Friday, September 5th
Saturday, September 6th

Join us for a two-day immersive workshop exploring the foundations of classical architecture through historical study, guided observation, and hands-on drawing. Designed for students, emerging professionals, and anyone with a passion for traditional design, the program begins with an introduction to architectural treatises and rare drawings from the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries. Participants will then proceed to The Blackstone Hotel, to engage in focused instruction on classical orders and architectural composition, followed by an introduction to measured and analytical drawing. The experience continues with a walking tour of downtown Chicago’s architectural landmarks and concludes with a drawing session at the historic Union Station. A cocktail reception on Friday evening offers time to connect with fellow attendees and instructors.

This program qualifies for credit toward the ICAA's Certificate in Classical Architecture. Participants who are pursuing the certificate and wish to receive credit may do so upon request.

Schedule & Learning Objectives

Friday, September 5th

9:45 – 10:15 AM
Introduction

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Architectural Treatises & Drawings: The Ryerson & Burnham Libraries

One of the reasons that the theory and design principles behind the classical tradition of architecture have survived and continued to be employed in the centuries since antiquity is the publication of architectural treatises. Sixteenth-century copies of the treatises of Vitruvius and Palladio will be presented to provide context for how this architectural theory was developed, documented, and distributed throughout history. Additionally, drawings from the archives of early 20th-century Chicago architects will be shared, highlighting the ways classical design elements can be translated and reimagined for a wide range of applications. 1.5 Credits (Literature)

1:30 – 5:00 PM
Elements of Classical Architecture: Order Drawing & Architectural Composition

Through the exercise of drawing and constructing a classical order, participants will explore in depth the terminology, geometry, and proportions of a columnar system. The components and mouldings of the order will be drawn step-by-step, illustrating the relationships and underlying geometry that unify the parts into a cohesive whole. An architectural composition using the drawn order will then be created, demonstrating how the classical orders serve as a fundamental building block for design. 3.5 Credits (Elements)

5:00 – 5:30 PM
Introduction to Measured & Analytical Drawing

5:30 – 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception

Saturday, September 6

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Walking Tour: The Architecture of Downtown Chicago
Discover the rich classical heritage woven into the fabric of Chicago’s South Loop. From grand historic facades to elegant Beaux-Arts details, this neighborhood showcases some of the city’s most iconic—and often overlooked—examples of classical architecture.

Guided by Matt and Elizabeth McNicholas, principals of McNicholas Architects and passionate advocates for classical design, this walking tour offers unique insight into the architectural evolution of the South Loop and its enduring relevance today. 1.5 Credits (Elective)

1:30 – 5:00 PM
Measured & Analytical Drawing: Chicago Union Station

Studying and learning from successful built works has long been central to the classical tradition. For centuries, architects have engaged in this practice through sketching and analytical drawing. This session introduces techniques for creating orthographic, scaled drawings in a sketchbook—tools for analyzing design composition, moulding profiles, and the relationships between plan, section, and elevation. 4 Credits (Measured & Analytical Drawing)

Chicago-Midwest ICAA: Classical Drawing & Design Immersive Workshop