The 2026 ICAA Intensive in Classical Architecture: Newport

The ICAA New England Chapter, in collaboration with the ICAA National Office, is pleased to host a Regional Intensive this summer in Newport, Rhode Island. Thank you to the ICAA New England Chapter for their generous support of this program.

Among the ICAA’s most impactful and enduring education models is its Intensive program in Classical Architecture – an eight-day course of study that introduces participants to the ICAA’s core curriculum through coursework in the classical orders, composition, proportion, drafting, observational drawing, and the literature of classical architecture.

Participants learn how to draw, render, and compose with the classical language to form an understanding of the basic theoretical tenets on which the classical tradition is founded. Instruction is provided by professionals and educators active in the field of classical design. Classroom hours are balanced between studio work, lectures, and guided tours and visits. The week culminates in a studio project in which students use the classical canon in the design of a small building. Students are guided through a design process rooted in the Beaux-Arts system in which an initial parti is developed during an esquisse and a charrette into a finished design proposal. The program concludes with a review by an esteemed panel of architects.

The Intensive program also satisfies the core course requirements for the ICAA’s Certificate in Classical Architecture.

Please note that in addition to the programming offered July 25 - August 1, there will be an optional Hand Drafting session held on Friday, July 24. This session is for those participants who have limited hand drafting experience, or who would like a refresher on hand drafting skills prior to the main program. There is no additional cost for attending the Hand Drafting session. If you are interested in attending this session, please email [email protected] when you sign up for the Intensive program.

Program Schedule

A draft copy of the program schedule is now available to view here. Please note that session times and site visits are subject to changes. A final copy of the schedule will be sent to all participants approximately one month prior to the program.

Materials

A final materials list will be provided to all registrants in June. As a reference, you can view a draft materials list here. Please note that there may be some changes for the final materials list.

Accommodation Options

A limited number of rooms are available on-campus at Salve Regina University. If you are interested in staying on-campus, please email Sarah Macdonald, ICAA New England Chapter coordinator, at [email protected] for more information and current availability.

Learning Objectives

• Gain practice in the classical language by designing plans, sections, and elevations using hand drafting skills.
• Gain an introduction to the Beaux-Arts method of design—a process that may be applied to all aspects and scales of design work.
• Design a final project incorporating a columnar type, integrating the design skills learned.
• Understand various drawing techniques including design sketches, hand-drafted drawings, architectural watercolor rendering, and simple presentation techniques appropriate to a short design program.

Please click here for information specific to the Proportion portion of the program:

Intensive in Classical Architecture: Proportion: As part of the Intensive program, participants will study the theory and practice of proportion, as well as the history of classical architecture. Proportion in the classical arts refers to the use of number and geometry as design tools. The theory of proportion content of the course provides an overview of the concept and application of proportion in traditional architecture. The subject is approached from a Pythagorean and Platonic direction, including: an introduction to ancient numerical philosophy; an explanation of the concept of symbolic or qualitative number; the relation of number to beauty; the derivation of the ancient musical octave; the Golden Section, its mathematics, geometry, and particularly its role as geometrical "logos"; and the connection of these ideas to the numerical-geometrical canons of classical architecture. Historical methods of applying proportion to architectural composition, including geometrical construction, addition of arithmetical units and the use of harmonic ratios, are illustrated and demonstrated to create archetypal buildings.

• Understand the use of rational ratios made of whole numbers, and transcendental ratios such as the Golden Section which are not made of whole numbers in architectural composition; explore how these ratios are used in building design and their importance in creating an aesthetic design which promotes mental welfare.
• Use proportional methods for analysis of historical design examples, and study the history and theory of classical design.
• Understand number in a symbolic rather than mathematical sense and how this connects to aesthetics and aspects of ancient philosophy; explore the neurological benefits of these aesthetic and philosophical principles, and connect these aspects of numbers directly to building and site design.
• Use geometric, arithmetic and harmonic methods of application of proportion—based on both traditional use and contemporary neuroscientific research—for architectural composition, understanding how their application can be used to create structures which elicit positive emotional responses from building users.

Please click here to view AIA Continuing Education Provider information:

Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: March 11, 2029

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.