Proportions & Geometry Course With Richard Sammons

The purpose of this class is to impart the critical methodology and vocabulary necessary to understand and manipulate proportional systems in architectural design. It examines the numerous and often contradictory systems of proportion put forth through the ages from antiquity to contemporary times. Particular attention is given to the geometrical proportioning systems used in antiquity and found in the tradition of Gothic architecture, in contrast to the arithmetic systems of proportion used during the Renaissance. The intention is to give contemporary architects and designers a practical “working knowledge” of a subject that has been of central concern to architects working in many varied epochs.

“We shape our buildings and afterward our buildings shape us.”

- Winston Churchill

Buildings can affect our wellbeing, with recent scientific studies showing that specific regions of our brains are tuned to the geometry and arrangement of the spaces we occupy. This course demonstrates traditional buildings’ geometric proportional systems and indicates that a well-proportioned building creates a physiological sense of ease.

We will prove architectural variations are the most mentally engaging by analyzing classical, Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine compositions with the appropriate methodologies. When there is value in proportion, the viewer feels a sense of belonging, which provides comfort.

By gaining a working knowledge of geometric proportional systems, we will empower designers to implement these sound design choices that have stood the test of time. Studies have shown that people tend to walk faster through dead spaces of ill-conceived architecture. But when there is “delight” with a beautiful building composition, people will slow their pace and feel a physical and emotional connection to their surroundings. This response proves that careful planning of sites and buildings will elicit a safe and engaging experience. Since traditional building practices have often considered the safety of their inhabitants, this course will help strengthen and define the historical precedence.

Richard Franklin Sammons has a rich background in traditional period design and is an internationally recognized expert in the field of Architectural proportion, having taught at the Prince of Wales’ Institute of Architecture in London, Pratt Institute in New York, and the University of Notre Dame in Rome. Mr. Sammons received his B.A. at Denison University and Master of Architecture at the University of Virginia. He is a founding partner of Fairfax and Sammons Architects, established over twenty-five years ago, is an award-winning architectural design firm with offices in both New York City and Palm Beach, Florida.

Required materials:

1. A Compass
2. Straight Edge
3. Graph Paper
4. Plain Paper

Reference Text (Not required to read before course)

Note: copies of essential plates from books below and additional sources will be provided.

Ware, William. R. (1994 reprint). The American Vignola: A Guide to the Making of Classical Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

Walker, C. Howard Theory of Mouldings (Classical America Series in Art and Architecture) W. W. Norton & Company (2007)

• Forward written by Richard Sammons

Patron’s Circle Sponsors

Woolems Luxury Builders | Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design | Gil Walsh Interiors

Henry Flagler Donors

Belt | Marmotech

Image: Classical orders, engraving from the Encyclopédie vol. 18. 18th-century French engraving.

AIA Provider Information

Please click here for additional AIA Continuing Education Provider Information:

Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

Prerequisites: None required

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: December 3, 2023

Provider Number: G193

Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.