The neoclassical style of Doric columns reached the far east of the globe. The ancient Greek orders – Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian – influence the Asian architectural tradition.
Asian countries use these orders in different buildings and structures, including temples, banks, government offices, etc.
Here are some of the buildings in Asia using Doric Columns:
Central Bank of Manchou
This bank was the central bank of Manchukuo, which was a Japan-sponsored state located in Northeast China. The Bank of Manchukuo Act established the Central Bank in June 1932, and in the following month, it started production. Its appearance has a simple rectangular form with Doric columns on its façade.
The Industry Club
The Industry Club in Japan is a well-known hub for the nation’s business circles. A Japanese architect designed the building in the early 20th century. Western styles heavily influenced the appearance of the building. Doric columns are present at the front of the building.
Ministry of Defence of Thailand
The Thailand Ministry of Defence is a government department of the Kingdom of Thailand. King Chulalongkorn ordered to establish the building in April 1887, which houses the Royal Thai Armed Forces to maintain national security. The design of the building includes Doric columns on the façade.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
This five-star luxury hotel in Singapore is formerly known as the Fullerton Building, and also as the General Post Office Building. A British architecture company, Keys and Dowdeswell, designed the building, and started construction in February 1924 and completed in June 1928. This magnificent neoclassical structure features a colonnade of Doric order and western-influenced styles.
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
This cathedral is known to be the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore. Denis Lesley McSwiney is the designer of this ancient structure in 1847 and still serves as a local cathedral in Singapore. The design of the building has a neoclassical style, with different Greek orders. Some Doric columns are present in the cathedral, as well as Ionic and Corinthian columns.
Former Central Magistracy
Greek architectural design influenced some buildings and structures in Hong Kong. One of them is the former Central Magistracy, which serves as a courthouse in Hong Kong. However, the Central Magistracy closed in 1979, and different associations affiliated to the Hong Kong Police Force used the building. It features a Greek-revival style and has a façade filled with Doric columns.
Central Police Station of Hong Kong
The former Central Police Station of Hong Kong was redeveloped into a shopping destination called Tai Kwun. The construction of the old police station completed in 1864 in Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. The design of the building includes western-influenced styles and has two Doric columns at the top part of the façade.
Doric columns in these structures remain to be a part of Asian history. The use of neoclassical styles and Greek orders became a trend in different Asian countries, usually in the late 80s and early 90s. We can see how these neoclassical structures developed as time goes by, and until today, they remain to stand firm and endure more years to come.