The Elements of Classical Architecture : The Corinthian Order

Acting as a base to the wider canon of Classical Architecture, the five classical orders have been used since antiquity as a means of proportioning buildings in a harmonious way, while simultaneously giving logic and meaning. The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth study of the Corinthian Order, including its history and proportioning. The history will cover the evolution of this order from its roots in Ancient Hellenic Cultures through its rediscovery in the modern-day movement of New Classicism.

The study of Corinthian proportions will include a hand-drawn tutorial in which participants will compose the base, capital and entablature of the order on paper according to the American academic William Ware, who founded the schools of architecture at Columbia and MIT. Ware in turn took his cues from the Renaissance architect Giacomo da Vignola.

Learning Objectives:

• A brief introduction of the classical orders
• A history of the Classical Order, showing its evolution from Antiquity to the Present
• An introduction to the proportioning system of the Composite Order, according to Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola as adapted by William Ware (with tangential studies of the proportioning systems of other Renaissance treatise writers such as Serlio, Palladio, and Scamozzi)
• A look at the application of the Corinthian Order to building types and design elements
• Understand the history of the Classical Orders from the Ancient World up to the modern day and how the Corinthian Order evolved to have unique connotations and uses.
• Understand the proportioning system of Classical Orders and its relationship to the built environment – specifically the importance of well-proportioned architecture to personal and societal welfare.
• Understand the use of traditional building materials and methods as a means of sustainability and creation of healthy environments, specifically the construction systems historically used from the ancient world up through the Renaissance and the revival of traditional methods today.
• Understand the application of the Corinthian Order to different building types and urban conditions, and how this application can enhance building and urban design to elicit positive emotional responses from users.

This class is made possible by the generous support of A Classical Studio

SCHEDULE

Start Time - 9:30AM

Lunch - Provided by the ICAA SE - 12:00PM

End Time- 3:30PM

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES:

Course content is designed for those with limited exposure to the classical language, as well as for those seeking to refresh their literacy with the elements of classical architecture.

COURSE FORMAT:

Course instruction includes an illustrated introduction and drawing exercises.

MATERIALS

For in class drawing and notes:

• Sketchbook or Drawing Pad (loose leaf paper acceptable) – recommended size 11x 17
• Drawing pencils or lead holder with drawing leads (recc. F, HB, B, or 2B)
• Eraser
• Ruler or Architectural Scale – 12 inches minimum
• Pencil Sharpener or Lead Pointer
• Simple drawing compass (optional)

REFERENCED TEXT:

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.

• Plates and text on the Corinthian Order and related elements based on Vignola’s codification of Ancient Roman examples, as interpreted by the American William Ware.

Onians, John (1989). “Bearers of Meaning: The Classical Orders in Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance”. Princeton University Press.

• A narrative describing the origin of the Classical Orders and their evolution and use from Antiquity through the Renaissance.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Adam, R. (1991). Classical Architecture. New York: Abrams.

Chambers, W. (2003). A Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture. Mineola: Dover.

Chitham, R. (1985). The Classical Orders of Architeture. New York: Rizzoli.

Cordingley, R. (2015 reprint). The Orders of Architeture. New York: Dover.

Curl, J. S. (1992). Classical Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

D'Espouy, H. (1981). Greek and Roman Architecture in Classic Drawings. (J. Blatteau, Ed.) Mineola: Dover.

Gibbs, James. (various reprints, ) Rules for Drawing the Several Parts of Architecture.

Gromort, G. (2001). The Elements of Classical Architecture. (H. H. Reed, Ed.) New York: Norton.

Mauch, J. M. (1988). Parallel of the Classical Orders of Architecture. (D. Rattner, Ed.) New York: Acanthus.

McGoodwin, H. (1989). Architectural Shades and Shadows, Bates and Guild Co., Boston, 1926. AIA reprint. Letarouilly, P. (1982). Edifices de Rome Moderne. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Palladio, A. (1965). The Four Books of Architecture. Mineola: Dover.

Stratton, A. (2003). Form and Design In Classic Architecture. Mineola: Dover.

Stuart, J. (2008). Antiquities of Athens. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Vignola, G. (2011 reprint). Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture. Mineola: Dover.

Vignola, G. (1999 reprint). Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture. New York: Acanthus.

Vitruvius, Trans. Smith, T.G. (2003) On Architecture. New York: Monacelli.

Meet The Instructor : Mason Roberts

Mason W. Roberts received his training in Classical Architecture and Historical Preservation at the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated Valedictorian with a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) in 2013. Since then, he has worked as a draftsman and lead designer at the award-winning firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects. An Associate at RAMSA, Roberts specializes primarily in Classical Institutional buildings. His corpus of projects include work for such institutions as the University of Virginia, DePauw University, Colgate University, the University of Georgia, the New York Historical Society, Virginia General Assemblies, and the Alabama State Legislature. Academic works in Historic Preservation include an in-depth analysis of the temples of the Roman Forum using laser-scanning technology, and documentation of the Historic Core of Mumbai, India.

A member of the Education Committee for the ICAA National Chapter, Roberts has previously taught STRIPPED: The Art of Stylizing Classicism in a Reductive Manner, Rustic Classicism: Advanced Study of the Tuscan Order, Elements: The Ionic Order, Elements: The Corinthian Order, Elements: The Composite Order, and Traditional Arch Construction. Roberts is also active in mentorship programs for primary- and secondary- aged students including the ACE program of Greater New York, and the New Heights Program.