The Power of Architectural Vocabulary on Behavior

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

As architecture evolved from a basic need for shelter and security, it became an artistic craft that activated our thoughts, emotions, and desires for an expression of beauty. The success of an outdoor space or a building interior depends on the visual relationship that is formed between parts and patterns and one’s perception of them. What holds our attraction to some forms of architecture over others? Why does this appeal remain as civilization advances? By comparing the Parthenon in Athens, Greece and the S.R. Crown Hall in Chicago, Illinois, this symposium will expand on the ideas and themes of these structures through the lens of architectural vocabulary and cognitive science, providing insight into the understanding of ancient and modern architecture and behavior.

Images: Freehand sketch by Cynthia Vranas Olsen while with Notre Dame University, Architecture program in London, 2000.

MVDR Bacardi Cuba Column/1957 Ink and crayon drawing by GRS (Gene Summers) on 40 X 30 om/Strathmore board. Drawing made to confirm column proportions. Original drawing, The Mies van der Rohe Archive, copyright 2019 The Museum of Modern Art New York. The Digital Image copyright The Museum of Modern Art/Licensed by SCALA/Art Resource, NY, Credit: © 2019 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

There will be a cocktail reception preceding the event at 5:15 PM.

Symposium attendees will receive $5 off museum admission with the code “NEURO” when purchasing tickets online at DriehausMuseum.org