From Vernacular to Classical: The Perpetual Modernity of Palladio

On June 10-12, 2011, the School hosted a three-day conference, “From Vernacular to Classical: The Perpetual Modernity of Palladio.”  Bringing together scholars, practitioners, educators, and students from various disciplines, the conference explored how the Palladian tradition inspires the evolution of classical architecture.

One of the most influential architects in history, 16th-century Italian Andrea Palladio’s impact is evident throughout the United States. Buildings such as the White House, the U. S. Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the National Gallery of Art bear his imprint. Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia home, Monticello, is modeled after Palladio’s famed Villa Rotonda in Vicenza, Italy.

Conference participants reconnected Palladian ideals to the living tradition that has informed icons of American democracy and continue to shape vital paradigms for sustainable architecture and urbanism.

Two exhibitions, “Palladio and his Legacy: A Transatlantic Journey” at the University of Notre Dame’s Snite Museum of Art  and the “New Palladians,” an exhibition of 50 international classical architects’ work in the Bond Hall Gallery, were also held in conjunction with the conference.

Conference Schedule

Additional Events

Call for Papers

Learning From Palladio: A Call for Student Papers

A Design Competition for Colin Rowe:  Application of Classical Design in a 12-Hour Esquisse