THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 3.4: The Corinthian and the Composite Order

First I suggest you to check out the introduction in the part 3.1 of this topic: https://www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90588/

Before starting I attach this image with the nomenclature of the main parts of the Ionic order as example. All the parts are in the same position in each order, the decors change: https://imgur.com/aAhXWqy



I describe together the Corinthian and the Composite Order because of their same proportions. The differences are in the decorations.

The Corinthian Order is the third of the Greek architecture, according to Vitruvius it was invented by the architect/sculptor Callimachus and its name derives from the Greek city of Corinth. Despite the Greek origin, this order was more used by Romans than in Greece, in fact we notice the utilization of the Corinth Order in the facade of the most important Roman temple: the Pantheon.
The Composite Order was invented by the Romans and its capital shows the combination between the Ionic and the Corinthian Order. In addition to the capital, what differs from the Corinthian Order is the less complex entablature. The base and the shaft are the same.



According to Vignola the height of the Corinthian/Composite column is obtained multiplying by 10 the diameter of the column. To get the dimensions of the other parts we give the value of 2 moduli (singular is modulo) to the diameter, so the height of the column is 20 moduli.

In order to measure correctly the various parts of the order, Vignola used submultiples of the modulo. For the Corinthian/Composite Order 1 modulo = 18 parti (2 mod = 36 parti, 1/2 mod = 9 parti, 1 mod + 3 p = 21 p etc). I will use abbrevations mod (moduli) and p (parti).

Of the 20 moduli for height of the column:
2 mod 1/3 for the capital, 1 mod for the base, 16 mod 2/3 for the shaft.

The height of the entablature is a quarter of the height of the column, then 5 mod (20 mod ÷ 4 = 5 mod = 90 p), and it is divided in the following parts:
1,5 mod for the architrave, 1,5 mod for the frieze, 2 mod for the cornice.

The intercolumniation (distance between two columns) must be 4 mod 2/3.

THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 3.3: The Ionic Order

First I suggest you to check out the introduction in the part 3.1 of this topic: https://www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90588/

Before starting I attach this image with the nomenclature of the main parts of the Ionic order as example. All the parts are in the same position in each order, the decors change: https://imgur.com/aAhXWqy



The Ionic Order is the second of the Greek architecture and represents the effect of the first Eastern influences absorbed by Greek culture, in fact its name derives from Asia Minor (called Ionia). This order symbolizes the female body, for this reason it was used in temples dedicated to the worship of goddesses, such as the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion (both in Athens)

According to Vignola the height of the Ionic column is obtained multiplying by 9 the diameter of the column. To get the dimensions of the other parts we give the value of 2 moduli (singular is modulo) to the diameter, so the height of the column is 18 moduli.

In order to measure correctly the various parts of the order, Vignola used submultiples of the modulo. For the Ionic Order 1 modulo = 18 parti (2 mod = 36 parti, 1/2 mod = 9 parti, 1 mod + 3 p = 21 p etc). I will use abbrevations mod (moduli) and p (parti).

Of the 18 moduli for height of the column:
2/3 mod (12 p) for the capital, 1 mod for the base, 16 mod 1/3 for the shaft.

The height of the entablature is a quarter of the height of the column, then 4,5 mod (18 mod ÷ 4 = 4,5 mod = 81 p), and it is divided in the following parts:
1 mod 1/4 for the architrave, 1,5 mod for the frieze, 1 mod 3/4 for the cornice.

The intercolumniation (distance between two columns) must be 4,5 mod.

THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 1: Arches

During the last days I spent some time watching various projects in PMC (especially those of ancient style) and I realized that many users did not follow the rules of the Theory of Proportions.
First of all I premise that this is only a suggestion/advice, everyone is free to build as he/she want.

I decided to start with arches, beacause I think it is the most neglected thing in proportions.

According to the theory of proportions, the height of an arch has to be about
widht × 1,6 for the Golden Ratio (or at most × 2) semicircle included.
This ratio was fundamental in Greek and Roman architecture and was also used again during the Renaissance.
The Golden Ratio is indicated with the letter φ (phi) of the Greek alphabet.

Below is an image (modified by me) explaining the Golden Ratio applied to a Roman Arch (Arco di Traiano a Benevento - taken from "I monumenti e le opere d'arte della città di Benevento" by Almerico Meomartini, 1889)

THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 3.2: The Doric Order

First I suggest you to check out the introduction in the part 3.1 of this topic: https://www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90588/

Before starting I attach this image with the nomenclature of the main parts of the Ionic order as example. All the parts are in the same position in each order, the decors change: https://imgur.com/aAhXWqy



The Doric Order is the most ancient of the Greek architecture, its name comes from the Dorians who lived in southern Greece.
The Doric characterizes some of the most iconic ancient Greek buildings such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. This Order also was used in the most of the temples in Magna Graecia (southern Italy)

According to Vignola the height of the Doric column is obtained multiplying by 8 the diameter of the column. To get the dimensions of the other parts we give the value of 2 moduli (singular is modulo) to the diameter, so the height of the column is 16 moduli.

In order to measure correctly the various parts of the order, Vignola used submultiples of the modulo. For the Doric Order 1 modulo = 12 parti (2 mod = 24 parti, 1/2 mod = 6 parti, 1 mod + 3 p = 15 p etc). I will use abbrevations mod (moduli) and p (parti).

Of the 16 moduli for height of the column:
1 mod for the capital, 1 mod for the base, 14 mod for the shaft.

The height of the entablature is a quarter of the height of the column, then 4 mod (16 mod ÷ 4 = 4 mod = 48 p), and it is divided in the following parts:
1 mod for the architrave, 1,5 mod for the frieze, 1,5 mod for the cornice.

The intercolumniation (distance between two columns) must be 5,5 mod

THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 3.1: The Tuscan Order

Introduction: in this post and in the following ones I will describe the proportions of the main parts for each order taking as reference the treatise of Vignola "Regola delli cinque ordini d'architettura", previously mentioned in the part 2 (which I advice you to take a look at if you are reading this topic for the first time): https://www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90380/.

Due to the fact that this topic is aimed to the MC Community, I will not dwell on small details and particulars beacuse it would be too complicated to be composed with blocks (unless you use a very big scale).

Before starting I attach this image with the nomenclature of the main parts of the Ionic order as example. All the parts are in the same position in each order, the decors change: https://imgur.com/aAhXWqy


The Tuscan Order (from the Latin tuscanĭcus, that means Etruscan) was typical in the Etruscan architecture, then arrived in the Roman architecture.
Probably the Tuscan derives from the Greek Doric Order, which is very similar in his features. During the Italian Renaissance the Tuscan Order replaced the Doric in architecture, beacuse of its Italian origin.

According to Vignola the height of the Tuscan column is obtained multiplying by 7 the diameter of the column. To get the dimensions of the other parts we give the value of 2 moduli (singular is modulo) to the diameter, so the height of the column is 14 moduli.

In order to measure correctly the various parts of the order, Vignola used submultiples of the modulo. For the Tuscan Order 1 modulo = 12 parti (2 mod = 24 parti, 1/2 mod = 6 parti, 1 mod + 3 p = 15 p etc). I will use abbrevations mod (moduli) and p (parti).

Of the 14 moduli for height of the column:
1 mod for the capital, 1 mod for the base, 12 mod for the shaft.

The height of the entablature is a quarter of the height of the column, then 3,5 mod (14 mod ÷ 4 = 3,5 mod = 42 p), and it is divided in the following parts:
1 mod for the architrave, 1 mod + 2 p for the frieze, 1 mod + 4 p for the cornice.

The intercolumniation (distance between two columns) must be 4 mod 2/3 (56 p).

THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 2: The Five Orders [Columns]

Continuing the topic started yesterday (https://www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90172/) in this post I will introduce in a general way the proportions of the classical and classicist orders.
The four basic orders are: the Doric, the Ionic and the Corinthian (from Greece); the Tuscan (from Italy). The fifth order, the Composite (of Roman invention) was added for the first time during the Renaissance in the teatrises of architecture based on Vitruvius' De Architectura.

It is good to differentiate the rules of proportion according to the Classical Codex and the Classicist Rule.

CLASSICAL CODEX: greater flexibility in the proportions, the orders respond to a language that attributes to each of them different features.
- Tuscan: bald and solid
- Doric: severe and robust (symbolize the male body)
- Ionic: elegant (symbolize the female body)
- Corinthian: refined and pure
- Composite: sumptuous and regal

CLASSICIST RULE: each order responds to standard and not flexible proportions.
These ratios were theorized during the Renaissance from teatrises written by architects, the most influent was "Regola delli cinque ordini d'architettura (Canon of the five orders of architecture)" by the Italian architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, to which the successive architects refer.

Here is a table with the proportions between the diameter of the column (considered 1 unit) and the height of the column for each order (capital and base included)




It is clear that, assuming all orders of the same height, the diameter decreases from the Tuscan to the Corinthian-Composite.
1) Tuscan, 2) Doric, 3) Ionic, 4) Corinthian, 5) Composite

- Proportions of the Tuscan Order - T.O.P topic part 3.1: www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90588/
- Proportions of the Doric Order - T.O.P topic part 3.2: www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/90825/
- Proportions of the Ionic Order - T.O.P topic part 3.3: www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/91017/
- Proportions of the Corinthian Order and Composite Order - T.O.P topic part 3.4: www.planetminecraft.com/member/archiga/wall/post/91205/

THEORY OF PROPORTION - part 1: Arches

During the last days I spent some time watching various projects in PMC (especially those of ancient style) and I realized that many users did not follow the rules of the Theory of Proportions.
First of all I premise that this is only a suggestion/advice, everyone is free to build as he/she want.

I decided to start with arches, beacause I think it is the most neglected thing in proportions.

According to the theory of proportions, the height of an arch has to be about
widht × 1,6 for the Golden Ratio (or at most × 2) semicircle included.
This ratio was fundamental in Greek and Roman architecture and was also used again during the Renaissance.
The Golden Ratio is indicated with the letter φ (phi) of the Greek alphabet.

Below is an image (modified by me) explaining the Golden Ratio applied to a Roman Arch (Arco di Traiano a Benevento - taken from "I monumenti e le opere d'arte della città di Benevento" by Almerico Meomartini, 1889)

My apologies for an obvious online absence of late. (This includes my lack of visits to all of my subscribers). Sometimes life gets in the way and I can't get anywhere near the "ON" button on my computer. Let alone put a block to another block and call it Minecraft. Bills to pay....mouths to feed....etc...etc.

In part... the lack of online presence has also been due to an attempted landscape design; I am currently undertaking. It is a design that has enchanted me for years. The design is that of a bountiful and luxuriant Orchard landscape. Perhaps of the Napa Valley - California. Or Henan Province, China, even the Murray River, Australia.

To date, I have created hand-planted aboreal representations of realistic Pine Forests and other naturalistic landscapes. All of which can be adequately generated by such software as worldmachine etc. But none have been as difficult and challenging in creating - as a "Hand Planted Orchard Landscape".

Here are some images I've been working on...





With in Flight to the Citadel - I have created the farm fields that feed the populous of The Citadel. Embracing the intricacies and textures of patterning, to produce a visual representation of a patchwork quilt.

The diligent and faithful orchard attendants live in a neighbouring hanging village.