The sacred and profane symbolism of space in classical Greek architecture : the temple complex of Apollo at Delphi and the Athenian Acropolis

Abstract

Under consideration are the temple layouts at Delphi and the Athenian Acropolis which were shaped in completely different ways. What they have in common, however, is that both represent an architecture on two hierarchic levels: the upper or sacred level as symbolised by the eternal principle expressed in both elevated Doric temples, which are placed in dramatic juxtaposition with features in their natural settings (earth, horizon, sky); and the lower, human level which is represented by the auxiliary buildings of the approach areas of these temple complexes. The latter buildings are smaller than the main temples and are marked by complexity and ambiguity in that they are imperfect, of varied design and not oriented to a geometric axis, which is in complete contrast to the serenity of the fully articulated superior Doric order exemplified by the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis. In both cases the focus will be on the perceptual totality of the group designs.

Die bespreking handel oor die tempeluitleg by Delphi en die Atheense Akropolis wat op verskillende maniere gevorm is. Wat hulle egter in gemeen het, is dat albei argitektonies twee hiërargiese vlakke verteenwoordig: die boonste of heilige vlak, versimboliseer deur die ewige beginsel uitgedruk in beide verhewe Doriese tempels wat in dramatiese jukstaposisie met aspekte van hulle natuurlike omgewing (aarde, horison, lug) geplaas is; en die laer menslike vlak wat verteenwoordig word deur die bykomende geboue van die toegangspad tot hierdie tempelkomplekse. Laasgenoemde geboue is kleiner as die hooftempels en word gekenmerk deur kompleksiteit en dubbelsinnigheid wat daarin herkenbaar is dat hulle nie-volmaak ontwerp is, rusteloos en gevarieerd voorkom en nie ten opsigte van 'n geometriese aslyn georienteer is nie, wat geheel en al verskil van die sereniteit van die volledig geartikuleerde superieure Doriese orde wat deur die Tempel van Apollo by Delphi en die Parthenon op die Atheense Akropolis verteenwoordig word. In albei gevalle sal daar gefokus word op die perseptuele totaliteit van die groepontwerpe.