Entasis - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:26, 31 January 2021

2021-01-31T07:26:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:26, 31 January 2021
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	* Palladian architecture.		* Palladian architecture.

−	[[Category:History]] [[Category:Theory]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Theory]]

Designing Buildings at 14:04, 30 August 2019

2019-08-30T14:04:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 30 August 2019
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	The word entasis derives from the Greek word ‘εντενω’ (enteino – to stretch or make taut) and the term is believed to have been first used by the Roman military architect Vitruvius (c.80-15BC).		The word entasis derives from the Greek word ‘εντενω’ (enteino – to stretch or make taut) and the term is believed to have been first used by the Roman military architect Vitruvius (c.80-15BC).

−	Entasis maybe seen in classical architecture all over the world, such as on the Doric columns of the Parthenon, where it is said there is not a single straight vertical line in the surrounding colonnade (peristyle). With each vertical bowed, the projected lines are thought to meet at a point in space 3.5km away. The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio also employed entasis and it can be seen on many of his works, such as the Villa Capra (La Rotunda), just outside Vicenza, northern Italy, built 1567-1570.	+	Entasis maybe seen in classical architecture all over the world, such as on the Doric columns of the Parthenon, where it is said there is not a single straight vertical line in the surrounding colonnade (peristyle). With each vertical bowed, the projected lines are thought to meet at a point in space 3.5km away. The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio also employed entasis and this can be seen on many of his works, such as the Villa Capra (La Rotunda), just outside Vicenza, northern Italy, built 1567-1570.

	= Speculation =		= Speculation =

−	There has been much conjecture over the use of entasis in architecture because there is no evidence to explain why the early classical builders used the technique. Some have argued that entasis makes a column appear to bulge and therefore be expressing the notion of strength as it takes the weight of whatever is above it. This may explain the exaggerated entasis applied to the columns of the First Hera temple at Paestum, Italy, that appear to bulge significantly at their lower extremities.	+	There has been much conjecture over the use of entasis in architecture because there is no evidence to fully explain why the early classical builders used the technique. Some have argued that entasis makes a column appear to bulge and therefore is expressing the notion of strength as it takes the weight of whatever is above it. This may explain the exaggerated entasis applied to the columns of the First Hera temple at Paestum, Italy, that appear to bulge significantly at their lower extremities.

	Others say that there is a sound engineering explanation for applying the technique, as a column that bulges in its middle section is stronger than a column whose diameter changes in a progressive, linear way.		Others say that there is a sound engineering explanation for applying the technique, as a column that bulges in its middle section is stronger than a column whose diameter changes in a progressive, linear way.
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	= Other applications =		= Other applications =

−	Entasis has been used ~~on constructions~~ before and after the period of classical antiquity: it is thought that the builders of the pyramids may have been the first to use it and it has been employed on constructions ever since.	+	Entasis has been used in construction before and after the period of classical antiquity: it is thought that the builders of the pyramids may have been the first to use it and it has been employed on constructions elsewhere ever since.

	The Inca employed entasis in their walls and doorways and it can also be seen in the monasteries and fortress architecture of Tibet and Bhutan. Building a battered (sloping) wall simply straight can make it appear to bulge outwards. Another example is the spire of the 14th century steeple of All Hallows parish church in Gedling, Northamptonshire.		The Inca employed entasis in their walls and doorways and it can also be seen in the monasteries and fortress architecture of Tibet and Bhutan. Building a battered (sloping) wall simply straight can make it appear to bulge outwards. Another example is the spire of the 14th century steeple of All Hallows parish church in Gedling, Northamptonshire.

Editor: Created page with "Entasis in architecture can be seen mainly in the design of classical columns to correct what would be an optical illusion. But is also seen in the construction of spires and oth..."

2019-08-27T18:00:47Z

Created page with "Entasis in architecture can be seen mainly in the design of classical columns to correct what would be an optical illusion. But is also seen in the construction of spires and oth..."

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Entasis in architecture can be seen mainly in the design of classical columns to correct what would be an optical illusion. But is also seen in the construction of spires and other upright members.

Typically viewed from below, a column with straight parallel sides that taper toward the top can appear to be concave in outline. Classical designers therefore created a slight convexity (swelling) in the middle length of the column to correct the appearance of concavity. It is thought that the application of entasis also created a greater illusion of strength and height.

The word entasis derives from the Greek word ‘εντενω’ (enteino – to stretch or make taut) and the term is believed to have been first used by the Roman military architect Vitruvius (c.80-15BC).

Entasis maybe seen in classical architecture all over the world, such as on the Doric columns of the Parthenon, where it is said there is not a single straight vertical line in the surrounding colonnade (peristyle). With each vertical bowed, the projected lines are thought to meet at a point in space 3.5km away. The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio also employed entasis and it can be seen on many of his works, such as the Villa Capra (La Rotunda), just outside Vicenza, northern Italy, built 1567-1570.

= Speculation =

There has been much conjecture over the use of entasis in architecture because there is no evidence to explain why the early classical builders used the technique. Some have argued that entasis makes a column appear to bulge and therefore be expressing the notion of strength as it takes the weight of whatever is above it. This may explain the exaggerated entasis applied to the columns of the First Hera temple at Paestum, Italy, that appear to bulge significantly at their lower extremities.

Others say that there is a sound engineering explanation for applying the technique, as a column that bulges in its middle section is stronger than a column whose diameter changes in a progressive, linear way.

= Other applications =

Entasis has been used on constructions before and after the period of classical antiquity: it is thought that the builders of the pyramids may have been the first to use it and it has been employed on constructions ever since.

The Inca employed entasis in their walls and doorways and it can also be seen in the monasteries and fortress architecture of Tibet and Bhutan. Building a battered (sloping) wall simply straight can make it appear to bulge outwards. Another example is the spire of the 14th century steeple of All Hallows parish church in Gedling, Northamptonshire.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Architectural Styles.
* Baroque architecture.
* Classical orders in architecture.
* Classical Revival style.
* Elements of classical columns.
* Italian Renaissance Revival style.
* Neoclassical architecture.
* Nineteenth century building types.
* Palladian architecture.

[[Category:History]] [[Category:Theory]]