Araeostyle

/ˌærɪˈɒstaɪl/ adjective

Definition

In architecture, describing a building where columns are spaced far apart, roughly four diameters apart.

Etymology

From Greek 'araios' (thin, sparse) and 'stylos' (column). This architectural term was used by ancient Roman architect Vitruvius to classify different column spacing patterns in classical buildings.

Kelly Says

Roman architects literally had a vocabulary for how far apart to space columns—it wasn't random! 'Araeostyle' buildings look more open and spacious because you see through the colonnade, which is why some temples feel so different from others.

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