The course explores the origins, vocabulary and grammar of the Classical Orders and their application in Greek and Roman architecture, in the Renaissance and the Baroque periods, as well as in Neo-Classicism and the nineteenth century. We will also consider the survival of Classical ideals into the twentieth and twenty first centuries.

The course demonstrates the relevance of the particular historical tradition to current practice. Students of design are encouraged to interpret classical principles as a stimulus for their own design work. This involves engaging in a tradition, with the aim of creating new schemes.

Material is presented in both lecture and seminar formats.