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, Manchukuo, Japan

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, Singapore

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, Hong Kong

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, 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.

Victoria Memorial – Kolkata, India

A magnificent white marble building built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria. The memorial blends British and Mughal architectural elements and includes Doric columns around its central dome and hallways.

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Main Building – Hong Kong

The ground level of the building, constructed in the mid-1980s, incorporates eight Doric columns from the previous 1935 HSBC building, symbolizing strength and continuity.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums – Istanbul, Turkey

While Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia, the Archaeology Museums in Istanbul feature Neoclassical design elements, including Doric columns, reflecting the city’s rich blend of Eastern and Western architectural traditions.

National Museum of Western Art – Tokyo, Japan

Designed by Le Corbusier, it’s a fine example of modern architecture that subtly incorporates classical elements. The museum’s use of pilotis echoes the Doric column’s simplicity and functionality.

Presidential Office Building – Taipei, Taiwan

Built during Japanese rule in the early 20th century, this building combines Renaissance and Baroque elements, with Doric columns framing its main entrance, signifying the authority and formality of the structure.

Capitol Building – Manila, Philippines

This historic building, designed as the seat of the legislative body, features Neoclassical architecture with prominent Doric columns, emphasizing its governmental function.

Final Thoughts

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.