The Foundations of Classical Architecture Part 3: Motifs & Details

1.25 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective and 1.25 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Elective)

By ICAA

February 15, 2019

The third video in a four-part series exploring the foundations of classical architecture, presented by architectural historian Calder Loth. This lecture covers a selection of important design motifs used in classical design, and traces them back to their ancient sources.

You can watch The Foundations of Classical Architecture Part 1: Roman Classicism here, Part 2: Greek Classicism here, and Part 4: Classical Design Principles here.

What you will learn

1. See how Greek and Roman motifs can give individual distinction and visual interest to contemporary works, and how these motifs are useful design resources for today.

2. Gain an understanding and vocabulary of some of the most common and important motifs and details, such as modillions, consoles, bracketed cornices, and rustication.

3. Learn how to mix motifs from ancient sources in an informed and compatible manner.

4. Study the influence of Vignola's treatise on architectural design.

Course Navigation and Review Questions

As you watch the video, you can browse by subject using the course outline and timestamps below. As you progress through the video, you can follow along with optional (ungraded) review questions here to help assess your understanding of the material.

0:00: Introduction to Program; Taenia with Continuous Guttae; Horned Parapet; Windows

13:30: Triumphal Arch; Railings; Domes

25:23: Doorways; Hearths; Alternating Pediments

34:23 Modillions; Keystones; Cornices

47:50: Rustication

Quiz & Credit

Viewers may receive 1.25 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective and 1.25 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Elective) by watching this video and subsequently scoring at least 70% on a summative assessment that tests your understanding of the material. For more information, please email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x 112.

The assessment is available here.

Course Feedback Form

Once you have watched the course, we would appreciate your feedback on the course content via this anonymous feedback form, which will help us to improve future online courses.

About the Presenter

Calder Loth is Senior Architectural Historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Advisory Council. He was the recipient of the 2010 ICAA Board of Directors Honor Award and the 2017 Virginia AIA Honor Award for significant contributions to the understanding of Virginia's built environment. He is the author of Congressional Resolution 259 honoring the 500th anniversary of the birth of Andrea Palladio, passed unanimously.

AIA Continuing Education Provider Information

Please click here for additional AIA CES Provider Information:

Course Delivery Type: On-Demand e-learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

Prerequisites: None required

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: March 31, 2025

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.

This film was made possible by the Estate of Christopher H. Browne and the Orville Gordon Browne Foundation.

A Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor of Online Education: Revival Sash

Tags: video, education, video course, credit available, calder loth