Summer Studio in Classical Architecture 2021 | Week One

Follow the ICAA’s 2021 Summer Studio in Classical Architecture program, from June 14th through July 10th, as students from across the country spend four weeks in New York City and the surrounding region exploring ideas, methods, and issues related to classical architectural design.

This week, students reflect on why they were drawn to study traditional design through this year's Summer Studio program, and what they have learned so far.

You can now also read updates from weeks two, three, and four.

Treana Rodelas, University of Colorado Denver

I recently graduated from the University of Colorado Denver. The university offers a Classical Studies Certificate, as well as a design studio towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture in collaboration with the ICAA. Because of this, I had the opportunity to enroll in classical design studios as well as a few traditional design electives while in graduate school. I fell in love with classical architecture and the language. I enjoy the qualities of symmetry and proportion classical buildings possess, and the repose and balance that is created. I have this newfound appreciation of traditional building that I would like to continue to research and learn about so that I tackle the diverse design challenges of this century. My future goal is to work at a residential design firm that is classically inspired.

The students utilize the ICAA's Cast Hall collection to practice measured drawing techniques.

I applied to the ICAA's Summer Studio in Classical Architecture to continue my education in the classical language and gain new skills. The experience so far has been amazing. I’ve gotten to practice hand drafting and sketching, which are important skills for architects to possess, yet they aren’t skills that seem to be of significant value in modern design studios at universities. The instructors and teaching assistants have been very helpful and encouraging. It’s great to be able to learn from such a passionate group of people. I’ve enjoyed getting guidance from teaching assistant Martin Brandwein as we learn from the ICAA Primer and study the orders. It’s been a wonderful experience, and all while getting to be in a city as iconic as New York! There is a variety of architecture to see and appreciate here, and it’s interesting to see the juxtaposition of the classical and the modern.

The students visit architecture around New York City to practice drawing in the field.

Tim Spencer, Benedictine College

I come from a college that teaches classical architecture. I could have gone anywhere else to study architecture, but I chose Benedictine because it had classical architecture. When I first heard that I could apply for this ICAA Summer Studio in New York, it wasn’t just an option to go. I had to go. I want to study and deepen my knowledge of classical architecture, and to help keep alive tradition that is oftentimes threatened. I absolutely loved my first week. We learned about the different aspects of moldings, and studied the first three classical orders: the Tuscan, the Doric, and the Ionic. We also visited a few great examples of classical architecture, such as the Low Library at Columbia University. It was great connecting with other people who share the same love for classical architecture as I do. I can’t wait for each day to start. I always learn new things and new techniques, and I am instructed by professional classical architects, which is to me the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Summer Studio cohort visits the Tennis House as part of their all-day field study of Prospect Park. The field study is a critical part of the Summer Studio, as the students' work will culminate in a studio project to design an entry pavilion to Prospect Park.

Claire Wolsk, University of Florida

I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida. I was drawn to the ICAA’s Summer Studio because I felt that I had been lacking a deeper understanding of classical architecture, as the architecture program at UF focuses heavily on contemporary design. The combination of this program and skills I’ve learned in school will overall make me a better and more knowledgeable designer. Within the past week I’ve improved on my freehand drawing skills and I am slowly starting to learn key terminology associated with classical orders. I’ve already gotten way more comfortable with sketching through field drawing as well as step-by-step representations of the Tuscan, Doric, and Ionic orders.

The cohort poses for a group photo during the Prospect Park field study.

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Thank you to our sponsors for this year's program, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties and David M. Schwarz Architects.

Tags: Summer Studio, education