Hosted by the ICAA Florida Chapter | 3 Credits Towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Proportion) | 3 AIA CES Learning Units|HSW
Sacred Geometry sketch by Richard F. Sammons, S. Cataldo Palermo
This course elucidates the genesis and practical implementation of geometric proportional systems, and how a well-proportioned building creates a physiological sense of ease, improving mental health outcomes and fostering community integration. By analyzing traditional compositions like Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic, we will begin to recognize such spatial relationships and their effect on communities. We will also seek to understand how the underlying geometry was employed historically and how these methods apply in considering a humane and healthy environment.
Recent scientific studies show that specific regions of our brains harmonize with the geometry and arrangement of the spaces we occupy. People tend to walk faster through dead spaces and awkward architecture. But when harmony exists in a building composition, people will slow their pace and feel physically and emotionally connected to their surroundings. This response proves that careful planning of sites and buildings will elicit a calming and rewarding experience. Since traditional building practices have often considered the sanctuary of their inhabitants, especially with sacred architecture, this course will help architects to implement these historically proven strategies during both the programming and design phases of a given project.
With the collapse of literacy both in words and numbers, builders reverted to simple graphic/geometric means to design and order their creations. The sophisticated practices of antiquity were simplified and refocused on construction derived from Roman work. Two initial branches sprouted into what we now recognize as the Romanesque and the Byzantine. Geometry was seen as the workings of the cosmos from which the ligaments and forms could be ordered as a reflection of the divine order in the microcosm.
Required Materials:
InstructorRichard Franklin Sammons is an internationally recognized expert in the field of architectural proportion, having taught at the Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture in London (now The Prince's Foundation), Pratt Institute in New York, and the University of Notre Dame in Rome. He received his B.A. at Denison University and Master of Architecture at the University of Virginia. Mr. Sammons began his career with David Anthony Easton. He is a founding director of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and a founding partner of Fairfax & Sammons Architecture.
Fairfax & Sammons Architecture, with offices in Manhattan and Palm Beach, was established over thirty years ago. The firm reflects the ethos that the built environment's legacy should be imbued with longevity in its approach to materials and practical elements, along with its relationship with the past and present. They have won over forty international and domestic awards, including several Palladio Awards, Stanford White Awards, and Addison Mizner Medals. Their work has been featured in The New York Times, Country Life, Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Old House Journal, Period Homes, Traditional Building Magazine, and New Old House. The monograph American Houses: The Architecture of Fairfax & Sammons was published by Rizzoli International.
Mr. Sammons is a board member of the American College of the Building Arts and the Merchant's House Museum. He is a member of the INTBAU College of Traditional Practitioners (ICTP), an international professional body for traditional architecture practitioners, under HRH The former Prince of Wales auspices. Mr. Sammons wrote the foreword for the re-publication of the book The Theory of Mouldings by C. Howard Walker. He also contributed to Get Your House Right along with Marianne Cusato, Ben Pentreath, and Léon Krier. The foreword was written by HRH The former Prince of Wales.
Special thanks to Caoba Doors, our ICAA FL Education Sponsor for Core Curriculum credits towards the Certificate of Classical Architecture
With appreciation and gratitude to our Patron’s Circle SponsorsAlonso & Associates, Inc. | Cove Construction Group | Flower Construction
Event Lead Sponsor on InteriorsSciame Homes
Lead Lecture Series SponsorTischler und Sohn (USA) Ltd.
Henry Flagler DonorsAmanda Lindroth Interiors| Belt | Branca | Fairfax & Sammons | Gil Walsh Interiors | Marmotech | Shoreline Building Group | Window & Door Design Center of Florida
This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program Program Level: Introductory Prerequisites: None required AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: November 29, 2026 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.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
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To register for a continuing education course hosted by the ICAA National Office, you can use the registration link noted on the program page, email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x112. Please also note the ICAA National Office Registration and Cancellation Policy, which you may access by clicking here. ICAA Chapters manage course registration for their own events. While Chapter programs may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and information on how to register.
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Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) in architecture includes topics that relate to the structural integrity and soundness of a building or a building site. Course content must focus on these topics in order to provide HSW credits. For more information on ICAA classes that have been approved by the AIA for HSW credit, please contact [email protected].
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