All classical architecture of the Greco-Roman tradition is composed, or written, in one language of forms. These elements of classical architecture include specific Moldings and assemblages of moldings called an Order. An Order is an accepted way of assembling a column (supporting element) with an entablature (spanning element) while imparting a certain character. In short, an Order orders a design. Orders are never applied after the building is designed, as they are generative.
Over time the canon has come to include five Orders: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. The Orders presented here represent the canon of the Roman tradition.