The World of Classicism from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art

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Easton Architects' 2025 McKim, Mead & White Award-winning project
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Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA)

October 29, 2025

The ICAA is a nonprofit educational organization committed to promoting and preserving the practice, understanding, and appreciation of traditional design.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS: NEW THIS ISSUE

On September 17, 2025, the ICAA was proud to welcome Atelier Louis Del Boca for a presentation on the history and evolution of plaster craftsmanship—from its classical roots in grand historic interiors to its continued relevance in today’s most refined architectural and design projects.

The presentation examines the history of plaster mastery, tracing its development across centuries and its role in shaping architectural language. As a premier French atelier, Del Boca offers an inside look at the traditional techniques and materials that define the craft, with a focus on the handwork and precision behind each surface. Illustrating how this heritage skill continues to elevate both classical and modern spaces, the program looks behind the scenes at a showcase of French projects including celebrated recent restorations at Versailles and the Hôtel de la Marine, as well as new work for LVMH boutiques and the Hôtel George V.

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This lecture is presented as part of a Salon Series and as part of The Françoise and Andrew Skurman Lecture Series on Classical French Architecture.

In 2020, the ICAA, INTBAU, and the King’s Foundation initiated The Architecture of Place, an ongoing collaborative series of high-level online talks. Among the topics explored during that inaugural year was an exploration of the ongoing housing crisis, featuring presentations from speakers Robbie Kerr, Dan Parolek, and Jason Syvixay, moderated by Alireza Sagharchi.

It is difficult to find a country in the world not currently facing a housing crisis. The scale, scope, and nature of the challenge varies from place to place. There is, however, one fundamental reality across the globe: we need to provide more homes; and we need to find the ways to do this that benefit communities without harming the environment.

This talk outlines the concept of ‘missing middle housing’ and how traditional methods of design can create better places to live, for everyone.

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Presented as part of The Richard H. Driehaus Curricula for the Built Environment at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. The ICAA is very grateful to The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation for its generous support of this program.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS: PREVIOUS ISSUE

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) is proud to present The Fourth Annual Lykoudis Lecture: The Shared Building Traditions of the World, featuring Dr. Demetri Porphyrios, principal of Porphyrios Associates and laureate of the 2004 Richard H. Driehaus Prize. Dr. Porphyrios' lecture was recorded at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum in Chicago, Illinois, and is now available to the public.

In his lecture Human Cities, Dr. Porphyrios critically examines the evolution of architectural theory since the rise of modernism in the mid-20th century, noting the influence of thinkers and movements including Aldo Rossi, Colin Rowe, and the Cornell School, among others. He describes how the field of architecture has failed to provide people with humanistic spaces—instead, driven by market forces, it has created a blight of "junkspace," as memorably described by Rem Koolhaas—and recounts his involvement in the New Urbanism movement championed by figures like Leon Krier and Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.

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Named in recognition of Michael Lykoudis’ incredible contributions as the former Dean of the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture, this series shines a light on the vernacular architecture intrinsic to locales around the world, and how they incorporate classical principles.

DUE TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP?

If your membership is due for renewal, or if you would like to join and support the ICAA, you can do so on our website.

By renewing today, you will remain connected to the ICAA’s diverse programming, publications, and community, while also supporting our educational programs and courses, lectures, workshops, scholarships, and more.

DEADLINES

NOVEMBER 19

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Awards for Emerging Excellence in the Classical Tradition

National Office

DECEMBER 1

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Rocky LaFleur Memorial Scholarship

Southern California Chapter

DECEMBER 12

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Arthur Ross Awards

National Office

DECEMBER 15

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Rieger Graham Prize

National Office

FEATURED CHAPTER EVENT

NOVEMBER 11

Quattuor Lecture: Suzanne Tucker – Creative Collaboration

Southeast Chapter

Join the Southeast Chapter of the ICAA and award-winning designer Suzanne Tucker for a behind-the-scenes exploration of one of her recent projects, an Italian Renaissance–style palazzo in San Francisco.

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FEATURED NATIONAL EVENT

NOVEMBER 8

The 2025 Gindroz Symposium on Affordable Housing

4 AIA CES Learning Units|HSW | 4 credits towards the ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture (Elective)

The first-ever Gindroz Symposium on Affordable Housing will bring together past and present Gindroz Award recipients for a half-day symposium in New York City on the afternoon of Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at the ICAA’s national headquarters at 20 West 44th Street..

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