Final answer:
The White Temple of Uruk prominently featured thick walls, vertical buttress elements, and patterned ceramic ornament but not the use of columns as a major visual characteristic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which of the following is NOT a major visual or formal characteristic of the temple of Uruk: the use of columns, patterned ceramic ornament, thick walls, or vertical buttress elements. To answer this, we need to look at the architectural features that were prominent in Mesopotamian structures, particularly during the Uruk period.
The temple of Uruk, also known as the White Temple, is known for several distinct architectural features. The use of thick mud-brick walls and vertical buttress elements was common in Mesopotamian temple architecture due to the materials available and structural requirements. Additionally, decorations such as patterned ceramic ornament were utilized to embellish these religious structures. However, the characteristic use of columns is not notably associated with the temple of Uruk.
While columns were used in the architecture of some Mesopotamian buildings, the White Temple of Uruk does not present evidence of column usage as a major visual or formal characteristic. This temple instead focused on other design elements mentioned earlier, such as its tri-partite plan, bent-axis approach, and sturdy brick construction to accommodate its elevation and the harsh climate.