Describe the irregularities found in the construction of the Parthenon and the intentions behind these.

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Describe the irregularities found in the construction of the Parthenon and the intentions behind these.
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Introduction

The Parthenon Temple is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos. The temple belongs to the Doric order, which is considered the simplest among the three classical Greek architectural orders.

Explanation

The following were the irregularities and the intentions behind these irregularities found in the construction of the Parthenon:-

  • Though the structure appears to be rectilinear, the pedestal's four corners hang downwards—the doming base allowed to avoid the optical "sagging" of the building's middle.
  • The corner columns lean inwards in two directions, and the columns swell towards the middle(called "entasis"). The irregularity counteracts another optical effect and allows the temple to be seen as a domed structure as one moves upwards(stylobate).
  • The architects intended to create a "counter-perspective," this corrected distortion or irregularities in the human vision.
  • Through the curves, which are invisible to the naked eyes, the designers aimed to achieve true perfection. However, this perfection is more of an illusion.
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