What term describes the upright column or support including the capital and base, along with the horizontal entablature it carries?

What term describes the upright column or support including the capital and base, along with the horizontal entablature it carries?

• A. Order
• B. Crepidoma
• C. Naos
• D. Velarium

Answer: (A)

In classical architecture, an order is the complete unit that combines the upright column with its base and capital, together with the horizontal entablature it carries. This pairing defines both the structural system and the stylistic language, with different orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, etc.) yielding distinct capital shapes, shaft profiles, bases, and entablature treatments, while maintaining consistent proportions within a building. The other terms refer to different elements: crepidoma is the stepped platform at the base of a temple; naos is the main inner chamber of a temple; velarium is a shade canopy used in large outdoor spaces. So the best term for the described element is order.

In classical architecture, an order is the complete unit that combines the upright column with its base and capital, together with the horizontal entablature it carries. This pairing defines both the structural system and the stylistic language, with different orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, etc.) yielding distinct capital shapes, shaft profiles, bases, and entablature treatments, while maintaining consistent proportions within a building. The other terms refer to different elements: crepidoma is the stepped platform at the base of a temple; naos is the main inner chamber of a temple; velarium is a shade canopy used in large outdoor spaces. So the best term for the described element is order.