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Yesterdays Architecture Today: The Greek Influence The original purpose of the Greek design of their architecture was to show their pride. Mainly because they used it excessively on the religious temples. The materials used consisted mostly of marble; due to the fact it was a natural resource to the area. Over the years the trends have spread all the way to the united states and further. And here is a basic example of Greek architecture in the modern world. Looking at a place as popular as the White House you can see unmistakable traces of Greek architecture. For example the columns in the front of the White House are Doric columns, and other Greek monuments and temples have Doric columns such as the Parthenon. The main differences between the Parthenon and the Whit House is there purposes. The White house is used as a home and office to the president, and the Parthenon was used as a temple to the goddess Athena. Even though these buildings where made thousands of years apart they still express the same culture. The time has toned down the original design. What I mean is you don't see coliseums in everyday locations. Also the past Greek Architecture was designed more openly. As in there were fewer walls and mainly just columns. An example of what I mean is a picture of the Parthenon. The main reasons I think that the Greek design lasted so long the buildings would last. If you look at the buildings in Greece they are thousands of years old and still standing. Another reason I suppose the influence is so strong would also have to do with the visual appeal. The influence shows in many important building, due to its sturdiness and blatant appeal that would attract people all over the world to these monuments. Looking at a building from ancient Greece and one from the modern world there are few differences and many similarities. Each are used to show a pride of some sorts. As in the Parthenon showed off the Goddess Athena, and the White House shows a great pride in our country as the house of our leader. Although the exclusivity of each building varies they are still beautiful non the less. The outsides may be similar but the insides are not. The white house is made of marble and sandstone along with wood and other materials. Unlike the Parthenon that was constructed entirely of marble.