Inclination (architecture)

Columns of the Temple of Taranto

In architecture, inclination (from the Latin inclinare “to lean, to lean”) is a slight inward inclination of columns and walls. On the one hand, this avoids the impression of formal rigidity and creates a certain illusion of movement. Since this technique is widespread in Greek architecture , and especially in temples of the Doric order , the inclination can also be seen as a subtle means of alleviating the Doric corner conflict .

In order to achieve subtle optical effects, the inclination on the Greek temple complements the design elements of both the entasis on the pillars and the curvature on the stylobate and architrave .