What is classical architecture?

Classical architecture is a style derived from the principles of ancient Greek and Roman antiquity, drawing heavily from the Roman architect Vitruvius's treatise De architectura. It shares a common vocabulary of decorative and structural elements and has shaped Western architecture through revivals like the Italian Renaissance and neoclassical movements. The term can also extend to other highly refined architectural traditions around the world, such as classical Chinese or Mayan architecture.

What we know

• Classical architecture is typically derived from the principles of Greek and Roman architecture of classical antiquity, and specifically from Vitruvius's treatise De architectura written around 10 AD. [2, 5]
• Across the Western world, classical architectural styles dominated architectural history from the period of the Renaissance until World War II. [2, 5]
• Neoclassical architecture emerged in the mid-18th century in Italy, France, and Germany as a movement to strip away Baroque excesses and return to a purer classical style. [3]
• The term classical architecture can also describe other highly evolved traditional architectures, such as classical Chinese or Mayan architecture, or buildings adhering to classical aesthetic philosophy. [2]

Where to go next

• whoWho was Vitruvius and what did he write?
• compared withHow did Neoclassical architecture differ from the Baroque style?
• what followedWhat is New Classical architecture?
• how we knowWhat role did archaeology play in the neoclassical movement?
• the bigger pictureWhat defines traditional and vernacular architecture?
• an unexpected connectionHow do Mayan and Chinese buildings connect to Greco-Roman columns?The term classical architecture is not restricted to the West, as it can also describe any highly evolved architectural tradition like classical Chinese or Mayan architecture.

Sources

• [1]classical architecture (Wikidata Q4198718) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Classical architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Neoclassical architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]New Classical architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Outline of classical architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0