Modernist design education diminishes, or eliminates entirely, the subject of architectural history. This is well understood by Dr. Elizabeth Dowling, Professor Emerita of Architecture at Georgia Tech, who has taught architectural history for over thirty years and has demonstrated the connections between history and current classicism in her recent book, Classical Interiors: Historical and Contemporary (Rizzoli, 2013).
In an illustrated lecture using nineteenth-century historical paintings, architectural renderings and current photography, Dr. Dowling will present examples of residential work that demonstrate the continuity of classicism and the vibrancy of current design that draws from the rich history of twenty-five centuries of architecture. She will provide an overview with contemporary examples from twenty American and European firms, with particular focus on the Philadelphia firms of Alvin Holm, John Blatteau and John Milner. Designers, patrons, students and architectural enthusiasts will find classicism’s variety enduringly delightful.
The lecture will take place in the Grant Rooms of the historic Union League of Philadelphia. Please note that copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Beverages will be available for purchase during the reception preceding the lecture.
There are 2 AIA LU credits available for interested attendees to this lecture.
Betty Dowling is a Professor Emerita of architectural history at Georgia Tech and a registered architect until 2005. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Georgia Tech (1971), her Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois (1972), and her Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania (1981). She has received an International Book Award from the American Institute of Architects for her book, American Classicist: the Architecture of Philip Trammell Shutze (Rizzoli, 1989). She has also received the 2001 Arthur Ross Award in the field of education in recognition of her instruction in classical architecture. Her research continues to explore currently practicing classical and traditional designers.