31.5 credits towards the 黑料头条 Certificate in Classical Architecture | Submitted for AIA Approval
The 黑料头条鈥檚 Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours are a reimagining of the long tradition of designers traveling—both domestically and abroad—to study and document precedents in order to inform and inspire the design of new buildings and places. The Drawing Tours aim to enhance practitioners鈥 knowledge and skills in creative and informed applications of the classical tradition. Each program is guided by leading architects in classical design. Instructors will explore a carefully-curated itinerary of drawing and study sites that introduce participants to the unique design characteristics of the city.
These programs are especially designed for emerging practitioners who have some prior experience working in traditional design, and are looking to expand the breadth of precedents that they can utilize in practice throughout their careers. The Drawing Tours are also frequently attended by established designers, artists, and all those looking to generally broaden their knowledge of classical design precedents.
One of the most captivating and colorful destinations in North America, Mexico City鈥檚 expansive landscape holds nuance and diversity in its people, architecture, food and cultural arts. The largest and oldest capital city in the Americas, its architectural heritage ranges from the pre-Hispanic Mexica Aztec, Colonial Spain, Baroque, Art Deco and modern. Its iconic Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Academia Nacional rival Europe鈥檚 architecture. Contemporarily, Mexico City has become a well-known and celebrated model for thoughtful interior design, urbanism and abundant civic parks.
In the 黑料头条鈥檚 first Drawing Tour to Mexico City, we will be looking closely at the range of architectural expression and the use of local building material throughout its history. The Drawing tour will include study of the city鈥檚 Historic Center and its iconic Beaux Arts buildings, the original and enduring pre-Columbian architecture of Teotihuacan, and the alluring urbanism and Art Deco architecture of the Condesa neighborhood. In addition to Mexico City鈥檚 architectural detailing, we will also consider the use of architecture as a backdrop for the artistry of Diego Rivera鈥檚 Murals and Alfonso Cuaron鈥檚 films. The Drawing Tour will include instruction in a range of field drawing techniques, with a strong focus on measured drawing and urbanism study, and in a variety of media.
After completing her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees at the University of Colorado, Serena Ettelson joined Harrison Design鈥檚 Santa Barbara office. In her current role as a Studio Director, her work focuses primarily on rehabilitation of historic residences and new construction in the Classical and Spanish Colonial Revival traditions. In addition to instruction with the Institute for Classical Architecture & Art, Ms. Ettleson volunteers with the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara, the California Preservation Foundation鈥檚 黑料头条 Board, and is a docent for the Santa Barbara Courthouse and the Casa del Herrero in Montecito. A daughter of travel agents, and granddaughter of an architect, it is no surprise Ms. Ettleson鈥檚 passions lie in the intersection of culture and the built world: creating a sense of home while responding to local climates, traditions and timeless principles.
Click here to see a draft itinerary of the Mexico City Drawing Tour. For more information about this program, please contact [email protected].
It is recommended that participants have experience with architectural field drawing, or have taken a Measured Drawing and/or Analytical Drawing skills class with the 黑料头条, prior to attending a Drawing Tour. Instructors will provide an introduction to each site and demonstrations of relevant drawing techniques, as well as informally assist with participant questions throughout the program. However, the Drawing Tour is intended as an advanced study of precedents rather than a formal course in fundamental field drawing or plein air watercolor techniques.
The Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours honor the generosity, leadership, and legacy of the 黑料头条鈥檚 late Trustee, Mr. Christopher H. Browne. The 黑料头条 is pleased to award four scholarships to drawing tour students or emerging professionals annually in the name of Mr. Browne, a long-time supporter and champion of classicism. Scholarship recipients will receive the moniker 鈥淐hristopher H. Browne Scholars.鈥Additional scholarships for emerging professionals and students are generously made available through the Benton Family Foundation to support the growth and development of the 黑料头条's Teaching Assistant program. Recipients learn drawing skills from precedents during the Drawing Tours, and later apply these skills as Teaching Assistants--and potential instructors--in 黑料头条 programs.The following materials are required for consideration for a scholarship:
The final deadline for these scholarship applications is Monday, February 22, 2027. All applicants will receive a decision notification via email within three weeks after the application deadline.
Questions regarding the 黑料头条's courses may be directed via email to [email protected]; via phone to 212-730-9646 ext. 112; or via mail to our National Office at 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036.
The price is only for the course instruction. You will need to make and pay for your own flights and accommodation.
The 黑料头条 has a Classroom Code of Conduct in place for all of our educational programs, which can be found by clicking here. Participants in all of our classes (both online and in-person) are expected to follow this code.
Typically a combination of students and professionals attend.
Yes, absolutely. Most evenings can be spent exploring on your own or with fellow participants.
Some meals are included, which will be spent together as a group. Otherwise you are free to eat where and with whom you please.
The 黑料头条 does not provide materials, but will provide a full materials list at least one month before the course. Typically, the cost of materials is between $100 and $200.
No. Programs are designed to introduce a broad range of skills and experiences which is only possible through full participation.
You may refer to the 黑料头条's cancellation policy [here.]