The sacred and profane symbolism of space in classical Greek architecture: the temple complex of Apollo at Delphi and the Athenian Acropolis

Under consideration are the temple layouts at Delphi and the Athenian Acropolis which were shaped in completely different ways. What they have in common, however, is that both represent an architecture on two hierarchic levels: the upper or sacred level as symbolised by the eternal principle expressed in both elevated Doric temples, which are placed in dramatic juxtaposition with features in their natural settings (earth, horizon, sky); and the lower, human level which is represented by the auxiliary buildings of the approach areas of these temple complexes. The latter buildings are smaller than the main temples and are marked by complexity and ambiguity in that they are imperfect, of varied design and not oriented to a geometric axis, which is in complete contrast to the serenity of the fully articulated superior Doric order exemplified by the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis. In both cases the focus will be on the perceptual totality of the group designs.