View past lecturers and keynote speakers.
Savannah College of Art and Design Architectural History Department 2007–08 Lecture Series
Sept. 18, 2007
Camille Wells, "Virginia by Design: Thomas Jefferson and the Making of Monticello"
6:30 p.m., SCAD Student Center, 120 Montgomery St.
While scholars usually emphasize classical influences on Thomas Jefferson's designs for Monticello — and they are right to do so — Jefferson's plans for his house, his deliberations and his final decisions involved other, less obvious issues. What emerges from a different reading of his plans for Monticello is an early chapter in our understanding of Jefferson's life as a designer — of revolutions and nations as well as of buildings.
Oct. 15, 2007
Taisto Mäkelä, "The Art of the Museum"
6:30 p.m., River Club, Second floor, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Having been established in early 19th century Europe, the art museum is a relatively recent type of cultural institution. Instead of a creeping irrelevance, the art museum has evolved into an ever greater symbol of cultural achievement. Much of this success has been driven by the adoption of corporate agendas, a controversial aspect for many. Nonetheless, the museum remains a highly desirable urban resource as confirmed by the ongoing museum construction boom. What value, then, do museums hold for culture in the present. What emerging conflicts might be identified amongst architecture, art, and the corporate influence?
Jan. 23, 2008
Thomas Gordon Smith, "Reanimating Classical Architecture, painting and Statuary as Narrative Arts"
7:30 p.m., Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.
Thomas Gordon Smith is a leader in contemporary developments of classical architecture. Smith's role in contemporary architecture is reflected in more than 20 museum exhibitions, in extensive publications of his buildings, and in scholarly publications of his research. Lecture presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design and Memorial Health.
Feb. 21, 2008
Jim Frakes, "Studies in Roman Provincial Architecture"
6:30 p.m., River Club, Second floor, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dr. Frakes' talk explores Roman visual culture under the Severan emperors (193-235 CE) with a focus on the serialization of space at a late Severan temple in Dougga, movement at a statue base in Sabratha and a grand propylon in Cyrene. Recent study has examined the serialization of time through the decorative use of septizodia, menologia, and zodiacs in the Gallic and Germanic provinces.
April 7, 2008
Chris Wilson, "A Field Guide to Cool Neighborhoods"
6:30 p.m., River Club, Second floor, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
In their attempts to revitalize inner city neighborhoods, architects, community activists, and real estate developers across the country have increasing turned for inspiration to earlier times. This lecture will explore ways current urban development is informed by pre-automobile patterns and urban forms, with examples drawn primarily from Los Angeles and Dallas.
April 21, 2008
Paula Henderson, "The House and the Landscape"
6:30 p.m., Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.
Throughout the Tudor period, houses became more outward looking, with views embracing the gardens and landscape, demonstrating the owner's increasing command of his estate. Natural themes also dominated interior decoration and in trompe l'oeil decoration that often delighted and tricked visitors. Living nature, too, was brought into the house in the form of sweet smelling herbs and flowers. This lecture is presented by the department of architectural history and the Royal Oak Foundation.
May 14, 2008
Marc Belanger, "Democracy and Architecture: Examining the Role of Asher Benjamin's Coleman-Holliter House in Early Republic"
6:30 p.m., River Club, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The publication of "The Country Builder's Assistant" by Asher Benjamin influenced an entire generation of carpenters and builders during the early years of the United States. This talk investigates Benjamin's design for the Coleman-Hollister House. Historic Deerfield museum has rescued several architectural fragments from the building: its original leaded glass fanlights, sidelights, doors and surrounds from the east and west facades. These help give additional insight into the author and his influential building ideas.
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the 2007-08 Architectural History Lecture Series, e-mail Jeff Eley. To submit a lecture for posting on this page, e-mail Brett Kanode.
Savannah College of Art and Design Architectural History Department 2007–08 Lecture Series
Sept. 18, 2007Camille Wells, "Virginia by Design: Thomas Jefferson and the Making of Monticello"
6:30 p.m., SCAD Student Center, 120 Montgomery St.
While scholars usually emphasize classical influences on Thomas Jefferson's designs for Monticello — and they are right to do so — Jefferson's plans for his house, his deliberations and his final decisions involved other, less obvious issues. What emerges from a different reading of his plans for Monticello is an early chapter in our understanding of Jefferson's life as a designer — of revolutions and nations as well as of buildings.
Oct. 15, 2007 Taisto Mäkelä, "The Art of the Museum"
6:30 p.m., River Club, Second floor, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Having been established in early 19th century Europe, the art museum is a relatively recent type of cultural institution. Instead of a creeping irrelevance, the art museum has evolved into an ever greater symbol of cultural achievement. Much of this success has been driven by the adoption of corporate agendas, a controversial aspect for many. Nonetheless, the museum remains a highly desirable urban resource as confirmed by the ongoing museum construction boom. What value, then, do museums hold for culture in the present. What emerging conflicts might be identified amongst architecture, art, and the corporate influence?
Jan. 23, 2008Thomas Gordon Smith, "Reanimating Classical Architecture, painting and Statuary as Narrative Arts"
7:30 p.m., Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.
Thomas Gordon Smith is a leader in contemporary developments of classical architecture. Smith's role in contemporary architecture is reflected in more than 20 museum exhibitions, in extensive publications of his buildings, and in scholarly publications of his research. Lecture presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design and Memorial Health.
Feb. 21, 2008Jim Frakes, "Studies in Roman Provincial Architecture"
6:30 p.m., River Club, Second floor, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dr. Frakes' talk explores Roman visual culture under the Severan emperors (193-235 CE) with a focus on the serialization of space at a late Severan temple in Dougga, movement at a statue base in Sabratha and a grand propylon in Cyrene. Recent study has examined the serialization of time through the decorative use of septizodia, menologia, and zodiacs in the Gallic and Germanic provinces.
April 7, 2008Chris Wilson, "A Field Guide to Cool Neighborhoods"
6:30 p.m., River Club, Second floor, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
In their attempts to revitalize inner city neighborhoods, architects, community activists, and real estate developers across the country have increasing turned for inspiration to earlier times. This lecture will explore ways current urban development is informed by pre-automobile patterns and urban forms, with examples drawn primarily from Los Angeles and Dallas.
April 21, 2008Paula Henderson, "The House and the Landscape"
6:30 p.m., Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.
Throughout the Tudor period, houses became more outward looking, with views embracing the gardens and landscape, demonstrating the owner's increasing command of his estate. Natural themes also dominated interior decoration and in trompe l'oeil decoration that often delighted and tricked visitors. Living nature, too, was brought into the house in the form of sweet smelling herbs and flowers. This lecture is presented by the department of architectural history and the Royal Oak Foundation.
May 14, 2008Marc Belanger, "Democracy and Architecture: Examining the Role of Asher Benjamin's Coleman-Holliter House in Early Republic"
6:30 p.m., River Club, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The publication of "The Country Builder's Assistant" by Asher Benjamin influenced an entire generation of carpenters and builders during the early years of the United States. This talk investigates Benjamin's design for the Coleman-Hollister House. Historic Deerfield museum has rescued several architectural fragments from the building: its original leaded glass fanlights, sidelights, doors and surrounds from the east and west facades. These help give additional insight into the author and his influential building ideas.
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the 2007-08 Architectural History Lecture Series, e-mail Jeff Eley. To submit a lecture for posting on this page, e-mail Brett Kanode.