Final answer:
The three types of classical orders in building construction are the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, which are distinguished by their specific column styles and decorative elements like capitals, entablature, and bases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three different types of orders used in building constructions are the Doric order, Ionic order, and Corinthian order. Each of these classical orders is distinguished by specific proportions, characteristic profiles, and details that are most identifiable by the type of column and capital employed.
Doric Order
The Doric order is the oldest and simplest of the classical orders, characterized by a sturdy, unadorned column capital and a column without a base. Its entablature features a frieze with triglyphs and metopes, which are square spaces for painted or sculpted decoration.
Ionic Order
The Ionic order is known for its more slender and elegant columns that rest on a base. These columns are fluted and are topped with capitals adorned with volutes. The entablature of the Ionic order typically features an uninterrupted frieze.
Corinthian Order
Lastly, the Corinthian order is the most ornate of the three, with a distinctive capital embellished with acanthus leaves. It evolved later than the Doric and Ionic orders and is used for more ornate buildings.
In ancient Greece, these orders not only determined the aesthetic of temples and buildings but also represented an evolution of architectural style and technique. Monumental Greek constructions such as those on the Acropolis often employed these orders, and their influence continues in Western architecture.