When you picture the White House, one of the most recognized symbols of American democracy, there are certain features that come to mind. These include its grand, classical-looking exterior columns that bestow the building with a timeless elegance. They serve more than an aesthetic purpose: Their lines evoke ancient history and traditional practices.
This leads us to an interesting question: Are Doric columns used at the White House? Figuring out what the types of columns in the White House are takes us to the world of classical architecture where there are different styles of columns — Doric, Ionic, Corinthian — that have our own characteristics and purposes.
What Columns in Architecture Does
Columns have been an integral element of architectural design for thousands of years, embodying both utility and beauty. They represent power, grace, and durability, which is why they are a commonly found detail in important buildings.
Importance of Columns in History
Circa 7 BC, columns gained prominence in ancient civilizations, primarily in Greek and Roman architecture, serving as supporting structures for temples, public buildings, and monuments. The three styles of columns in ancient Greece: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian respectively, each each representing a different set of ideals:
- Doric Columns: Simple and sturdy, Doric columns were used in buildings like the Parthenon in Athens. They instill dominance and masculinity.
- Ionic Columns: The distinctive scroll-like capitals of the Ionic columns brought a level of grace and sophistication. They were usually used in smaller temples and public areas.
- Corinthian Columns: The most elaborate of the three, Corinthian columns are noted for their ornate carvings, featuring acanthus leaves, and were popular in Roman architecture.
Functional vs. Aesthetic Roles
At first, columns were structurally instrumental—they held other heavy structures up, like roofs and walls. As time went on, their design evolved to be aesthetic, featuring intricate carvings and decorations, turning them into works of art. And it was this dual purpose, this combination of function and beauty, that made columns a staple in architecture for centuries.
Move to Modern Applications
In present day, columns still serve the architectural world, particularly important government buildings such as the White House. Architectural columns evoke a sense of tradition, authority, and splendor and connect modern buildings to the classical principles of democracy and order.
Architectural Style of the White House 1.
Irish architect James Hoban designed the White House, a great example of Greek Revival architecture with strong Roman and Palladian influences. Its design is a purposeful attempt to evoke power, elegance and timelessness.
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Greek Revival architecture
The architectural style of Greek Revival, inspired by the ancient temples of Greece, began to surface in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Democracy, liberty, and civic pride coincided with this style which became especially popular in the United States.
The White House is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture, with its symmetrical design, triangular pediments and — of course — its columns.
James Hoban’s Vision
Hoban’s design for the White House was inspired, in large part, by the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, and the classical Greek and Roman structures. He designed things with things like porticos (those porches supported by columns) to make things feel grand, and open.
Updates and Improvements
In the meantime, the White House has benefited from many renovations through the years that allowed its architectural elements to come into their own. For instance, the addition of the Truman Balcony in 1948 slightly modified the South Portico while retaining the overall classical look.
TYPES OF COLUMNS USED IN THE WHITE HOUSE
Overview of Column Styles
In terms of classical column types used in the White House, it’s important to know the difference between the five classical column styles:
Each type of column has its own design style and features: Column Style Harvest Features Example Doric Simple, sturdy, no base, plain capital. Parthenon, AthensIonicScroll-like (volute) capitals, slender proportions, and a base. Erechtheion, AthensCorinthianVery decorative, spiral-like acanthus leaves. Pantheon, RomeTuscanA simplified version of the Doric order, with smooth shafts and no fluting. Roman templesCompositeA blend of Ionic and Corinthian styles, featuring volutes and elaborate carving. Arch of Titus, Rome.
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Ionic Columns of the White House
Ionic columns were widely used during the Classical revival period, including on the North Portico and South Portico of the White House. They are distinguished by their scroll-like capitals that lend a sense of grace and sophistication.
As a binary characteristic, a column can be true or false depending on whether the column is placed or not.
Why Ionic? The Ionic columns, with their volutes and more ornate design, project a sense of wealth and grandeur over their plainer Doric counterparts and are therefore better suited for a building like the White House.
Why Not Doric Columns?
Ionic columns, while ornate and decorative, do not have the strength or simplicity of the Doric column. The designers of the White House chose Ionic columns to speak to both the magnificence of the presidency and the classical ideals of democracy.
Playing with Columns Features
To understand the columns of the White House, it helps to be familiar with their anatomy and the contribution each part makes to their overall design.
Anatomy of a Column
The classical column has generally three main parts:
- Capital (the top part, sometimes decorative (e.g. scrolls in Ionic columns)
- Shaft: The long vertical, cylindrical part which may be fluted (grooved) or smooth.
- The first part of the column is the base.
Improving Aesthetic and Structural Appeal
At the White House, the pairing of fluted shafts with decorative capitals contributes to both the monumentality and the strength of the columns. They impart a feeling of upwardness and loftiness, drawing the gaze up and emphasizing the building’s majesty.
The Lasting Legacy of Classical Columns on Modern Architecture
Where classical columns can be found all over the United States, from the White House on down through many city skylines, commercial buildings, trees and facades.
Greek Revival Influence
The Greek Revival style, which peaked in popularity during the 19th century, influenced numerous American landmarks, including:
The U.S. Capitol Building.
- Capitols in state after state across the country.
- Courthouses, libraries and museums.
Adding Columns to Modern Houses
- If you are inspired by the columns of the White House, how about bringing that aesthetic home? For instance:
- For the grand, classical look, frame your entryway with Ionic or Corinthian columns.
- For a more understated, oh-so modern aesthetic, go with simpler Tuscan columns.
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Most people assume the White House uses Doric columns because of the strength and simplicity they communicate. But in reality this is a misconception. The White House’s arrival, with Ionic columns, was a conscious decision to design in this style of grace and elegance instead of simple lines.
7 Fun Facts About Columns in the White House
- No. Of Columns: The White House has 36 Ionic columns, with 8 on the North Portico and 6 on the South Portico
- Historical Anecdotes: The British burned the White House during the War of 1812, but the columns survived and were rebuilt.
- Distinctive Elements: The Ionic columns combined with Palladian windows result in a perfectly balanced fusion of ancient and contemporary aesthetics.
Conclusion
The Ionic columns of the White House are the legacy of classical architecture’s enduring impact. Doric columns represent strength, while the use of Ionic columns symbolizes the building’s elegance, sophistication and link to ancient democratic ideals.
So to answer the question: Does the White House use Doric columns? No, it employs Ionic columns, which exemplify its architectural magnificence and historical significance.
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