Hosted by the ICAA Southeast Chapter | 3 Credits toward the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Building Craft)
The presentation examines stereotomy, a traditional, manual drawing method used to represent volumes in depth, as both an art and a science. It explores how cultures from Europe to Asia have employed stereotomy to create unique architectural identities, whether it’s called “L’Art du Trait” in France, “Schiften” in Germany, or “Kikujutsu” in Japan. Attendees will learn how these techniques, developed over millennia, not only contribute to architectural heritage but also transform the practitioner’s ability to think and problem-solve. The session will include a slideshow illustrating historical examples, the method’s evolution, and its modern-day applications, demonstrating that manual drafting can unleash creative potential without relying solely on digital tools.
Instructor: Patrick M. Moore
Patrick M. Moore is an internationally acclaimed carpenter, construction manager, and educator whose career spans multimillion-dollar projects and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. With a distinguished background that includes leading mega projects for a top construction firm and earning global renown for his expertise in stereotomy, Patrick has become a celebrated authority in historic joinery and the French heritage technique known as L’Art du Trait. Notably, he is the first English-speaking "Compagnon Passant Charpentier" in France, an honor steeped in the rich tradition of the Compagnonnage, and the first North American to earn the Master Craft Certificate for Joinery from The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers in the United Kingdom.
This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1) Understand the Principles of Stereotomy: Grasp the foundational techniques of manual stereotomy planning and design and how it translates three-dimensional forms onto two-dimensional media.
2) Appreciate Cultural and Historical Context: Recognize how different cultures (e.g., French, German, Japanese) have uniquely adapted stereotomy to define their architectural styles and understand its significance as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
3) Develop Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Learn how the hands-on, geometric approach of stereotomy can transform the way designers and craftspeople think, enhancing creative and practical problem-solving skills without dependence on abstract formulas or modern software.
4) Explore Modern Applications: Discover the relevance of stereotomy in contemporary construction, including its application in stair building, masonry and material selection, and how the manual creation of the documentation can complement digital design tools used today.