The Doric Order

How is a Doric column recognised?

TEST ARCHEDKnowledge Acquired Through Studies and HistoryArchitecture HistoryHighStandardConceptRead: 2 min
Fluted Doric columns with plain capitals
Doric columnsPhoto: J. Doe — CC BY-SA

Look for

  • plain cushion capital
  • no base
  • strong vertical fluting

How to tell it apart

  • No base — the shaft meets the stylobate directly
  • Triglyphs and metopes in the frieze

Why this matters

  • The simplest order; often contrasted with Ionic in comparison questions.

Core function

  • A plain cushion-shaped capital, no base, and a fluted shaft.

If you only remember 3 things

  • No base. Plain capital. Triglyphs and metopes in the frieze.