The Foundations of Classical Architecture: Roman Classicism

Watch as architectural historian Calder Loth explores the fundamental role that Roman classicism has played in the development of Western architectural traditions.
Viewers may receive one continuing education (CE) and or AIA credit by watching this video and subsequently scoring at least 80% on a quiz that tests your understanding of the material. To learn more, click here: www.classicist.org/calder-lot...
Read more: www.classicist.org/articles/t...

[@taylors5145]

Ok. “Illiterate Building” is officially my new favorite slur. 😂💀

[@MrRomiBajwa]

😆

[@BF-I-II-V-V-III-VII]

As you see this building is illiterate. Everybody liked that.

[@laureanosamuelolmoromero5756]

it's hard to understand why these “Illiterate Buildings” simply don't get demolished

[@thinker9115]

And when I next see one, I'll jolly well teach it to read! So informative and without playing irritating music all the way through.

[@TaeKinzel]

@@laureanosamuelolmoromero5756 It costs money?

[@kiss6917]

"Why???" "Because it looks better that way!" 😂😂👌👌

[@xv12commander]

ahahah yes I like how he says that too

[@r.t.dominguez1717]

I have never seen an architectural video of this caliber let alone so historic in nature. I wish I've seen your videos 15-20 years ago. It would have helped me on my lectures tremendously. Great job Professor Calder Loth. I'm a fan. ❤️ Love from an American architect lecturing in the Philippines!

[@Arquitaki]

I am a Mexican Architect, I have learned History and Theory in Spanish, and this amassing Professor has explained it just like the books I have read, now in US I am studying all over again in English, I am so lucky I have found him, and no, I won't get my License in this country, Its way to complicated and expensive, they don't focus in the basics but futurism which is not my interest! I design, remodel, renovate and build houses. I am fine with this.

[@HectordanielGonzalez1]

Hey! Where are you studying architecture? I am very curious to know :)

[@javierpacheco8234]

Don't give up, I'm also in a contemporary design school where they hate traditional or classical architecture. Learn from old books such as the 4 books on architecture.

[@user-zm1uj5ye2q]

So we know that the Ancients knew a lot more about humamity than we know about what they knew. Golden ration is the key to all the beauty. Bravo Prof.

[@bryanjconlon]

Superb. Attention to detail without being boring is what I love about these presentations. Explained perfectly and I love how the connection with ancient words/expressions is described

[@VexaS1n]

This is education on the highest level. Thank you for this excellent resource!

[@RockNRoll-wb8fn]

WHY DID THEY NOT TEACH THIS THINGS IN SWEDISH SCHOOLS? HISTORY IS EVERYTHING, ITS THE KEY TO MOVE FORWARD!

[@pokerkramer1240]

@@RockNRoll-wb8fn Because school nowadays only serves to graduate ignorant people who pride themselves on their stupidity

[@nefwaenre]

KZbin finally did it right and recommended me this. i had attended a MOOC from Sapienze College of Venice on this particular topic and so i'm absolutely delighted to watch this! Thank you!

[@Clemeaux_]

This may be my favorite series of all time. I cannot wait to teach my kids this!

[@Pureexhiliration]

I took one year of architecture school, 20 years before giving up. Recently I started reading the 600 page architectural history textbook which i had saved all these years since I still love architecture very much. The textbook takes pages after pages of tedious explanation with very crude illustration to cover what you have here beautifully, in a very succinct and easy to follow manner . Thank you very much

[@michaelmayen6240]

What book is it, if you please? Thank you!

[@mansardmanor3869]

As a remodeler of residential structures, I welcome this series, it's integrity assist me with a period correct Architecture to improve obsolete dwellings.

[@itaintrocketscience]

I’m with ya. I’m a remodeling carpenter as well

[@sharranparkinson6928]

This series is the best ever. I have a PhD in Comparative Arts and have watched Dr. Loth's videos over and over again. These are THE best lectures on understanding the foundations of Classical Architecture in a concise and deep way. I lived a few blocks away from Loth in the Fan (RVA) and always admired the way he kept his home and garden/alley so original. I could only aspire to emulate the way he taught and applied classicism in his everyday life, work, and career. Calder Loth is an American Treasure.

[@christoskarakostas2656]

i would give anything of the 20 and 21 century has to offer just to be able to live and walk in those wonderfull classical buildings.I was never a fan of history and architecture when i was young but traveling made me realise how much i adore greek and roman buildings and how sad i feel that so few survived...

[@hellomate639]

I'm watching this video because one of my life dreams is to do my best to revive ancient architecture and merge it with modernity in a way that is truly harmonious and beautiful. The beauty, the power, the grandeur, but also the nature. Modern imitations of classical architecture, even when done well, have so little of nature left in them. The nature is extremely tame. Roman/Greek architecture, the nature is still in the stone, I feel. With ancient architecture also has to come ancient symbolism, virtue and geometry. I feel that with modern technology, we should have built something that far outclasses Rome, but we've not figured out how to operate that way yet. Maybe we can start a movement.

[@shield543]

@@hellomate639 Wishing you the best of luck to accomplish your goal, we need more people like you. The world needs to remember what was lost (in terms of beauty), and adapt to what has been gained (in terms of technology)!

[@hellomate639]

@@shield543 Thank you for this reply. It's like a reminder of what I need to be aiming at. I have all sorts of pursuits right now centered around building systems in which people can more fluidly collaborate on building amazing projects. Still not sure how to accomplish it. But, whenever I mention it, people seem to light up, as if they never considered that it was a possibility...

[@Romasyd]

Thank you very much for this lecture series! I have never seen such an elaborate, yet accessible explanation of the rules of classical architecture. Hugely inspiring, and a great incentive to investigate more deeply the ancient traditions of the classical way of building.

[@thetroytroycan]

Amazing Amazing Bravo Encore. I only knew three as a modest novice. Now I'm fluent. Will watch multiple times and now I want to explore the city and take pictures. This guy needs keys to some cities.

[@fareshajjar1208]

I am blown away. Thank you so much for producing this excellent series!

[@kalayaskitchen]

As an amateur builder working in the tropics in some difficulty with making myself understood, I've been enriched by this video treatise.....thanks...

[@muri_tuvak]

I learned a lot just by watching this wonderful video! Thanks for releasing such an amazing content online for free.

[@hannibalbarca6510]

Excellent. So many life-long questions answered in one video.

[@renatomp1964]

Excellent! Very instructive.

[@6exG]

Many thanks for giving the insight on the wooden construction

[@OneDruid]

I took a history of architecture course once and I loved it. The teacher lady was so engaging explaining the technical aspects in the cultural context and philosophical. My point is, it is very easy to make these kind of lectures extremely dull. It is like the lecture is held by a clerk or an accountant.

[@kenkarsonn]

Not sure if it’s some deep-seated psychological thing or just me getting older, but seemingly out of nowhere I’ve developed a fascination with architecture, particularly of the classicist variety. Thank you for this awesome video.

[@bhartley1024]

The etymologies of the architectural terms were super helpful to me. It really helps me remember a word if I can connect it to other words I know.

[@calderloth6058]

Thank you for your comment. My source for the etymologies of architectural terms is the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. It's the best I've found. Calder Loth

[@user-hs1ku7nd2l]

Bravo! Bravissimo Mr. Loth! I was enjoying every minute of your video! The best lecture on architecture I`ve ever heard! Thank you so much!

[@walterwally983]

Listened to Dr.Loths lecture on bricks and so glad I heard this one....absolutely amazing! Thank you!

[@amadigidigaula771]

Outstanding explanation of the classical orders.

[@FernandoPizzani]

Thank you, sir, for a very engaging, inspiring and information-rich presentation.

[@07Lucena]

I can not thank you enough for posting this video

[@NarcissusDied]

This was so interesting! What a delightful video to stumble on!

[@itaintrocketscience]

What a beautifully presented video. Phenomenal content. Thank you very much

[@Illawarra13]

What a wonderful video and beautifully told!

[@ARKK777]

A treasure of profound educational content to inspire all coming artists. Thank you

[@RikoJAmado]

I just discovered a new interest that I never knew I was interested in before. And as a bonus, may I say that you Sir look and sound exactly as I would imagine a classical architecture professor to be. (PS: I a almost sure those latin and greek terms will all be in the midterm test.)

[@GuyFrogs]

I am too ADHD. I keep coming back here every time I need to do laundry and blast it like I'm at a rave. (I listen to all four parts)

[@jean-pierrewalker5517]

WOW! that was informative. excellent video! good pacing, well constructed, organized, and very interesting

[@insurmountablemind2467]

I'm whole heartedlly thanking you for this video. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@TaeKinzel]

Absolutely breathtaking!

[@natl7700]

THIS is the informative, intelligent, well-presented video on classical architecture that I have been craving....the hour just flew past...thank you Prof and everyone involved in putting this excellent video together...can't wait to watch the other three parts 😊🙌🏛

[@calderloth6058]

Thank you for your positive comments. I hope you will find the other three parts equally informative. Calder Loth

[@JTD95]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@TheHolyMongolEmpire]

I love this video, what’s super cool is that most of his American examples I’ve driven to and photographed. I love classical architecture.

[@vladimirkraynyk]

Thank you so much for this.

[@sheenalee7602]

I learned so much from this video!

[@ImpeRiaLismus]

Thank you for this great video!

[@reuelmelville5232]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is exactly what I have been looking for. Perfect, accessible introductions with all sorts of fascinating "by-the ways" and great humour. My favourite bit of humour was the observation that mummies were wrapped in ribbons and not in tape-worms.

[@calderloth6058]

Thank you for your comment. It's really heartening to learn that the series communicates coherently. A primary aim of the series is to help people appreciate the wonderful classical architecture that we find most everywhere, and learn how to read the details on anything from a front porch to a state capitol. Calder

[@abubakarrdeentarawally1317]

Thank you very much sir for this wonderful lecture

[@coolclouds7055]

This is high quality presentation 👍💯

[@gotujzdrowo7089]

Great video, thank you.

[@loony5174]

What made this more superb was this felt like Albus Dumbledore is giving me lessons on History

[@vitalyborisenko659]

Thank you very much for this video!

[@AjaySingh-cr4wc]

Superb Explanation.

[@arlenehutchinson9259]

Thank-you very much.

[@behoovingmoving]

I taught the subject for years, even led study tours through Italy, but I didn't know the subject in such detail. Still, it's a little like knowing how to properly tie your toga or cure common ailments by letting out blood.

[@JeanieCP]

Love this video, when will the next parts be uploaded?!

[@svedishfisk]

www.classicist.org/education/#video They have part 2, they just haven't uploaded it to KZbin.

[@yeyintthura8792]

What books should I use top study with these videos?

[@mrmosquito9683]

Can someone tell me what college the library at 15:53 belongs to?

[@kayharker712]

- All roads lead to Rome, or so they say. Not the A57. I drove along it the other day and ended up in Worksop.

[@bcccl569]

thank you for this masterful series. today more than ever it is important to understand our past which we are losing to ignorance.

[@leslieseale9761]

Wonderful! Beauty derives from balanced proportion. You just know when it doesn’t look right yes! Calming like music, + the music needs a place to rest.

[@mariacrivell79]

Thank you!!

[@banditcats6630]

Thanks!! Good job!!

[@pierren___]

I hope theyll do one about germanic architecture antique medieval

[@ashuri8184]

0:52 Learning Objectives 1:10 Classicism (Roman Classicism)

[@tinychud6327]

calder loth is THE MAN

[@matejsvoboda9438]

What about polychromy in classical architecture ? A BIG point that wasnt mentioned and maybe changes a lot of the explanations. For example the, "showing" of structural firmness could be turned around. Most of these classical buildings were, as the greek ones, painted and veiled in cloth. That could be the act of "covering" the structural/construction elements.

[@gutowantan]

Wow this is amazing thankss!!

[@Vukuzenzele]

What materials are the mass-produced capitals and columns typically made of?

[@WilliamCooper2005]

This is wonderful

[@Celtopia]

Thank you so very much .

[@AntPDC]

27:37 But the crown moulding IS carried across the base of the pediment of that Charleston church. A mistake, surely.

[@hdn4nd]

I watch the whole thing wanting to hear this guy say “cool-whip.”

[@xerotolerant]

lol

[@huahindan]

Many thanks!

[@karmathegiant]

This is so interesting! I’m subscribed!

[@sandeepattawar5046]

Exceptional teacher

[@bertharius9518]

Good video, shame about the poor sound quality though.

[@sandeepatwalspeaks]

Can a non-US citizen can participate in the quiz and get credit and certification?

[@sarahellaithy7100]

Thank you

[@JeremyThomas_Environmentarian]

Amazing information and even a few jokes if you pay attention (I spotted some around the 24 minute mark)... enjoy :)

[@jstantongood5474]

At 15:55 is this st. Mary's college of Maryland ??? In st Mary's city?

[@dragonmartijn]

31:43: the "wooden original"

[@LiwaySaGu]

can anybody explain 27:40 not quite sure as ge didn't explain gable, pediment etc

[@user-ic7ik4ee9w]

Classical architecture is sublime. Why don’t they do it like this anymore?

[@AntPDC]

Many modern architects hate beauty - they think it's wicked. Also, they arrogantly desire to impose their own stamp, regardless of any sense of classical beauty.

[@danesovic7585]

It's considered fascist nowadays. No joke.

[@quetzalcoatl3242]

Because it´s impractical and outdated.

[@pierren___]

@@quetzalcoatl3242 not really. Of course de have to readapt them. I think a "old outiside- new inside" style would bd perfect

[@javierpacheco8234]

The modernists of today are haters and socialist heavy that is why.

[@leonardodavid2842]

It should be noted, when Vetruvius listed the Doric, he listed the Roman Doric. A style which is more similar to Tuscan, practically indistinguishable, than to the Greek Doric.

[@dentza1642]

Thank you very much

[@seanmcguire7974]

Did they use wood timbers for ceiling rafters?

[@synon9m]

thank you Mr. Loth

[@calderloth6058]

And thank you for letting me know you appreciated this video lecture. It's always encouraging to learn when people find classical architecture of interest. I hope you can now see building with a more informed eye. They have much to tell. Calder Loth

[@amendingamerica]

Is there a good app where people can design classical buildings with?

[@urixcorp4919]

Where can we find the images used in this video? Please help me.

[@calderloth6058]

Many of the photographs of buildings and details are my own. Some I found on the net. The images of engravings of architectural forms and details were scanned from pattern books, most of which are available in inexpensive reprints. Since the illustrations are used in the ICAA video lecture, I assume the ICAA would have to approve the use of the illustrations for publication or other such communication. I recommend you contact the ICAA about downloading and reusing any of the images.

[@jeff__w]

27:37 “Notice in the pediment, the front gable, that the crown molding is not carried across the base of the pediment.” Wait, I’m not getting that. Is that a reference to the crown molding appearing to jut out slightly from where the pediment is (at least the way I see it)? It looks like in the “illiterate building” the crown molding is exactly aligned with the pediment, as shown by the charcoal triangle “outline.” Am I understanding the point correctly?

[@calderloth6058]

Jeff, The crown molding is employed here only on the raking (A-frame) angles of the pediment. The crown molding is not seen on top of the fascia, the plain molding at the bottom of the pediment. Look at the portico of the Pantheon or the Supreme Court Building. Perhaps the angle of the photograph exaggerates the effect. Thank you for your comment. Calder Loth

[@jeff__w]

@@calderloth6058 Wow, thank you for your response! Looking at the video again _and_ the pediment of the Pantheon _and_ your detailed ICAA page on “Architectural Etymology,” well, lots of times, with reference to your explanation, I think I finally got it. I’m just a regular person, not anyone with any sort of expertise in architecture, and, before watching your superb series, would not have known, say, my _fascia_ from my _taenia_ 😳- it’s been quite a journey but a delightful one - so I appreciate your careful and kind reply.

[@kaloarepo288]

I like the idea that the Romans added non functional details to their buildings just to give them more character and interest -something that goes completely against the bland functional architecture that probably started with the Bauhaus in the early Twentieth Century.

[@haroldmclean3755]

Very interesting 👍

[@Cacacos]

wonderful

[@illuminatedsinger]

Insanely entertaining

[@radomirkobryn-coletti1145]

amazing

[@architectkashif6400]

Superb..

[@leonstevens1382]

You did not answer whether or not the decorative corresponding devices above the centrally spaced columns must also be correspondingly wider!

[@finnersmcspeed5646]

When is the next one ?

[@svedishfisk]

www.classicist.org/education/#video Part 2 is up on their site.

[@muskduh]

Thanks

[@r.t.dominguez1717]

Dear Professor Loth, ICAA: My name is Romeo Ty. Member of AIA and C1PRC but living in the Philippines. I'm also a classical Lecturer. I would like to be a member of ICAA. How can I become a member? Thank you!

[@ClassicistORG]

Thank you for your interest in our programs! Please visit our website for more information: www.classicist.org/

[@jan_v_ier]

idk if anyone has watched this recently but, did you hear the weird breathing noises around 35:35 ???

[@calderloth6058]

The breathing noises were caused by attaching the mike too close to my face. They bothered me too; I just hoped people would consider them as involuntary gestures of enthusiasm. The film editors were able to tone some of them down. Fortunately, they were not a problem in the other three parts of the series.

[@jan_v_ier]

@@calderloth6058 it didn't seem to bother anyone else. so I think your good👌