
Constructive Geometry with Steve Bass

4 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Proportion) | Submitted for AIA CES Approval
In the canonical works of classical architecture, the elements are described in geometrical terms. This workshop course reviews the basic definitions of 2-dimensional Euclidean geometry and presents constructions of lines, regular polygons, conic sections and spirals. These lead up to constructions of architectural elements, including molding profiles and volutes. Each construction will be demonstrated live in step-by-step manner. Participants should come prepared to repeat these constructions in their own notes.
Required Materials
Participants should bring a bow compass, straight edge and/or drafting triangles (30/60º and 45º), paper or notebook (8.5 x 11″ or 11 x 17″), and a pen or pencil.
Download:
- Const Geo Syllabus 2022
- 1 Constructive Geometry Exercises 2022
- 2 Constructive Geometry Commentary 2022
Learning Objectives
Understand the nature of basic geometrical elements such as point, line, plane, etc.
Construct any regular polygon.
Recognize the geometrical basis of the canonical architectural elements.
Construct architectural elements such as the quirked Doric echinus and the Ionic volute with geometrical certainty.

Steve Bass Architect
Instructor
Steve Bass grew up in New York City where he has maintained a small personal architectural practice since 1974. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute, 1970; a Master of Arts from the Royal College of Art, London, 1991, where he studied under the direction of Dr. Keith Critchlow; and was a participant in the initial Prince of Wales’s Summer Course in Architecture, 1990. Steve is currently a Fellow of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art in New York City where he teaches on the theoretical and applied aspects of proportion and geometry in design. He has also taught at Notre Dame University, the Grand Central Academy of Art, the New York Open Center and other venues. His book, ‘Beauty Memory Unity – A Theory of Proportion in Architecture and Design’ is currently available from Lindisfarne Books.
This course is a hybrid program, participants may attend in-person or via Zoom.
Please select the ticket type you desire below.
For those attending via zoom, a link and instructions will be emailed to you the week of the course.
Thank you to our sponsor of this ICAA FL Educational Event Caoba Doors
The Florida Chapter would like to thank their sponsors
Patron’s Circle Sponsor
Woolems Luxury Builders
Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design
Flower Construction
Henry Flagler Donors
With Appreciation and Gratitude to our
Patron’s Circle Sponsors
Cove Construction Group | Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design | Flower Construction
Lead Lecture Series Sponsor
& Henry Flagler Donors
Belt | Fairfax & Sammons | Gil Walsh Interiors | Marmotech | Shoreline Building Group