culture, although completelydifferent, both inherited a great deal of respect for design. The Greeks used intricate sculpture and carvings to enhance the look and textureof their architecture, as the Japanese. As seen in the Byodo-in of the Heian period ofJapan, also called the Phoenix Hall for its adoration the mystical bird, gracefulness anddetail play a major part in the design and implementation.Built for the Fujimara family in the eleventh century, this palace converted to atemple, houses a great deal of sculpture of the round like that of the Greek Parthenon. Every angle and curve has been handled with diamond like precision. The dramaticredirection of the lines in the roof and crisp ninety degree angles of the pillars anddoorways mirror the smooth lines and elegant curves in the columns and the exaggeratedproportions of the Parthenon.As with all eras in history, architecture (among other things) is a representative ofthe cultural heritage of the time period. The Greeks stressed the importance of their godsand goddesses where the Japanese valued not only their deities, but their leaders andteachers as well. Both time periods using ornate and decorative skills to not only open upthe buildings enclosures to give them a more airy, natural feel, but the take the viewersemotion to the point where they admire and respect the buildings and its heritage as muchas the original architects and artisans....
