Stripped: the Art of Stylizing Classicism in a Reductive Manner

Classical architects throughout history have experimented with ways to creatively reduce levels of ornamentation for both aesthetic and economic purposes. The early 20th century saw a distinct movement spread throughout classical architecture, often termed "stripped" or "modern classicism". Running in tandem with the Modernist Movement of the Bauhaus School, this paradigm strove for bold massings, severe angles, and a stylized reduction of classical elements. Often viewed today with some amount of suspicion and uneasiness due to its implementation by inclement political movements of the 1930s and 40s, this distinct character of classicism also has supporters within the architecture field today, who view its economy and simplicity as an appropriate answer to the challenges of building modern classical buildings.

The purpose of this class is twofold: to take a critical look at the history and origins of the stripped classicism of the 1930s, and to understand the elements of the composition of this distinct style. Case studies will include buildings from all over Europe and America by architects such as Adolf Loos, Gunnar Asplund, Marcello Piacentini, Adalberto Libera, Paul Philippe Cret, and Eliel Saarinen. In order to understand the detailing of "stripping" down the classical orders, a sketch study will include drawing the Doric Order according to Paul Philippe Cret as he used it in the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Building (1935), and comparing it to more conventional treatises of the Doric Order.

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.