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Summer Studio in Classical Architecture 2016 | Week One

Follow the ICAA's Summer Studio in Classical Architecture program, from June 20th through July 16th, as students from across the country spend four weeks in New York City and the surrounding region exploring the ideas, methods, and issues related to classical architectural design.

Westbury House, north façade

June 25^th, by R. Noah Lee Sannes: Today we traded the noise and congestion of Manhattan for the natural and built environment of Old Westbury, Long Island. Upon arrival, we were taken on a private tour of John Shaffer Phipps' former estate. The presentation focused on the history and architecture of the home's 23 rooms, and classical architectural elements were predominate throughout the estate. Summer Studio student, Francis Mougne, noted that several small Corinthian columns helped to support the stair rail. In the home's basement, our group was presented with several architectural documents, renderings, and images of the home.

Students perusing architectural precedents

Principal at Doyle Herman Design Associates, Kathryn Herman, led the group as we explored the significance of a property's landscape by examining architectural precedents such as those of Dumbarton Oaks. With a fresh wealth of knowledge, we emerged into the rear gardens of the property, and were given several hours to freely explore and sketch significant elements of the landscape. Clay Hayles and Rodrigo Bollat Montenegro joined us to provide recommendations and examples of what to sketch, such as site plans and detailed sections of the gardens. With such diverse and lush grounds, it was no surprise that each student produced unique, thoughtful sketches and quality drawings.

Students completing field sketches

The trip to Old Westbury was a fabulous escape from the city. Taking in the fresh air and ideal weather, we all immensely enjoyed the opportunity to explore the way in which a beautiful landscape can accentuate a classical structure.

Westbury House, south terrace

Student measuring for a drawing

June 24th, by Adam Vandepeer: A morning studio class with Martin Brandwein and Michael Mesko on the elements of classical architecture saw us thoroughly analyzing and drawing the Ionic Order, focusing on the base, capital and entablature, with particular attention to the volutes where we were taught how to accurately architecturally depict and draw them.

Students drawing in the ICAA classroom

Following a quick lunch break we had our final hand drafting class, lead by Mason Roberts and Patrick Alles. Under their guide we continued to draft the elevation, plan and section of a small temple. We focused our attention on construction lines, line weights, use of a scale ruler, and lettering for titles and scale bars.

Student reviewing his work

Students in the ICAA's studio

 June 23rd, by Adam Vandepeer: The morning began in the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where we were faced with the remarkable classical façade of Martin E. Thompson’s Branch Bank of the United States (1824). Under the guide and expertise of Leo Casas and David Rinehart, we analyzed and studied through sketching exercises the proportional elements and classical attributes of the façade as a whole, and its more intricate detailing and mouldings. From here, we ventured to the Greco-Roman wing to perform a study sketch of a grand Ionic Capital, focusing details on its volute and moulding profile. Throughout this time, Casas and Rinehart educated us on the language of antiquity, and expanded our knowledge not only on the history of the style, but its construction methods, how elements join together, and their relationships to one another.

Students at Peter Pennoyer Architects

Following a lunch break, we returned to the studio where Rachel Fletcher introduced us to geometric proportion in design, and how balance and harmony is achieved through the means of compositional layout. To end the afternoon, we attended an office visit at Peter Pennoyer Architects where Peter Pennoyer and Elizabeth Graziolo provided a tour of their incredible work and design space. Our hosts provided us all with insight into their contemporary classical architecture firm and the impact they have had on classical design in New York City.

Students with Peter Pennoyer of Peter Pennoyer Architects

Summer Studio 2016 students and guest lecturer George Saumarez Smith at Bryant Park

June 22nd, by Scott Layton: Today we began with a continuation of our "measured drawing" endeavors. Guest lecturer George Saumarez Smith (featured in the below video) led us on our first outdoor field study. The previous day, he showed us what a measured drawing is (a proportionally accurate elevation or plan drawing, which is derived from precise measurements of an object) and led us through his portfolio of impressive measured drawings, including everything from building plans to baluster elevations. We all tried the drawing technique in Manhattan's beautiful Bryant Park. There were so many great objects to choose from, and we ended up with a spread of quality drawings showcasing the park's greatest details.

Teaching Assistant Michael Geller and ICAA students in Bryant Park

In the evening, we heard from Leo Casas, former town architect of Seaside, FL. He led us through his "Architecture Narrative," which was a story of classical and urban consideration in some of his favorite residential works. He will also lead us on a field study of the Metropolitan Museum of Art this week!

We've been loving this city so far and have already soaked in so much great classicism and urbanism.

Instructor George Saumarez Smith teaching Summer Studio students in the ICAA's Plaster Cast Hall

Students drawing in Bryant Park