"Order." In classical architecture, the order refers to whether a building is designed as Doric, Ionic, Corinthian or Composite. These design systems were first developed by the ancient Greeks and then used and modified by the ancient Romans.
In short, each order defined a system of proportion, scale, decoration and use. In today's world architects modify and use a classical order to suit a particular design need. Adherence to strict rules about when and how to use each order has fallen by the wayside.
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