What Is the Definition of a Portico?
Today, we at Plus Services, have decided to take you through history to find out how the portico first came about. We hope that you will enjoy it.
The word portico is actually Italian for porch. Porticos are covered walkways that were often held up with columns. Porticos first originated in Greece; however, they were also used by the ancient Romans. Italy is infamous for its porticos, but there are variations of the covered design in other countries like the United States and England. Homeowners will frequently add breezy porticos to the front or rear of their homes to add an exterior living space.
London, England’s University College, also features a front portico. This building was created by William Wilkins and J.P. Gandy Deering in 1827 and is designed in the Corinthian style of Greek Revival architecture. It has tall, detailed columns that support the roofed walkway in front of University College. The steps that lead up to the college’s portico feature life-size statues set on random stairs.
Greek Revival architecture was often used in mid 18th century England before it started to become popular in the United States in 1820. The columns in Greek Revival porticos are big, and of Doric, Corinthian or Ionic style. The Doric columns are not as ornate, however, quite thick in diameter. Corinthian columns are more slender, and the most elaborate. The Ionic style features a thinner ornate topper than the Corinthian type, and a scroll design will often featured on both of the top edges.
Ancient Greek temples also featured porticos at the front and rear entrances, but the Roman porticos were frequently positioned only at the front. Prostyle is an architectural name for front only porticos, and amphiprostyle refers to porticos that are one both entrances of a building. Porticos are there to protect people and building from the sun and rain.
And there you have it reader, we do hope that you enjoyed our short history lesson. If you are interested in porticos and live in or around the Marietta, GA area, please call us at (770) 854-1925 today.
