Greek columns are load-bearing structural elements essential to the Greek architectural style. They are also symbolic artistic statements that refer to the Greek belief that the individual is significant. Ancient Greek columns of all three designs are meant to mimic the human form. Proportional formulas were used to build these columns, which roughly match those of the human body. The proportions of Doric columns reflect the ancient Greek ideal of the male form.The proportions of Ionic columns more closely resembles the ideal female form. Corinthian columns are a blend of the two, and are designed more as a reference to nature as a whole, as portrayed by their leaf-covered capitals, than to the human form.
Doric column design dates to the Archaic period of ancient Greek history. The columns first appeared in Greek architecture during the seventh century B.C. and reached their zenith with the construction of the Parthenon 200 years later. Characteristics of the Doric column include the 20 equally formed and shallow flutes that run the length of a tapered column shaft, a simple two-piece capital, and lack of a base. A disc-like transitional piece sits between the fluted shaft and the rounded echinus above. The very top part of the capital, or abacus, is shaped like a flat square on which the weight of the building rests. The height-to-width ratio for Doric column design is based on a 5.5- or 6-to-1 formula.
Ionic column design also arose during the Archaic period of ancient Greek civilization, and was carried over into the Classic period. The form originated in the Greek Islands and was adopted as an architectural design in the fourth century B.C. Ionic columns tend to be taller than Doric, and are identifiable by their ring-shaped two-part bases, the 24 or more deep flutes decorating the shaft, and scroll-topped capitals. Ionic columns are less tapered and more evenly narrow than Doric, and the ratio of height to width is based on a formula that ranges from 7- or 8-to-1.
Corinthian column design came into the fore during the Late Classic period of ancient Greek history. Corinthian columns began to appear early in the fourth century B.C. as interior decoration elements. They quickly became the most commonly used form in Greek buildings, both inside and out. Corinthian columns are identifiable by their height, slender shape, and ornate capital and base. The typical ratio of height to width for Corinthian columns is a 10-to-1 formula, which results in an elegantly thin structure. Corinthian capitals seem to grow out of the top of the column shaft with leaves and coiled scrolls leading up to a flat weight support.