Consider Kallikrates, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, in Athens. Discuss the structural system that is used in this building in relation to the purpose of the building and the decorative aspects of the structure's surface. What are the advantages and limitations of this structural system?

What will be an ideal response?

Greek temples, including the Temple of Nike, employed the post-and-lintel design system. With its stepped bases and volute capitals, located on the top of the support columns, this structure is identified as an Ionic temple. The post-and-lintel system has been used for thousands of years to raise a roof and provide open space underneath; however, it doesn't have great tensile strength. The supporting columns must be closely spaced.