Entasis: Perceptual correction or constructive necessity

Abstract

Entasis (Greek: εντε'ινειν / endazi / - tension, pressure) is the name for phenomenon of transversal cross-section column increase in ancient architecture of Greece and Rome. In fact, derived from the adjective endazi, it becomes a general term for any discrepancies or deviations of basic geometry and size of columns, stylobate, floor surfaces and architrave of ancient temples. Its application, manifestations, expressiveness and geometric regularity were the technical problems which were quickly diagnosed. The big problem was, in fact, to reveal the reasons why entasis originated. Times have formed different views that can be easily grouped around three possible motives for the development of entasis. It is difficult to favor and give an absolute priority to any of the thesis.

Entazisz (grčki: εντε'ινειν / endazi / - napregnutost, pritisak) je naziv pojave povećanja poprečnog preseka stuba u antičkoj arhitekturi Grčke i Rima. Naime, izveden od prideva endazi postaje opšti naziv za sva odstupanja ili devijacije osnovnih geometrija i veličina kod stubova, stilobata, podnih površina i arhitrava antičkih hramova. Njegova primena, pojavni oblici, izražajnost i geometijska pravilnost bile su tehničke strane problema koje su ubrzo konsatovane. Veliki problem bilo je, zapravo, otkriti razloge zbog kojih je entazis nastao. Vremenom su se formirali različiti stavovi koji se lako mogu grupisati oko tri moguća motiva za nastanak entazisa.Teško je favorizovati bilo koju tezu i dati joj apsolutni primat.