9 Department of Education

National Capital Region

SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE
MARIKINA CITY

Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health

ARTS
First Quarter-Module 3
Western Classical Architecture

Writer: NOLI L. BRAGAIS, MAED

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 What I Need to Know
In the first two modules, you were able to understand the
characteristics and art functions of the painting and sculpture from the
prehistoric era, ancient Egypt, Classical Greek and Roman periods, to the
Medieval era.
As you continue to discover the magnificence of these amazing
significant periods, this particular module would provide you knowledge and
insights about the western classical architecture.

Hence, the main topic for this module is about the:

● Western Classical Architecture

At the end of this module you, as a learner, are expected to:

1. Reflect on and derives the mood, idea, or message from selected
artworks;
2. Discuss the use or function of artworks by evaluating their utilization
and combination of art elements and principles.

After you go through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify distinct characteristics of arts during the different art periods;
2. analyze art elements and principles shown in the style of architectural
work from ancient art, classical art and medieval art;
3. compare and contrast the characteristics of the different art periods.

What I Know
Multiple Choices: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is the largest of the three Pyramids at the Giza necropolis

A. Pyramid of Djozer C. The Great Pyramid
B. Pyramid of Khafre D. The Great Sphinx

2. A prehistoric monument consisting of an upright megalith, usually standing

alone, but sometimes aligned with others.
A. Menhir B. Cromlech C. Tumulus D. Cairn

3. This Greek order is rather sturdy and its top (the capital) is plain.
A. Ionic B. Corinthian C. Doric D. None of the above

4. This famous amphitheatre was the largest of its time and the most popular
ancient Roman monument.
A. The Parthenon C. The Pantheon
B. The Colosseum D. The Great Pyramid

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5. It is the best preserved megalith.
A. Menhir B. Tumulus C. Cromlech D. Stonehenge

6. It is a European style of architecture that values height and exhibits an

intricate and delicate aesthetic.
A. Gothic architecture C. Romanesque architecture
B. Roman architecture D. Byzantine architecture

7. The Parthenon is an example of this Greek architectural style/order.

A. Doric B. Corinthian C. Ionic D. Megalith

8. It is arguably the most well-preserved architectural marvel from the ancient

Roman era.
A. The Pantheon C. The Great Sphinx
B. The Parthenon D. The Stonehenge

9. The capital of this order is very elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.
A. Doric B. Corinthian C. Ionic D. Dolmen

10. The distinctive characteristic of this architectural style is the domed roof and
structures featuring soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration.
A. Gothic style C. Byzantine style
B. Romanesque style D. Classical Greek style

Test II. Identify the particular era/period (prehistoric, Ancient Egypt, classical
Greek, Roman, medieval) of the following architectural masterpieces

11._________________ 12._________________ 13.____________________

14._______________________ 15.________________________

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 Lesson
WESTERN CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE
1
What’s In

ACTIVITY 1: Below are the characteristics of western classical sculpture. All you
have to do is to rearrange the jumbled words to make them the correct characteristic
of the given art period. Write your answer in the space provided.

________________________1. (ULTRA-PRIMITIVE) – Prehistoric

________________________2. (LEMNOS) – Ancient Egypt

________________________3. (REILGOIUS) – Classical Greek

________________________4. (DAME OT SSIMPER) – Classical Roman

________________________5. (MASLL REFIEL) – Byzantine

________________________6. (OREVWHELMNGILY GIOUSLERE)-Romanesque

________________________7. (LAEBOTEAR) - Gothic

What’s New

Architecture is the art and science of making or designing physical structures like
buildings, houses, bridges, and other artificial constructions. Even in the prehistoric
times, early humans created their own distinct dwellings. It developed over time.
Each era showed significant architectural developments and have become more and
more complex.

But your activity below is going back to the basic concept of architecture.
ACTIVITY 2: Shape me

Materials: 3 colored papers ( 3 different colors), scissors, glue or paste, bond

paper/Oslo paper.

Procedure:

1. Cut each of the colored papers in 4 (to make it four ¼ sheets). You have now
twelve ¼ sheets of colored papers.
2. Using your scissors, cut out these shapes from your colored ¼ sheets: 1
rectangle, 2 squares, 2 circles, 2 semi-circles, 2 triangles, 2 diamond shapes,
2 star shapes. Note: 1 shape per ¼ sheet, better to have a bigger shape.

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 3. Now, paste the shapes on your Oslo/bond paper, create an artistic and
creative architectural image (e.g., house, temple, etc.) using your cut out
shapes. All the shapes must be used up. It is all right to overlap shapes from
one another, as long as it would create an awesome architectural design of
your choice.
4. Write a title/name of your design.

What is It
Read the selection about the western classical architecture.

PREHISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
Though no one could really trace how the early stages of the process by
which the true architecture grew out of the first attempts of man at building, yet we
could still behold up to this very day the products of this process--the megaliths, or
great blocks of stone arranged in rows, circles or avenues, sometimes with huge
lintels resting upon them.
These megalithic remains have various types:
a. Menhir- a prehistoric monument consisting
of an upright megalith, usually standing
alone, but sometimes aligned with others.

Menhir in Drybridge, North Ayrshire, Scotland,Rosser1954

(https://www.britannica.com/art/menhir)

b. Dolmen- remains consisting of two or

more large upright stones supporting a
horizontal stone slab, usually regarded as
altar or tomb.

Poulnabrone dolmen, County Clare, Ireland,Holger Leue

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/dolmen)

c.Cromlech- a circular arrangement of megalith

enclosing a dolmen or burial mound

Cromlech, Swinside Stone Circle, England

(https://medievalheritage.eu/en/main-
page/dictionary/cromlech)

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 d. Tumulus- an artificial mound or earth
or stone, especially over an ancient grave.

The Royal mounds of Gamla Uppsala

(https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Tumulus)

e. Cairn/Carn- a heap of stones piled up as a

monument, tombstone or landmark.

(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairn)

The best preserved megalith is the Stonehenge.

The Stonehenge
(https://architecturerevived.com/stonehenge-england/)

● Located at the southern part of Salisbury Plains, West of Avebury

● The focal point of the densest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age
● Had undergone 4 periods of building and use
● Used from c.3000 BC until after 1100 BC

ANCIENT EGYPT ARCHITECTURE

The ancient Greek architecture reflected the two fundamental characteristics
of Egyptian culture: the belief that life of earth was merely a brief interlude compared
with the eternal afterlife, and the fact that Egypt was a theocracy, whose king
(Pharaoh) was worshipped as a God, with absolute powers.
Egyptian architectural designs were monumental but not architecturally
complex: they used post and lintels, not arches.

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 Famous Egyptian Pyramids and other structures

The Great Pyramid of Giza (built c.2540-2560 BCE)

(Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu)
Built as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu,
it is the largest of the three Pyramids at the Giza
necropolis, and the oldest and best preserved of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For more than
3800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure in
the world.
https://ancient.eu/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza/)

The Great Sphinx of Giza (built c.2550-2530 BCE)

This colossal limestone sculpture of a reclining
sphinx (a mythical creature consisting of a human
head on a lion’s body)—world’s largest monolith
statue -- is situated on the Giza plateau on the west
bank of the Nile. The Sphinx head is believed to be a
portrait of King Khufu
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Sphinx_of_Giza

Pyramid of Djozer (built c. 2630 BCE)

Designed by Imhotep, one of the greatest architects
of ancient Egypt, this is believed to be the earliest
pyramid and the world’s oldest structure made from
dressed masonry.
(https://ancient.eu/article/862/the-step-pyramid-of-
djoser/)

CLASSICAL GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Greek architecture is not only well known for its temples, but also for the
open-air theaters (amphitheaters) and the agora or the open public market square.
The Greek developed three architectural styles, called orders, each with their
own distinctive proportions and detailing. The Greek orders are: Doric, Ionic,
Corinthian.

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 The Doric Style
It is rather sturdy and its top (the capital) is plain.
This style was used in mainland Greece and the
colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.
Example: The Parthenon
Iktinos and Kallikrates, the Parthenon, 447-432BCE, Athens
(https://www.ancient.eu/parthenon)

The Ionic Style

It is thinner and more elegant. Its capital is
decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute). This
style was found in eastern Greece and the islands.
Example: Erechteum
North Porch of the Erechteion,421-407
BCE, marble, Acropolis,Athens(https://action-crete-
homes.com/architectural-features-in-ancient-buildings/

The Corinthian Style

It is seldom used in the Greek world, but often
seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very
elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.
Example: Temple E, Corinth, Greece
Temple E, Corinth, Greece
https://action-crete-homes.com/architectural-features-in-
ancient-buildings/
ROMAN ARCHITECTURE
Roman architecture is ancient Rome’s unique contribution to the history of
art and to the culture of Europe. It is even more than the rest of Roman art, reflected
the practical character, restless energy and organizational mindset of its creators.
These Roman architects struggled to achieve two overriding aims: to demonstrate
the grandeur and power of Rome, while also improving the life of their fellow citizens.
Roman architects and engineers designed and built some of the greatest public
buildings in the history of architecture, including temples, basilicas, amphitheaters,
triumphal arches, monuments , numerous aqueducts, drainage systems, and
bridges, as well as a vast network of roads, and a series of urban blueprints.

THE COLOSSEUM
(https://ancienthistory.com/rome-history/top-10-
magnificent-ancient-roman-architecture)
This famous amphitheatre was the largest of its
time and the most popular ancient Roman monument.
The construction of this Colosseum began during the
reign of Emperor Vespasian in 72 A.D. by the time it
was finished by his son Titus in 80 A.D., a never-
before seen amphitheatre with a seating capacity of

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over 50,000 people. It is said that its opening ceremony—the grandest of all
spectacles—lasted for about 100 days. In that time, about 5,000 animals and 2,000
gladiators fought to their deaths in an unprecedented extravaganza of gladiatorial
and bestiaries battles.
THE PANTHEON
(https://ancienthistory.com/rome-history/top-
10-magnificent-ancient-roman-architecture
It is arguably the most well-preserved
architectural marvel from the ancient Roman era.
It is the temple for all the Roman gods. The
construction of this temple was completed in 125
AD during the rule of Hadrian. The sheer size and
scale of this dome is a lasting testimony to the
skills of ancient Roman architects and engineers.
MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE
Byzantine Architecture
The Byzantine architects were eclectic, i.e., they drew architectural elements
from various sources, at first drawing heavily on Roman temple features. Their
combination of the basilica and other religious structure resulted in the
characteristic Byzantine-Greek cross-plan church, with a square central mass and
four arms of equal length. The most distinctive is the domed roof. Byzantine
structures featured soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration.
CHURCH OF SAINT CATHERINE
(https://www.britannica.com/art/Byzantine-
architecture)
It is in the old town of Thessaloniki, Greece. It is
one of the most beautifully preserved Byzantine
churches even though it served as a mosque for much of
its existence.
HAGIA IRENE
(https://www.britannica.com/art/Byzantine-
architecture
Hagia Irene or Hagia Eirene is one of the earliest
churches built in the Byzantine capital. It was
commissioned by Constantinople’s founder, Roman
Emperor Constantine the Great.

Romanesques Architecture
The First Romanesque style developed in the Catalan territory and
demonstrated a lower level of expertise than the later style. The first style is
characterized by thick walls, lack of sculpture, and the presence of rhythmic
ornamental churches, employed rubble walls, smaller windows, and unvaulted roofs.
The later Romanesques style is distinguished by a mkore refined style and increased
use of the vault and dressed stones.

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 RIPOLL MONASTERY
(https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-
arthistory/chapter/romanesque-architecture)
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, is a
Benedictine monastery built in the First Romanesque
style, located in the town of Ripoll in Catalonia, Spain.

Gothic Architecture
It is a European style of architecture that values height and exhibits an
intricate and delicate aesthetic. Though its roots are French, the Gothic approach
can be found in churches, cathedrals, and other similar buildings in Europe and
beyond.
The Gothic style evolved from Romanesque architecture, a medieval ceilings,
and small stained glass windows. It adopted and adapted Romanesque elements to
produce a new style of building that featured exaggerated arches, increased vaulting,
and enlarged windows.

Leon Cathedral (Photo: Adrian Farwell, via Wikimedia Commons.

(https://triposo.com/poi/W_46344508)

What’s More
ACTIVITY 3. To gauge your understanding of the lesson about the western classical
architecture, below is the table you have to fill in. Write the characteristics of the
architecture in every given period.

Periods / Era Characteristics

Prehistoric Architecture
Ancient Egyptian Architecture
Classical Greek Architecture
Classical Roman Architecture

Medieval Architecture
● Byzantine
● Romanesque
● Gothic

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 What I Have Learned
Let’s do a little reflection on all you have learned about the lesson.
Please answer thoroughly and in complete sentences

DESCRIBE something you learned

ANALYZE what makes these architectural masterpieces ‘great’

REFLECT on the things you realized in this lesson

What I Can Do
ACTIVITY 4: Choose an architectural masterpiece from two different western
classical art periods. Make a comparison and contrast of the artworks you have
chosen based on the materials, techniques, functions, distinct styles, etc. Write it
on a short bond paper.

Assessment
Matching type. Match the correct answer from column A to Column B. Write the
letter in the space before the number.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
____1. The most popular ancient Roman monument. A. Ionic
____2. The oldest and best preserved of the Seven B. Megalith
Wonders of the Ancient World. C. Colosseum
____3. Great blocks of stone arranged in rows, D. Great Pyramid
circles or avenues. E. Gothic
____4. Architectural style that evolved from F. Cromlech
Romanesque architecture. G. Great Sphinx
____5. The Greek order wherein the capital is H. The Pantheon
decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute). I. Hagia Irene
____6. Its capital of this order is very elaborate and J. Corinthian
decorated with acanthus leaves.
____7. A circular arrangement of megalith enclosing
a dolmen or burial mound.
____8. This church was commissioned by Constantino-
ple’s founder, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.
____9. It is arguably the most well-preserved architect-
tural marvel from the ancient Roman era.
____10. The world’s largest monolith statue.

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Test II. Identification. Identify/name the architectural works from the different art
periods.

11.____________________ 12.__________________ 13.____________________

14._________________________ 15._____________________________

Additional Activities

It is a good time to start with your dream house! Who knows this might be
the first step of achieving that dream.

Try to make a draft sketch of a floor plan of your dream house. At first, never
bother about the measurements of the floor lines or whatnot. Just keep on doing.
But be particular with the place of each room of your dream house. After the first
draft, you may polish the sketch by doing it again, this time on a bigger sheet of
paper. You may attach it to the wall or door of your room or wherever you can see
your plan more often. If you need some additional learning about the steps in making
a floor plan, you may click this link: https://youtu.be/KVDb47KBy8.

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 Answer Key

Roman
The Parthenon Classical Greek
The Great Sphinx Medieval
The Great Pyramid Prehistoric
The Stonehenge Ancient Egypt
The Pantheon
The Great Sphinx C
The Pantheon B
Hagia Irene ELABORATE A
Cromlech RELIGIOUS A
Corinthian OVERWHELMINGLY A
Ionic SMALL RELIEF D
Gothic MADE TO IMPRESS B
Megalith RELIGIOUS C
The Great Pyramid SOLEMN A
Colosseum ULTRA-PRIMITIVE C
Assessment What's In What I Know

References

Books
Huyghe, Rene. Art and Mankind: Larousse Encyclopedia of Byzantine And Medieval
Art. The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd., Hamlyn House, The Center, Feltham,
Middlesex, 1961
Websites
https://thefreemanarchitect.weebly.com/prehistoric_architecture/
https://www.britannica.com/art/menhir
http://medievalheritage.eu/en/main-page/dictionary/chromlech
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/tumulus
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/cairn
http://64.130.23.120.architecture/ancient-egyptian.htm
https://www.ancient.eu/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza/
https://action-crete-homes.com/architectural-features-in-ancient-buildings
https://ancienthistorylists.com/rome-history/top-10-magnificent-ancient-roman-
architecture
https://www.britannica.com/art/Byzantine-architecture
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/romanesque-

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architecture
https://www.triposo.com/poi/w_46344508
Development Team of the Module

Writer: Noli L. Bragais (SEHS)

Editors:
Internal Reviewer:
External Reviewer:
Illustrators:
Layout Artist:
Management Team:
Sheryll T. Gayola
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
OIC, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent

Elisa O. Cerveza
Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division
OIC, Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Jovita Consorcia F. Mani

Education Program Supervisor – Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health

Ivy Coney A. Gamatero

Education Program Supervisor– Learning Resource Management Section

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division Office- Marikina City

Email Address: sdo.marikina@deped.gov.ph

191 Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, 1800, Philippines

Telefax: (02) 682-2472 / 682-3989

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