architecture 101 classes

December 10, 2007 11:24 AM

I don't know much about architecture, except that I really enjoying time looking at good examples of it - and will go see places just for that. Where can I find free or low cost classes to learn more about architecture? (Second choice would be a good online resources). I'm not only looking for classes (which I can do via google), but people's experiences with them I am in DC. Transit accessibility is more or less a necessity.
posted by waylaid to Education (6 answers total)

DC's Cultural Tourism site has a couple of tours for you. I went on a great architectural history tour of Capitol Hill neighborhoods a few years back that was really fantastic--it started at the church where John Phillips Sousa was musical director, then ended at his grave at Congressional Cemetary. The ride was organized by Capitol Hill Bikes, so you might want to keep an eye on their site.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:41 AM on December 10, 2007

The National Building Museum has presentations and events that might appeal to you.
posted by candyland at 12:08 PM on December 10, 2007

Response by poster: Hm. All great (and things I have done before), but I was thinking of a more formal class - or something that would explain different building styles, etc.
posted by waylaid at 12:12 PM on December 10, 2007

I'm interested in the answers to this question as well. The first thing I thought of was MIT | OpenCourseWare | Architecture
posted by striker at 12:28 PM on December 10, 2007

I learned a lot of this stuff in art history courses. However, I got a lot of other stuff besides architecture: painting, sculpture, etc.

But maybe you could find an art history course which specializes in architecture, or perhaps a "history of architecture" course. Anyway, I think a history class would give you a lot of the information of interest to an Architecture connoisseur, while avoiding the technical things intended for people who actually wish to become architects.
posted by kidbritish at 2:24 PM on December 10, 2007

AIA | DC has a ArchitectureDC magazine. I'm sure their office would be helpful in providing further information as well.
posted by hobbes at 3:43 PM on December 10, 2007