Architecture
Tobias Lopez
HUM/226
July 9, 2012
Beverly Smith
Architecture
Greek Architecture was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens Greece, which was build in 480 BC. The main purpose for which Greek Architecture was know for was its temples. These temples were build in dedication to the Greek gods. Gothic Architecture first originated in the 12th century France, it is most know for the great cathedrals, abbeys and churches of Europe. Both these styles of architecture

Characteristics
Some of the major characteristics of classical Greek architecture, a majority of the buildings were built using the post-and-lintel method. The Parthenon shows features that were used in Ancient Greek architecture for example the Crepidoma, which is the platform on which the structure was erected on. The Temple of Hephaestos shows the Doric columns, which was another main feature of Greek architecture, was used in buildings build in the seventh century. The columns were a reflection of tree trucks, which was the main use to build columns before they turned to different building materials. The building materials that was use was mostly stone, since Greece contain a great amount of it. The golden rectangle is famous in Greek architecture and is one of the things still used in modern architecture today.
Gothic architecture was a mixture of already existing styles of building, this established a new form of building style. This style was mainly used in cathedrals and Gothic churches. The styles that were used to form Gothic architecture were clerestory, the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress. Some of the major characteristics are height, with a strong emphasis on verticality. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Gothic architecture is the expansive area of the windows. The defining characteristic of Gothic Architecture is the pointed arch, from the untraceried pointed arches in the facade of Ripon Cathedral, the main entrance of the Carmo church is a pointed arch.
Innovations and Symbolism One of the most important Greek architectural innovations was the external colonnade, which came to light sometime in the seventh century B.C. It created a curtain around the temple; solid but transparent, screening the sanctuary and the cult image from the outside world. The reason for the detail, painted ceilings, and location of these builds was because it was a symbol of the god or goddess of their city. The temples always had a statue of the god or goddess that they worshiped inside the center of the temple, along with statues of important politicians surrounding or in proximity of the temple. According to "Ancient Greece" (2003-2012), Greek art and sculpture has had a profound effect throughout the ages. Many of the styles have been reproduced and copied by some of what the modern day audiences would class as some of the finest artists to have ever lived e.g. Michelangelo.
Conclusion
The architecture that I found most interesting is that of the Gothic style. I love how the ribbed vaults give the halls a never ending look and how the buildings are full of arches which give the buildings a elegant feel and look. I really enjoy the lighting that all the windows give off it just makes the vertical ceilings of the building stand out. Gothic architecture has a special look, it is not balances the towers are off set, the sides are different, and that gives this beautiful style a unique and wonderful look.

References
Ancient greece. (2003-2012). Retrieved from http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Art/
Wikipedia. (2012). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_architecture
Wikipedia. (2012). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture