Blog #3- Classical Civilizations Greek and Rome


Weekly Learning Summary:

This week we focused on classical Greek and Roman interior design and architecture, as well as furnishings. I learned that in Greek design principles, they place a heavy emphasis on harmony, proportion, and balance. They use many different types of columns (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) and have a lot of inwardly oriented plans. In Rome, they adapted many styles from greece, but made them better. They began to introduce arches, vaults, and domes. They were also decorated with beautiful artwork such as mosaics and frescoes. The furniture was also very fancy. Both of these civilizations put a strong emphasis on public spaces. Temples, forums, and amphitheaters were commonly found. 


Historical Examples:

Parthenon (Greece)


Pantheon (Rome)


Roman frescoes from Pompeii


Greek klismos chair


Roman atrium interiors



Current Applications:


Neoclassical government buildings


Modern homes with columned facades


Interior designs using marble and symmetry


Contemporary mosaics in luxury bathrooms


One Step Further:


This week I decided to focus on Vitruvius. He was the Roman architect and Author of the famous book “De Architectura.” He is awesome because his writing basically paved the way for classical architecture principles. We talked about this briefly in studio last semester, but he uses the idea of strength, function, and beauty in his designs. Firmitas, utilitas, and venustas. He is important even today in modern architecture. 

Vitruvian Man inspired by his proportions


Roman buildings based on his principles


Pages from De Architectura


Reflection:

This week I learned a lot about Greek and Roman design. It has made me appreciate the value of ancient civilizations and how they shaped our built environment. The heavy emphasis on proportion, civic beauty, and innovation is still something that designers strive for today. I’m also super impressed by the way Roman interior designers used concrete and vaulted ceilings. These styles are timeless!


Comments

  1. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 13, 2025 at 9:47 AM

    Allyssa,
    I appreciated your Blog Post this week. The formatting was really off - which made it more difficult to understand. I am not sure why that happens? I enjoyed how you summarized Greek design with the emphasis on harmony, proportion, and balance. Rome did take these principles to the next level. You provided us with strong examples from ancient times as well as current times. I loved the example of modern bathroom with lovely mosaic tiles. Focusing on the Roman architect Vitruvius was perfect! 50/50 points

    ReplyDelete
  2. Veronica AguirreSeptember 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM

    I also emphasized the mosaic aspects in my slides. I really love this touch of detail that can bring so much to a room. The bathroom you showed is very pretty. I like the information you shared on Vitruvian, too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Abigail FosterSeptember 13, 2025 at 10:12 AM

    I really liked your examples of current applications of this design period. I think the balcony on the modern home is a lovely accompaniment to the classical columns. I also love the classy mosaic tiles in the bathroom!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog #1- Prehistoric Architetcure and Interiors

Image
This week we learned about architecture and interior design in the prehistoric era. Architecture and interior design in the prehistoric era were designed more for survival versus beauty. The Paleolithic period is known for providing some of the earliest caves in France known for having animals and symbols on them. These were typically painted with thousands of images of animals and symbols. During the Neolithic period, people started building more permanent residences. Dolmens and menhirs were very popular in Europe. Dolmens are a type of stone tomb, and menhirs are upright stone markers. The post-and-lintel construction type was popular during this time period. We also discussed Skara Brae, which is in Scotland. It was a curvilinear home built out of stone and mortar! These houses also have hearths and beds and cupboards. There is even a primitive sewer system. In addition, Catal Huyuk is a massive Neolithic group in Turkey that has solid examples of comfort and design in their livin...
Read more

Blog #2 - Ancient Egypt

Image
  This week we talked about the ancient civilization of ancient Egypt. This is super important because it is one of the most influential design periods in history. In Egyptian culture, they placed a high emphasis on religion and eternity. This was demonstrated throughout their designs, from pyramids to household items. I think it's really interesting how the Egyptians' beliefs and practices of honoring and entombing the dead have given us some unique decorations and old surviving furniture. Weekly Learning Summary During the Old Kingdom, Egyptians developed monumental architecture that demonstrated divine power. Mastabas (also known as tombs) and pyramids were used to preserve not only the body of ancient rulers but also to surround them with objects for the afterlife. Because of this, we are now able to see ancient wooden furniture, which wouldn't be possible without the architecture. The Great Hypostyle Hall at the temple of Karnak is a very cool achievement of this time....
Read more

Week 5- Islamic and Romanesque Design

Image
  Weekly Summary This week we read about Islamic and Romanesque Design. Both of these styles were expressed through strong religious movements, yet in very different ways. Islamic design was developed throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. Mosques served as a very central space for worship in these countries. Common features of the mosques included courtyards and covered halls of columns. They also used decorative elements like horseshoe arches, muqarnas-filled domes, and geometric tilework. Some of the most popular sites are the great mosque of kairouan, the blue mosque in istanbul, and the taj mahal display the islamic architecture designs of both structural innovation and decorative detailing. The Alhambra in Spain uses beautiful garden details and highlights the islamic and european influence. On the romanesque side of design, you can really see the growth of christianity and the rise of feudalism. This era began around 800 AD under charlemagne. Romanesque churches were huge with...
Read more