“Specimens for the Architectural Lectures:” Jefferson’s Orders at the University of Virginia, with Calder Loth
1.5 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective and 1.5 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Elective)
“Specimens for the Architectural Lectures” is how Thomas Jefferson described the intent of his use of different versions of the classical orders for his design of the University of Virginia. Not only did his scheme result in a visually striking complex, it formed a unique medium for imparting architectural knowledge to its students. Even 200 years later Jefferson’s “Academical Village” continues to be an effective means for teaching both basics and nuances of the classical language. To this end, Calder Loth’s video lecture offers insights on each of the complex’s orders and relates them to the published sources Jefferson used for reference. Included in the presentation are the ancient structures from which the orders and their details were derived. Also revealed are some of our architect-president’s personal touches to the orders.
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 also serves on the University of Virginia's historic preservation advisory committee. 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.
- Learn the distinction between ancient and modern classical architectural orders.
- Learn how Jefferson mined published sources on classical architecture for material to employ in his university scheme.
- Learn how Jefferson applied the classical language to visually enrich a new concept in university design.
- Observe how Jefferson’s creative use of the classical orders served a didactic function and can still do so today.
- Consider where the ancient examples of the orders used by Jefferson might be seen in other classical works.
- Gain an appreciation of the different versions of the classical orders and how they can serve as a design resource for contemporary classicism.
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: Introduction and Jefferson's Original Sources for Design
7:35: Examination of Pavilions I - V
7:35: Pavilion I
11:56: Pavilion II
18:35: Pavilion III
22:09: Pavilion IV
26:30: Pavilion V
30:20: Examination of Pavilions VI - X
30:20: Pavilion VI
31:59: Pavilion VII
34:18: Pavilion VIII
39:56: Pavilion IX
44:42: Pavilion X
50:05: The Rotunda & Conclusions
Assessment & Credit
Viewers may receive 1.5 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective and 1.5 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 on Continuing Education credit, please email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x 112.
Course Feedback Form
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AIA Continuing Education Provider Information
Please click here for additional AIA CES Provider Information:
Course Delivery Type: On-Demand e-learning Program
Program Level: Introductory
Prerequisites: None required
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: April 13, 2024
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.