Which architectural style is inspired by ancient Greece and Rome?

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Beaux-Arts is an architectural style that draws heavily from classical design principles originating in ancient Greece and Rome. This style emphasizes grandiosity and grandeur, often incorporating elements such as columns, domes, and elaborate ornamentation reminiscent of classical structures. Beaux-Arts architecture emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by the principles taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which promoted the revival of classical forms combined with modern construction techniques.

Buildings designed in the Beaux-Arts style often showcase symmetry and a sense of order, hallmarks of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, making it a direct descendant of those classical traditions. Examples of Beaux-Arts buildings include the Chicago Public Library and the U.S. Supreme Court building, which reflect these characteristics.

In contrast, the other styles mentioned—Modernism, Gothic Revival, and Art Deco—do not have the same foundational ties to ancient classical architecture. Modernism tends to focus on minimalism and functional design, Gothic Revival incorporates elements from medieval architecture, and Art Deco features stylized geometric shapes and ornamentation without a direct connection to classical antiquity.

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