Calder Loth hosts a free online series of classical architectural design videos, using examples such as Rome’s Fountain of Trevi.
Over the last few months, free online college courses or casual tutorials offering tips on building design, landscaping and interior decoration have popped up all over social media sites.
The choices seem to be wonderful, if not overwhelming. However, if you have an hour to spare, consider watching one of the videos from the “Foundations of Classical Architecture” series.
This free set of online videos consists of four one-hour videos. It’s produced by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and promoted by its San Francisco chapter, which has temporarily suspended its regular in-person programs due to the current COVID-19 concerns.
“We have plans to roll out more online programs, but we were lucky that we had this one ready-to-go when so many people are at home right now,” says Brandon Mitchell, ICAA’s director of marketing.
The “Foundations of Classical Architecture” videos will give you an understanding of the principles of proportion and great design, so you can begin to recognize why some buildings “work” visually and others don’t.
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Courtesy of ICAA
Architectural historian Calder Loth guides viewers through hour-long talks that cover Roman Classicism, Greek Classicism, motifs and details, and classical design principles.
This can be especially important if you’re planning to be involved in any building or remodeling in the future.
The lectures are led by Calder C. Loth, a University of Virginia alumnus, senior architectural historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and recipient of the inaugural Secretary of the Historic Preservation Award.
He’s also a prolific author of articles and books, and is considered an advocate for Virginia’s rich architectural history and for architectural literacy in general.
Not only is Loth’s material well-informed, but his presentation is also easy to follow and enjoyable.
Mitchell likens Loth’s style to Kenneth Clark in his famous BBC television documentary series, “Civilisation.”
“He’s very easy to listen to, the information is absorbing and there are no fast cuts,” he says. “It’s very steady.”
The series has proven so popular that “we’ve gone from getting about 200 to 400 views per month to 3,500,” Mitchell says. “The total views for the series is now close to 80,000.”
Loth effortlessly guides viewers through the hour-long talks that cover Roman Classicism, Greek Classicism, motifs and details, and classical design principles replete with supporting illustrations.
Classical architecture forms the basis of western design and the examples Loth uses are pulled from historical documents and current buildings in Rome, Greece, Russia, London, Washington, D.C., and Southern California to show just how much classical architecture influences our architectural heritage and our eye for good design.
The videos are followed by short, fun multiple choice quizzes. Anyone can submit their tests for graded results by the ICAA, but if you’re an architect, the points will go toward CES learning credits, or if you’re a student of architecture, you can get credits toward a certificate in classical architecture.
Calder Loth also presents “Historic Brickwork: A Design Resource,” an hour-long video on brickwork as a design element in American architecture from the colonial period into the 20th century.
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Courtesy of ICAA
“Foundations of Classical Architecture” videos give viewers an understanding of the principles of proportion and great design.
After watching it, you should be able to identify different styles of brickwork patterns and understand how and why they emerged, approximate the dates of historic buildings by seeing their brickwork and learn which brickwork patterns can be best used in contemporary traditional design.
To watch the “Foundations in Classical Architecture” series, go to classicist.org/articles/the-foundations-of-classical-architecture-roman-classicism.
To watch “Historic Brickwork: A Design Resource” go to classicist.org/articles/historic-brickwork-a-design-resource.
Also, take a moment to browse all the other free online ICAA opportunities to learn more about architectural styles, architectural sketching and virtual architectural tours of great places at classicist.org. It’s worth it.
SF Design Week goes virtual
San Francisco Design Week will be from June 15 through 25 and this year, it will be an all-online program.
Highlights will include talks, webinars, web conferences and virtual tours with leading designers in multi-disciplines from user experience, interactive design and branding to architecture, interior design and fashion.
Most events require an All-Access Pass ($39), unless otherwise stated. For details, go to sfdesignweek.org.
PJ Bremier writes on home, garden, design and entertaining topics every Saturday and also on her blog at DesignSwirl.co. She may be contacted at P.O. Box 412, Kentfield 94914, or at pj@pjbremier.com.