Geometry and arithmetic in the conception of greek doric temples

Three established methodological approaches to discuss architectural design in antiquity

Authors

Keywords:

Doric architectural design, Greek architects, Design methodology, Doric temples, Geometry and arithmetic

Abstract

The goal of this article is, firstly, to present a bibliography that contemplates the state of the art of this discussion - from 1870 to the second decade of the 21st century. Then, to trace the training profile of Greek architects. Experts agree that precision, rules of proportion and “mathematical rigor” are essential parts of the sophisticated training of these professionals. It is evident that Greek architecture reached a high degree of standardization, mainly in the way of building temples. In order to map this profile, we selected ten classic Doric temples and three interpretation methodologies – one geometric, one arithmetic and one arithmetic-geometric. The discussion showed that the three interpretations are plausible, although it is not possible to determine if they were actually used, or even if the design procedures were in some way complementary.

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Author Biography

Claudio Walter Gomez Duarte, Universidade Metropolitana de Santos

Doutor e Mestre em Arqueologia pela Universidade de São Paulo, MAE/USP, bolsista FAPESP e CAPES. Docente do curso de Arqueologia da Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, UNIMES – São Paulo, Brasil. Pós-doutor em Tecnologia da Arquitetura, pela Universidade de São Paulo, FAU/USP, bolsista CNPq. Arquiteto e Urbanista pela Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, FAU/MACK.

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Published

2022-12-30

How to Cite

DUARTE, C. W. G. Geometry and arithmetic in the conception of greek doric temples: Three established methodological approaches to discuss architectural design in antiquity. Perspectivas e Diálogos: Revista de História Social e Práticas de Ensino, Caetité, v. 5, n. 2, p. 301–332, 2022. Disponível em: https://revistas.uneb.br/index.php/nhipe/article/view/17739. Acesso em: 20 may. 2024.