In this provocative presentation, James Stevens Curl delivers a scathing critique titled "The Failure of Architecture Education." Drawing on historical observations, he argues that modern architectural education has deliberately jettisoned critical study and knowledge of historical architecture, promoting a "quasi-religious fundamentalist cult of modernist architecture".

In this thought-provoking lecture, architectural theorist Branko Mitrovic explores the growing tension between aesthetic values and sustainability narratives in contemporary architecture. Building on his book Architectural Principles in the Age of Fraud, Mitrovic examines how concerns about environmental impact are increasingly used, sometimes disingenuously, to justify visual and architectural shortcomings.

In this insightful lecture, Dr. Nir Haim Buras introduces the fundamental principles of architectural literacy, delving into the surprisingly simple and logical system behind classical architecture, revealing how elements, moldings, and orders come together to create meaning and beauty. From the neuroscience behind straight columns to the proportional design of entire buildings, this lecture offers a fresh perspective on the built world around us.

In this compelling lecture, professor Brandon Ro explores "A Systematic Approach to Ornaments," aiming to reclaim ornament as architecture's "forgotten language of beauty". The presentation includes examples from various cultures and historical periods, demonstrating ornament's universal communicative power and its proven ability to captivate human attention.

Join architect Siri Frøystein as she explores "The Art of Jugendstil Composition," an insightful presentation drawn from her master's thesis. This lecture delves into the unique emergence of Jugendstil in Trondheim and analyzes its distinctive compositional elements, revealing the enduring principles behind this beautiful and psychologically resonant architectural movement.

In this captivating presentation, PhD candidate Øystein Nilsen Holdø offers a deep dive into classical composition from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. He explores how concepts of beauty and architectural theory have shaped design practices across these periods. This presentation is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intellectual journey of architectural design and the timeless debate on beauty in built forms.

In this lecture, architectural researcher Anders Hagalisletto uncovers the lost teaching practices of architecture before modernism, particularly the Christiania Drawing School. Discover the detailed structure of ornament courses, from basic curved lines and circles to complex compositions and the application of ornaments to objects and various architectural styles. This is an essential viewing for anyone interested in the foundational principles of architectural education and the enduring importance of traditional drawing methods.

In this insightful presentation from the Norwegian Symposium on Beauty in Architecture 2025, Pablo Alvarez Funes explores the rich history of "Traditional Architecture Education in Spain between 1752 and 1955."

Join Ann Sussman and Abigail Sekely as they explore the biological roots of architecture in the 21st century. Discover how neuroscience and biometric tools like eye-tracking are reshaping our understanding of design. Learn why traditional architecture resonates more deeply with the human brain—and how designing for emotion can transform the built environment.