Greek and Japanese Architecture For a great many years, architecture has been a breaking point for different artistic Some of the most famous works of art have been chapels, temples, andtombs. Among the most dominant and influential eras of great architecture are thesophisticated, stoic Greeco-Roman periods and the more mystical, elemental Japaneseeras. These two very distinct and very different eras have more in common than you mayrealize.When work began on the Parthenon in 447 BC, the Athenian Empire was at theheight of its power. Work on the temple continued until 432; the Parthenon, then,represents the tangible and visible blossoming of Athenian imperial power, impaired by thedamages of the Peloponnesian War. Likewise, it symbolizes the power and influence of theAthenian politician, Perkiness, who championed its construction (Stokstad).Using a great number of different means of architectural development, i.e. groinvaults, barrel vaults, pedestals and the like, the Greeks dramatized their buildings and filledthem with magnificent images. Using the great artistry of the times, they sculpted, paintedand decorated the monuments with great fervor and passion, all for the love of design,composition, and dynamic proportions. The graceful, smooth lines and elegant sculptureof the round, are reminiscent of another era of excellent architecture, the Japanese era.From the beginning of this century, Japanese architecture has influenced manywestern architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruno Taut, and Walter Gropius. Itslandscape architecture has long inspired park and garden designers on every continent.Currently, Japan's modern architecture is having a striking influence on global architecture.Japanese architecture is an inherent part of Japanese culture, and even Tokyo'smost modern "high-tech" buildings draw their inspiration from old Japanese design.Japan's ancient castles and palaces, timber houses, tatami-mat tea rooms and Zen gar...
