Architectural Designs

What is the theory behind (if any) in architectural design using round column or square column?

I'm in the middle of learning up some architectural concept and theory. Wish to know more in of the theory behind some architectural design on Column, when do we use round column, or when do we use square column for a building design, are there any theory behind by using round column instead of square column in architectural design?

Public Comments

1. in my opinion i think there is no specific rule to using round columns or square columns, but i think you should think about how it fits with the design for example if the design has too many sharp angels and then you put a round column it will look like it doesn't belong ,generally speaking you should stay away from the contrast of shapes so the design would have a character (sharp lines - fluent lines) but that's just my opinion
2. I'm an art historian not an archeitect and my focus wasn't architectuire so take this with a grain of salt; but the main difference between columns and piers (square columns) is the asthetics of the archietect or the culture involved.