The Foundations of Classical Architecture Part 1: Roman Classicism
1.25 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective and 1.25 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture
Watch as architectural historian Calder Loth explores the fundamental role that Roman classicism has played in the development of Western architectural traditions.
You can watch The Foundations of Classical Architecture Part Two: Greek Classicism here, Part Three: Motifs & Details here, and Part Four: Classical Design Principles here.
Course Description
The first video in a four-part series exploring the foundations of classical architecture, presented by architectural historian Calder Loth. This lecture covers the fundamental elements of Roman classicism and the role it played in the development of Western architectural traditions.
What you will learn
1. Learn about the role that Roman classicism plays as the foundation of the architecture of Western Civilization and the important role it plays in the architectural heritage and image of the United States.
2. Be able to identify elements in American architecture that have evolved from Roman design.
3. Gain an understanding of how the Roman treatise on architecture by Vitruvius Pollio, who lived during the time of Caesar Augustus, became and authority for classical design.
4. Develop an informed eye to read a classical building through an understanding of the grammar, syntax, and principles of the classical language.
Quiz & Credit
Viewers may receive 1.25 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective and 1.25 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture 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.
Have you already watched the video? TAKE THE QUIZ.
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: Learning Objectives; Introduction to Program and Classicism
19:50: Tuscan Order
28:56: Doric Order
34:06: Ionic Order
42:59: Corinthian Order
53:39: Composite Order
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.
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisites required for this course.
AIA Continuing Education Provider Information

Course Delivery Type: On-Demand e-learning Program
Program Level: Introductory
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: March 30, 2022
Provider Number: G193
Provider Statement (click to show):
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.