Design in architecture

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The Greeks developed a much lighter, smaller type of architecture in their temples. Out in front a portico was supported by columns. In some of the more important temples, such as the Parthenon, the columns circled the entire building. Greek architects designed the columns and their parts very carefully. Certain excellent designs became famous and were known as orders. These were called Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

The Romans needed huge public buildings such as market places, public baths, and arenas. To provide large open spaces, they built curving masonry walls. These turned inward until they met in a rounded arch.

The Romans were the first to build with concrete. They used it for huge domed buildings such as the Pantheon and vast amusement centers such as the Coliseum. Roman architecture achieved a feeling of strength and dignity through its massiveness.

In the Middle Ages religion was the center of life. There was need of cathedrals that could house throngs of people. This led architects in northern France to design a new method of construction. It used pointed stone arches held up by slim pillars and narrow ribs. This permitted large open areas on the sides of buildings. These were filled with stained glass windows. It was called the Gothic style of architecture.

During the early Renaissance, architects returned to Greek and Roman methods of building. The walls, however, were more open with windows and doors, and they became more elaborate with surface decorations.

By the early 19th century there were so many styles based on the past that the art of this period was known as eclectic--composed of elements drawn from various sources.