Essay on Classical Architecture An Everlasting Imprint

Architectural style that was developed by the ancient Greeks has had such an influence on many world civilizations that it surrounds us even to this day. The symbolism that this architectural style has represents power, dignity and recognition that is everlasting throughout generations. The Romans particularly skilled at concrete construction were intrigued by this style and incorporated this technique into their very own building and temple structures. El Paso High School located in El Paso, Texas is a representation of how powerful of an influence ancient Greeks and Romans have had on cultures around the world. Approaching the entrance of El Paso High School on the East facade you will notice that the shaft of the columns have†¦show more content†¦The columns to both edifices have vertical hollow grooves known as flutes. The colonnades support a pediment decorated with dentils that surround the outer surface of the pediment. Both edifices have Corinthian capitals that are adorned with acanthus leaves and wide porticos. The similarities of both of these buildings are quite astonishing and the architectural style of the Maison Carree must have had a significant influence on the construction of the high school and many other buildings. For instance Thomas Jefferson found that the Maison Carree â€Å"gave inspiration to the design of the Virginia State House in Richmond, Virginia.[1] Aside from the physical appearances both of these buildings serve different purposes for the public. The Maison Carree has had a checkered past and has served as a temple to dedicate the young sons of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and then later on was transformed into a Christian church. The faà §ades of the building are part of a local high school in the community. The Maison Carree has columns that surround the external structure of the building whereas the east faà §ade only has columns that stand in front of the entrance of this building. Another distinction between the t wo edifices is that the Maison Carree entire structure sits on a high podium unlike the high school where the faà §ade is the only part that sits on a podium. The Pantheon and the east faà §ade of El Paso High School share similar traits such as having friezes that contain