Editing Greek Revival architecture (section)

==General characteristics==
Much Greek Revival architecture used the Greek [[Doric order]] in the earlier version found in buildings leading up to the [[Parthenon]] in Athens. This contrasted significantly with later Greek [[Hellenistic architecture]] and [[Roman architecture]].  Greek Doric columns are typically rather thick, often tapering towards the top, always [[fluting (architecture)|fluted]], and have complicated rules for the [[entablature]] above the columns. Additionally, the columns go straight down to the floor ([[stylobate]]) with no distinct base - this last aspect was often skipped by architects who followed the other Greek conventions, for example in the [[Brandenburg Gate]].

The understanding of actual Greek architecture was based on ruined buildings, and awareness of the full range of ornamentation, and colour, on ancient Greek temples emerged over the period. Architects were aware of the large [[pedimental sculpture]]s and [[metope]] reliefs, and copied these expensive elements when funds allowed, but far less often had the full range of [[antefix]]es and [[akroterion]]s.

Greek temples normally had no windows except perhaps in the roof, posing a problem for modern buildings for most purposes, which was generally brushed aside. Many buildings that needed to fulfill modern functions concentrated on having an impressive temple-style front, giving the other faces of the building a more practical design up to the [[cornice]].