Elements and Methods of Classical Architecture in Four Hours
4 HSW AIA/CES LUs (Theory)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Thomas Gordon Smith, AIA, will provide a comprehensive overview and detailed analysis of the forms, professional methods, and philosophical ideas that drive classical architecture. On one hand, he will demonstrate the similarities, distinctions, and nuances of Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian types of building. On the other, he will describe the ancient definitions of how architects solve problems by balancing theory and practice. All of this information will be presented as architecture "of our time."

PREPARATION: The four-hour session will be a lecture/demonstration format. Attendees should bring an 8 1/2" x 11" acid-free sketchbook to take notes and draw. Participants may want to prepare for the class by reading sections from Smith's Vitruvius's on Architecture (New York: Monacelli Press) 2003. Pages 15-25 describe Virtuvius's six working methods of theory and practice with furthur illustrations in Book I, pages 61-72. Formal aspects of Ionic architecture are illustrated, pages 92-106 and Corinthian and Doric, pages 116-127.

The class will be accessible to a wide range of participants, from those having a depth of understanding and practice to those with a beginner interest in classical architecture.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Understand the opportunity to re-animate classical principles and forms of architecture in contemporary practice.
- Understand the potential for practicing current methods of masonry construction to build sustainable classcial structures.
- Understand the reciprocal relationship between professional ethics, aesthetics, technology, and sustainability for current classical buildings.

R.S.V.P.
Date: Sunday, July 19th, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Place: TBA
Tuition: $160 for Members; $200 for Non-members
Seating is very limited. Advanced registration and payment required. Please contact our Chapter Coordinator, Jeanne Chan, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or 415.445.6700 to reserve your space.

INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Gordon Smith, professor of architecture at Notre Dame University, is a leader in comtemporary developments of classical architecture. His work is seen in numerous museum exhibitions and publications. Recently completed projects include the University Bookstore at California State University, Stanislaus; the Residence, Crypt, and Porter's Lodge at the Benedictine Annunciation Monastery at Clear Creek in Oklahoma; and the Cedar Grove Mausolea at Notre Dame. A chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska and a Student Recreation Complex at California State University, Stanislaus are nearing completion.

For more information about Thomas Gordon Smith, please check out his website on www.thomasgordonsmitharchitects.com.