Webinar: Beauty, Memory, Unity: A Theory of Proportion in Design with Architect Steve Bass

A Live-Stream Presentation sponsored by ICAA, Ohio & Lake Erie Chapter

Architect Steve Bass presents a view of the proportional idea based in the ancient philosophical systems of Pythagoras, Plato and later Neo-Platonists. In this view number and geometry, the substance of proportion, are endowed with qualitative, harmonic, life-like properties. These ideas are then linked to numerical and geometrical methods of application: the methods used to describe the elements of classical architecture in reference literature such as Vitruvius, Vignola and Palladio.

A central theme is the philosophical nature of beauty as a form of the good, beauty's relation to proportion and its significance in classical art. Such a view of beauty not only fully justifies the study of the classical elements today but could even provide a pathway out of the alienation, anxiety and the intentional ugliness of modernism.

To purchase a copy of Bass’ book, go to Amazon.com (Our Chapter is planning to bring Mr. Bass to Cleveland in the future at which time he will be signing books.)

This event is free with registration. Please consider making a donation to the Ohio and Lake Erie Chapter to support future events like this one.

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.

What You Will Learn

• The nature and importance of beauty in the context of Platonic and Pythagorean philosophy.
• An understanding of number in a symbolic rather than mathematical sense and how this is related to ancient concepts of beauty.
• Methods of application of proportion in architectural design.
• A glimpse at the historical process in which these ideas were lost, and suggestions for how they might be restored.

AIA Provider Information

Instructional Delivery Method: Live Online Learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: June 30, 2023

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.