The ICAA Intensive in Classical Architecture: Houston

Building on the success of previous Intensives in Classical Architecture held in Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as continued demand for the Intensive held annually in New York, the ICAA Texas Chapter, in collaboration with the ICAA National Office, is pleased to host the fourth Regional Intensive this fall in Houston. Thank you to the ICAA Texas Chapter for their generous support of this program.

The Intensive is an eight-day immersion in the ICAA’s core curriculum. The program is designed for professionals and students with limited time who seek a methodical introduction to the language of classical architecture. Participants learn how to draw, identify, and compose with the classical elements to form an understanding of the basic tenets on which the classical tradition is founded.

Topics include: The classical elements and composition, proportion, architectural representation through drawing and rendering, the study of precedent, and the literature of classical architecture.

The week culminates in a studio project in which students use the classical canon in the design of a small building. Students are guided through a design process rooted in the Beaux-Arts system in which an initial parti is developed during an esquisse and a charrette into a finished design proposal. The program concludes with a review by an esteemed panel of architects.

The Intensive program satisfies the core subject requirements for the ICAA's Certificate in Classical Architecture.

Please note that in addition to the programming offered October 17 - 24, there will be an optional Hand Drafting session and welcome reception held on October 16. If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] when you sign up for the Intensive program.

Please note that the ICAA is currently planning to hold this program in-person in Houston, but we will be assessing the feasibility of this closer to the fall and may make changes to the format as necessary. Should any changes be made, all registrants will be notified as soon as possible.

Program Schedule

A draft schedule of the program is now available here.

Please note that this is a current draft version of the schedule. Course times and content are subject to change.

Accommodation Options

The ICAA has secured a special group rate at the Hotel ICON where the program is taking place. If you have signed up for the program and would like to take advantage of the group rate, please email us at [email protected].

Health and Safety Guidelines

The ICAA is committed to the safety of our students and instructors during our programs. To that end, we will follow all CDC guidelines during the Intensive program. All program participants must agree to and sign the ICAA's health and safety policies for the program, in addition to a release of liability form. If you would like to review a copy of these forms prior to registering, please email us at [email protected].

In addition, registered participants will be able to cancel their registration without penalty up to one month in advance of the program.

Learning Objectives

• Gain practice in the classical language by designing plans, sections, and elevations using hand drafting skills.
• Gain an introduction to the Beaux-Arts method of design—a process that may be applied to all aspects and scales of design work.
• Design a final project incorporating a columnar type, integrating the design skills learned.
• Understand various drawing techniques including design sketches, hand-drafted drawings, architectural watercolor rendering, and simple presentation techniques appropriate to a short design program.

Please click here for information specific to the Proportion portion of the program:

Intensive in Classical Architecture: Proportion (4 AIA CES Learning Units|HSW): As part of the Intensive program, participants will study the theory and practice of proportion, as well as the history of classical architecture. Proportion in the classical arts refers to the use of number and geometry as design tools. The theory of proportion content of the course provides an overview of the concept and application of proportion in traditional architecture. The subject is approached from a Pythagorean and Platonic direction, including: an introduction to ancient numerical philosophy; an explanation of the concept of symbolic or qualitative number; the relation of number to beauty; the derivation of the ancient musical octave; the Golden Section, its mathematics, geometry, and particularly its role as geometrical "logos"; and the connection of these ideas to the numerical-geometrical canons of classical architecture. Historical methods of applying proportion to architectural composition, including geometrical construction, addition of arithmetical units and the use of harmonic ratios, are illustrated and demonstrated to create archetypal buildings.

• Understand the use of rational ratios made of whole numbers, and transcendental ratios such as the Golden Section which are not made of whole numbers in architectural composition; explore how these ratios are used in building design and their importance in creating an aesthetic design which promotes mental welfare.
• Use proportional methods for analysis of historical design examples, and study the history and theory of classical design.
• Understand number in a symbolic rather than mathematical sense and how this connects to aesthetics and aspects of ancient philosophy; explore the neurological benefits of these aesthetic and philosophical principles, and connect these aspects of numbers directly to building and site design.
• Use geometric, arithmetic and harmonic methods of application of proportion—based on both traditional use and contemporary neuroscientific research—for architectural composition, understanding how their application can be used to create structures which elicit positive emotional responses from building users.

AIA Continuing Education Provider Information

Please click here to view AIA Continuing Education Provider information:

Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: September 22, 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.