Summer Studio in Classical Architecture 2016 | Week Four

Follow the ICAA's Summer Studio in Classical Architecture program, from June 20th through July 16th, as students from across the country spend four weeks in New York City and the surrounding region exploring the ideas, methods, and issues related to classical architectural design.

View blog and video content from weeks one, two, and three.

Summer Studio in Classical Architecture students with Instructors and ICAA Supporters

July 16th by Lucas Draper: We wrapped up the month long Summer Studio [program] with final project reviews and critiques;. We then had enjoyed lunch together before saying our final goodbyes. Each of us came to this program to learn about classical architecture and to acquire skills such as hand drafting.

At the ICAA, we met today's great stewards of the classicism and, through them, learned the application and formula of classical buildings. But that wasn’t all. We also found our individual places in this tradition. Some of us will go on to be classical architects. Some will continue on as designers and artisans. Some will become researchers and preservationists. Regardless of where we go, we will all remember the lessons we learned at the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture. This program has changed the way we see and interpret the language of buildings.  We won’t soon forget.

Students presenting their final projects

ICAA President Peter Lyden presenting a student with the Certificate in Classical Architecture

July 13th by Jeff Derricott: The last few days have been exciting and the environment of creativity and knowledge continues to be fostered here at the ICAA. Starting bright and early our large group packed our backpacks with lunches and sketchbooks for a day spent in New Haven, CT visiting Yale University and its new college projects designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA).

Summer Studio students touring Yale University with instructor Clay Hayles

It was intriguing to see the old part of New Haven and it's orderly grid-like street system. Afterwards, we toured Yale’s campus with Michael Mesko, Summer Studio instructor; Clay Hayles, a Yale graduate and an architect at RAMSA; and George Knight, a professor of architecture at Yale University. We were allotted a few hours to explore Yale's first residential college, the large campus library, and many more architectural features.

The buildings were beautiful and inspiring, and we were fortunate to get a little bit of time to sketch the things that impressed us the most.  Once we finished exploring, we were given hard hats, glasses, and bright yellow vests as we ventured on to the construction sight of the new residential colleges at Yale.  The tour was led by Kirk Glauber and Ken Frank of RAMSA. The site was amazing, and it provided a valuable perspective of how classical buildings are constructed in this day and age. We were all very grateful for RAMSA and how they allowed us to tour this sight and gain this rare perspective on classical architecture construction.

Like every day here at the ICAA, the expectations of being inspired, taught, and motivated were met as we were able to tour the amazing and historic campus of Yale.

Summer Studio students on their way to a construction site

July 11th by Hamilton Brindley: We began our fourth and final week of the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture program with an open studio dedicated to developing our design projects. Instructors Michael Mesko and Stephen Chrisman helped us all with the process by going around and giving desk critiques.

Students receiving critiques from instructors Michael Mesko and Stephen Chrisman

In the afternoon, we visited the renowned firm “Roman and Williams,” where Whitley Esteban gave us an insightful tour and elaborated on some of their various projects.

Kellen Krause leading students on a tour of Columbia University’s campus

We finished up the day by traveling to Columbia University. While there, Kellen Krause had us sketch various architectural details of the campus’ stunning architecture.  We were also fortunate enough to be shown many beautiful original architectural drawings in the Avery Library’s archives.

Students viewing original architectural drawings