successful architecture, these factors are the most important.

Particularly, the system is used to store data by recording numerous elements, including dimensions and other specifications unique to particular architectural constructions. The fundamental effect of technology on storage is predicated on the ability of architects to store very large volumes of data for usage throughout the design process. In contrast, because the architects had to manually record the data, the manual storage could rarely accommodate large amounts of information. The way data is transported and shared with other businesses has also been improved. Essentially, the manual duplication of the files through recording was how the old transfer system worked. However, the introduction of technical gadgets to quickly and instantly share information with the appropriate parties has improved the transfer procedure. Since there are multiple parties involved in the architectural process in this situation of transferring, it is necessary to realise that exchanging data is essentially essential. As a result, the transmission of information becomes crucial, and the effectiveness of the entire process depends on how quickly it is transmitted.

Processing is the other task that is impacted by technology in architectural data management. Prior to the development of technology data-management systems, the recorded data was processed manually by consulting files and calculating the figures to produce accurate data for designing. To process the massive amounts of data and produce useable information, many people were needed. A new era for this profession began with the adoption of data information systems. There are functions that enable the instantaneous organisation and grouping of information when it is fed into the information systems. Remember that unstructured storage of raw data makes it difficult to extract much information from them. Technology-based information systems process data fast to arrange it in ways that are useful for both designing and building. Importantly, filtering is a crucial step in the information processing process. This task entails deleting information that is unrelated to a certain project. For instance, if an architect wants to focus on data about roofing, using data-management systems to filter out the information that isn't relevant to roof constructions becomes simple.

Protection is another crucial component of data management that has benefited from the arrival of technology. In summary, the loss of saved data is likely the most terrible incident that can obstruct the development process. Data protection used to be achieved by locking files in rooms or on shelves, but technological methods now are more dependable. Essentially, technology enables architects to back up their data utilizing drives and websites. As a result, experts can access such information whenever they need it for building design. In essence, information systems safeguard data in a way that facilitates quick access and full utilization of information.

The main driver of the promotion of sustainable architectural techniques has been technology. Creating buildings and systems that do not endanger or limit the prospects for future generations is at the heart of sustainable architecture (Drake 213). For instance, it has made it possible for architects to create efficient and effective ventilation systems for air conditioning. In this regard, it is crucial to keep in mind that indoor pollution has historically been a significant cause of illnesses and fatalities. The use of technology, however, enables architects to plan buildings so that heat is expelled from them and routed to the water or waste system. The energy from the water or garbage can then be recycled and transferred to the building's fresh air thanks to current technology. Additionally, technological advancements have made it possible to create sustainable electrical systems that consume less energy in homes (Turrent 378). In order to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems and promote the sustainability of the electricity, it has designed motors that power them.

The devices can function without a lot of solar energy from the sun because to the passive design's effective solar energy capture. The design is essentially made possible by the application of technology to include building materials with high thermal mass. The maximum amount of solar energy can be captured by these materials and used to power the constructions. A further development that makes it possible to build low-energy buildings is the advent of technology, particularly the use of digital design tools. In this sense, structures that have a very low surface-to-volume ratio have been designed using technical tools.

The most cutting-edge method of building design that has been created is artificial architecture. It may be said that it was a brave and deliberate move that has changed the way people look at and perceive architecture. It has used mathematical approaches to produce designs with a naturalistic feel. The method has given architects a means to use algorithms to address significant architectural issues that have arisen over time. It's significant that this method makes use of the computer as a partner in collaboration rather than just a tool for work. It has combined a number of fields, including computer science, artificial intelligence, and architecture, to develop a technique that can offer useful answers to issues (Dunn 345). These fields come together to form algorithmic design, a common and cutting-edge technique. Using complex algorithms, technology was employed to create morphologies in traditional architectural processes. To visualise the ideas envisioned by the architect in multiple viewpoints and dimensions, CAD systems are used. In essence, this programme makes it possible to generate repetitious operations that are often done manually automatically. Since the architects must reproduce their previous work in order to complete following duties, the repetitive jobs make the work boring. To modify and process the actual designs that exist in the architect's imagination, it performs intricate computations.

Artificial architecture, on the other hand, is built up in a way that allows the computer to develop entirely distinct designs from those that are in the architect's thoughts. This procedure entails simulating intricate and realistic designs or using generative techniques to generate whole new ideas. Although the method relies on CAD, technology has made it possible to incorporate scripting languages in this programme to enable the system to execute better jobs. Most of these intricate but useful models could not be used when the architects were working manually, as was to be expected. However, with the use of computers, it is now simple to compute these models and produce useful structural designs. In essence, where the architects and computer specialists have been able to incorporate direct programming to code designs and enable the software to produce the integrated structure is where the important use of technology in this technique originates.

The fact that technology has created algorithms that can be printed in 3D and allow interpreters to see all the characteristics and intentions of the designer is actually extremely fortunate. This suggests that the computer acts more like a designer than like an extension of the designer, thereby performing the role more effectively than the conventional one. This has been the key factor in the success of modern architecture in producing excellent designs that rely on computational morphology as well as the creativity of the architect. For the purposes of illustration, let's say that a computer that employs this technological technique may create a predefined design of, among other things, a hotel, an amphitheatre, and a library. In this scenario, the theatre may assume a parasitic arrangement derived from the Boolean calculations, while the library could adopt a fractal architecture. In general, the use of this cutting-edge technical method has made it simpler for architects to develop quickly and effectively. In essence, this approach can be described as a multidisciplinary paradigm that incorporates knowledge from various fields, including computer engineering, mathematics, and architecture. As a result, it was a wholly novel and transformative move that helped the profession advance significantly. These are the most useful ways of designing that have resulted from this development, while many other strategies have been created and improved through technology.

Technology Architecture Focusing on Tools

Technology architecture deals with the development of instruments used in building design and construction in addition to emphasising method improvement. In this regard, engineers have been working nonstop to create tools that are more user-friendly, effective, and accurate than the ones that came before them. Prior to the advent of the digital age, architects designed with conventional instruments like pencils and paper. All architectural design during this time was carried out manually utilising these instruments. In essence, the use of slide rulers, compasses, and dividers was essential for constructing constructions. When producing the designs, the lead and markers were also employed extensively. These instruments were dependent on the architects' manual dexterity, and their capacity for error avoidance was the primary determinant of successful design.

These tools have partially been phased out due to changes in technological architecture. The majority of the time, experts employed them to create the initial designs before continuing with digital operations. As a result, it suggests that these tools are still used in architecture. Professionals can access and use computer programmes to complete the same activities more effectively thanks to the work of technology architects. The Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programme, which took the place of the drafting board, which served as a drawing platform, is one of these programmes (Silver, William and Dason 129). This software has the extra benefit of being able to examine the structure's tolerance and endurance using prototypes that simplify intricate architectural features. However, because CAD was only interested in drafting the building, technological architects found that it was a rudimentary programme utilised in creating structures. Technology architecture was used to identify modelling as a CAD programme replacement. This went beyond simple design by using simulations that enabled complete modelling and took the mechanical organisation of the structure into account.

For instance, it enables the use of various tools by the architects, including digital woodworking facilities, to construct and integrate the intended models. Technology has also improved architectural office tools like information systems in addition to design tools. The current information system saves the data digitally, in contrast to traditional techniques where information was exclusively kept on documents. The systems use less energy than the conventional ones to store, process, and safeguard the information. As a result, it is clear that technology architecture places a strong emphasis on the technological facets of both the tools and the applied approaches.

Architecture Focuses on the Designs

Architecture is concerned with the designs employed by the involved professions, whereas architectural technology concentrates on the features of processes and instruments. In this way, architecture is concerned with creating fresh ideas for building design. It completes this task by taking into account a range of previous knowledge and experiences that have been accumulated in order to generate fresh designs. It instructs the staff on how to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a particular design in order to improve it in terms of timing and function. To create a design that serves the required function, it helps to decide what the architect should keep and eliminate. This is linked to the reduction of harms that a design might cause in connection to its setting and function. Architecture also emphasises how challenges in designing are resolved by learning from past errors. In essence, the issues are not brought on by the tools employed in the designing process, but rather by the inadequacy of the chosen design. Because of this, architecture only considers the design and leaves concerns about tool use to technology architecture. It is clear that the methods created by technological architecture are employed to fulfil the design but have no impact on it. In addition, they have an impact on the effectiveness and speed of design rather than the actual design.

Impact on the Wider Society

The application of architectural technology has had a significant effect on societal welfare. It became clear in the first section that technology makes it possible to develop sustainable structures that minimise waste and maximise the use of available energy. For instance, passive design enables the creation of buildings and structures that absorb energy without the costly photovoltaic cells. This suggests that the locals make the most of the available energy. The filtration of indoor air and the lowering of heat in homes have also significantly reduced indoor pollution. The water and waste systems receive this heat, which is then used to warm the inside air in the homes. The stress placed on the architecture has also been lessened by the deployment of cutting-edge technology. Because of the decreased burden, designing is now more quickly completed, making societal building construction simpler.

Comparison of Gothic and Romanesque with 21st Century Architecture

The utilisation of technology and the designs can be used to draw comparisons between these two eras. Romanesque and Gothic architecture did not utilise any technological innovations in this area because there were no tools available to aid in the design process at the time. This makes sense given the two distinct architectural eras between the sixth and sixteenth centuries. Particularly, the Gothic styles developed from the Romanesque styles between the sixth and the twelfth centuries. Because technology at the time was so outdated, architects had to design everything by hand.

In terms of architecture, buildings during the Romanesque era were distinguished by their semicircular curves (Prina 127). During its existence, this design had conquered and ruled numerous locations all over the continent. The Gothic architectural styles, which were marked by sharply pointed tops and buttress appearances, emerged from Romanesque architecture as it developed. Churches, palaces, and halls, among many other public institutions, were the main users. In contrast, the trend of designs in the twenty-first century has changed. In this way, the patterns are inspired by naturalistic occurrences like eggs, butterflies, and other elements present in various settings. Incorporated green and sustainable design has also come to represent the 21st century. These plans seek to reduce waste and the amount of energy used in construction (Schrenk 239). This suggests that the structures are constructed not just to be aesthetically pleasing but also to promote the welfare of people. In comparison to traditional architecture, this architecture has essentially undergone a significant development.

Conclusion

It is obvious that the tools and methods utilised in the design process have changed significantly during the course of the architectural profession. In essence, effective methods have been discovered, such as artificial architecture and the creation of sustainable designs. The instruments utilised for designing have also undergone significant improvement and alteration, it has been revealed. Traditional architects in this situation relied on the skill, accuracy, and ingenuity of the architect while employing manual equipment like pencils and rulers. However, new tools have been created by the technology architecture, including CAD and BIM software. On the other side, research has demonstrated that architecture concentrates on creating the designs rather than the tools or processes that were utilised to create them. Additionally, the advanced technology employed by modern architects to create structures was not present in Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Last but not least, while the two classical arts were created without taking the green ideology into consideration, 21st-century architecture emphasises sustainability.

Therefore, it is undeniable that modern architecture is superior to earlier architecture.

Works Cited