Judson University

INT 231 History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings

Spring 2025

Ruth Hernandez Silva

Week 3- Classical Civilizations of Greece and Rome

During this week, we studied two of the most influential civilizations in design history: Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. These cultures laid the foundations for most of what we call today of Western architecture and interior design. We can still see their traces in public buildings, furniture, ornamentation, and even house items.

Ancient Greece

Greek design was made in proportion, harmony, and balance, driven by mathematical precision and a love of natural beauty. Columns, symmetry, and open airy spaces were the focus in their architecture. The three primary orders of Greek architecture—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—are still used today. Greek interiors were elegant but modest, clean and functional furniture.

Corinthian column detail 

The Parthenon in Athens 

Interior elements that were included regularly:

• Clay tile flooring
• Whitewashed walls or murals depicting mythological scenes
• Free-standing wood or bronze furniture with curved lines
• Furniture during this period boasts the mythical klismos chair, whose curved back and splayed legs are the height of sophistication. Adornments were minimal and symbolic, speaking to powerful religious beliefs and civic pride.

 

Ancient Rome

The Romans take the Greek design concepts and gave them their own twist. They had a more luxurious and elaborate style, and often much on a greater scale. Romans were amazing engineers, introducing the arch, vault, and dome to public buildings and interior areas.

Roman interiors were more decorated than Greek interiors and featured:

• Painted frescoes covering the walls (especially in villas like those at Pompeii and Herculaneum)

• Colored mosaic floors

• Marble pillars and lavish elaborate moldings
• Decorative furnishings in wood, marble, and bronze ornamented with carved decoration.

• Interior design was utilized by the Romans to show power, wealth, and culture. Elaborate ornamentation-filled atrium, indoor courtyards, fountains, and large dining rooms (triclinium) were typical in their domus.

Modern Applications of Classical Design Principles

1. Neoclassical interiors: Large entry halls with fluted columns and symmetry

      2. Luxury hotel lobbies with arched ceilings, marble floors, and classical sculptures

3. Furniture design: Modern chairs and tables inspired by klismos shapes and classical motifs

4. Architecture: Government buildings in Washington D.C. use Roman domes and Greek column orders

5. Interior decor: Wallpaper and tile patterns inspired by classical mosaics and frescoes

One Step Further: Andrea Palladio

I researched Andrea Palladio, a Renaissance architect who based his entire design philosophy on the rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman principles.

Born in Italy in 1508, Palladio studied the works of Vitruvius, a Roman architect who had written one of the earliest design handbooks. Palladio employed classical symmetry, order, and mathematical proportion in all his structures. He believed that architecture had to express reason and beauty.

Palladio's influence extended to Neoclassical architecture, especially in Europe and America. Even Thomas Jefferson referred to Palladio when he designed buildings like Monticello and the University of Virginia.

His most famous works include:

• Villa Rotonda – A perfectly symmetrical house based on Roman temples

• Teatro Olimpico – A classical indoor theater with illusionistic scenery

• Basilica Palladiana – A Roman arched public building with harmony in proportions

Conclusion:

Studying Ancient Greece and Rome made me realize how beautiful ancient architecture is but also realize that much modern interior design originates from these ancient foundations. Their emphasis on symmetry, geometry, and order is still at the center of how we design and build beautiful, functional spaces.

I especially enjoyed learning about how the Romans created their interior spaces in order to project status and identity. Greek design taught me again the value of simplicity and proportion. Overall, these cultures prove that good design is not always just modern things.

Videos: 

YouTube: “Greek and Roman Architecture” – 10-minute summary

BBC Documentary: Pompeii – The Mystery of the People Frozen in Time

Short Film: The Legacy of Classical Architecture

Works Cited

1. Khan Academy.
   “Introduction to Greek Architecture.” Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art.
   (Used for details on the Greek orders: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.)

2. Smarthistory.
   “Roman Domestic Architecture (Pompeii).” Smarthistory, www.smarthistory.org/roman-domestic-architecture-domus.
   (Used for Roman interior design, mosaics, and villas.)

3. The Getty Museum.
   “Roman Mosaics.” The J. Paul Getty Museum, www.getty.edu/art/collection/roman-mosaics.
   (Used for examples of mosaic floors and frescoes.)

4. Palladio Museum.
   “Andrea Palladio: Life and Work.” Palladio Museum, www.palladiomuseum.org.
   (Used for “One Step Further” section on Andrea Palladio.)

5. YouTube – The Great Courses Plus.
   “Greek and Roman Architecture.” YouTube, uploaded by The Great Courses, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzmXw2Vvsk.
   (Used in Extra Credit section; video explains classical architecture basics.)

6. BBC Documentary.
   “Pompeii: The Mystery of the People Frozen in Time.” YouTube, uploaded by BBC Studios, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItiFO9zZpI0.
   (Referenced for insight into Roman interiors and preserved spaces.)

7. U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
   “Neoclassical Architecture in Washington, D.C.” AOC.gov, www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/architecture.
   (Used for modern applications of classical design.)

8. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
   “Furniture in Classical Antiquity.” The Met Museum, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search.
   (Referenced for klismos chairs and ancient furnishings.)