Summer Studio in Classical Architecture | Week I

On Monday, June 22, eighteen students arrived at the ICAA and were welcomed by the director, staff, and Summer Studio instructors, as they began a four-week immersion in the study and practice of classical architectural design. Hailing from ten states (Nebraska, Indiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Colorado, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Florida), and also with origins in Russia and Rwanda, the participants comprise undergraduate and graduate students of architecture from twelve schools as well as accomplished professional practitioners. The program has been made possible thanks to the The Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust and the generous support of ICAA Chapters across the country: Tennessee, Southern California, Washington Mid Atlantic, Northern California, Philadelphia, Texas, and the Rocky Mountain Chapter.

Drawing in Bryant Park

The students hit the ground running, launching into study of the classical elements, architectural design methodology and composition. Students explored the literature of classical architecture with architectural historian Calder Loth and architect Mark Allen Hewitt, and viewed up-close rare architectural treatises at The Morgan Library; learned about the architectural canon and a method for constructing the Tuscan and Doric orders with architect Martin Brandwein;  completed measured sketchbook drawings in Bryant Park and at The New York Public Library under the guidance of architect George Saumarez Smith along with architect Stephen Chrisman; became acquainted with the  Classical design process and architectural composition strategies, and research into the  origins of the Proto-Doric Temple with architect and Notre Dame professor Richard Economakis;  began study of application of the classical language via a studio design project with architects Michael Mesko and Stephen Chrisman; visited the offices of Robert A.M. Stern Architects to learn about the contemporary practice of classical design;  studied landscape  and architectural features and details at Old Westbury House and Gardens, and learned about  preservation challenges with Director  Lorraine Gilligan.

Studying the Elements of Classical Architecture

Walk through the ICAA studio and library today and you will see architects' desks laden with pencils, , I-Pads, sketchbooks, watercolor brushes, architectural treatises and coffee cups, signaling intensive learning and an enthusiastic engagement with the practice of classical architecture.

Visiting Robert A.M. Stern's Studio and Office

Drawing in Bryant Park

Visiting Old Westbury House and Gardens

Drawing in Old Westbury House and Gardens