Neoclassical Architecture: A Study of Ancient Inspired Buildings and their Characteristics, Lecture notes of Architecture

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Neoclassical Architecture

Neoclassical architecture describes buildings that are inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. After the ancient Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii were discovered in the mid-1700s, artists sought to revive the ideal of classical Greece and Rome in architecture, sculpture, painting, and the decorative arts. Architects and artists adopted Neoclassicism for aesthetic and political reasons, and the style flourished during the revolutionary periods in France and the United States. (Approx. 1750-1900)

Monumental Architecture

For most of history, temples and palaces served as the leading forms of monumental architecture. During the Neoclassical era, these building types were gradually replaced by government buildings (e.g. courts, public service buildings, schools) and commercial buildings (e.g. office and apartment buildings, performing arts centers, transportation terminals). Today, government and commercial buildings dominate cityscapes all over the world.

Types of Neoclassical Buildings Neoclassical buildings can be divided into three main types:  Temple : features a design based on an ancient temple. Many temple style buildings feature a peristyle (a continuous line of columns around a building).  Palladian : Andrea Palladio was an Italian architect who admired ancient Roman architecture. His influence is still seen today and he is the best known neo-classical architect in the western world. A well known Palladian detail is a large window consisting of a central arched section flanked by two narrow rectangular sections.  Classical block : features a vast rectangular (or square) plan, with a flat roof and an exterior rich in classical detail. The exterior is divided into multiple levels, each of which features a repeated classical pattern, often a series of arches and/or columns. The overall impression of such a building is an enormous, classically-decorated rectangular block.

F E A T U R E S O F C L A S S I C A L A R C H I T E C T U R E F O U N D I N N E O C L A S S I C A L D E S I G N

Neoclassical Architecture

Features

On a columned building, the section between the top of the columns

and the roof is called the entablature. The three parts, cornice,

frieze, and architrave, were designed to complement different types

of columns.

Ancient Greek and Roman builders developed the Five Orders, or

rules, for the design and proportion of buildings. These classical

orders are prominent in Neoclassical Architecture.

DORIC

The Doric order was the earliest order. It was mainly used on the exterior of large structures and public buildings. A Doric capital consists of a square stone slab [abacus], above a round molded slab with fillets and is elegantly simple in design. The Parthenon is the most famous surviving building in the Doric order. Built to honor the Greek goddess Athena, the Parthenon is considered an ideal example of Greek achievement and the finest example of the Doric order.

CORINTHIAN

The ornate Corinthian order was developed by the Greeks in the fifth century. It was not used often by the Greeks, but was modified and used extensively by the Romans. Corinthian Capital

Architectural Pediment

An architectural element developed in ancient Greece, pediments were historically embellishments over doors and windows that were both structural (supported by columns) and decorative (with sculpture reliefs). Beginning with Roman architecture, pediments became primarily decorative.

Neoclassical Building Characteristics

• 1 - 2 1/2 stories in height – generally low buildings
• Symmetrical : balance and symmetry are the most predominant characteristic of neoclassicism
• Porticos (porches) featuring Doric or Ionic columns
• Building’s facade is flat and long, often having a screen of free-standing columns.
• May feature domes or towers
• Dentil molding and frieze band beneath the cornice are common
• Decorative pediments on doorways and windows
• Multiple windows ; upper and lower levels
• Wide variety of different window configurations including basic, arched, Palladian and Norman Wheel
• Ornamental detail includes broken or unbroken pediments and side lights (windows) surrounding the entry

What Neoclassical Building Characteristics do you see in this building elevation?

Perhaps the single greatest example of Neoclassical style in the U.S. is the United States Capitol Building , for which construction began in 1793. President Washington selected a building plan that was composed of three sections. The central section was topped by a low dome and was flanked by two rectangular wings, one for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate. This original plan can still be seen today but in a much grander scale than the original concept. The building has evolved over hundreds of years but still retains its original Neoclassical style.

Architectural Drawings - U.S. Capitol