Fluting promotes a play of light on a column which helps the column appear more perfectly round than a smooth column. As a strong vertical element it also has the visual effect of minimizing any horizontal joints. … As such, fluting was often used on buildings and temples to increase the sense of rhythm.

What is the origin of the flutes on Greek columns?

CLASSICAL Greek temple columns were fluted because they were derived from timber construction. The columns are a stone form of a tree trunk debarked with an adze.

Were all Greek columns fluted?

Most Greek and Roman columns (but not all) were fluted. That means they had narrow channels or grooves running up and down them.