Nir Haim Buras

Join Dr. Nir Haim Buras in this insightful lecture as he introduces the fundamental principles of architectural literacy. Discover how understanding a "small set of forms" allows you to "read the built environment". This presentation delves into the surprisingly simple and logical system behind classical architecture, revealing how elements, moldings, and orders come together to create meaning and beauty. Learn about the "triads" — the concept that everything has three parts and comes in three sizes — and how this underlying structure influences everything from room connections to building proportions. Explore the fascinating connection between architectural design and human brain processing, understanding why certain forms resonate with us on a fundamental level. Uncover the secrets of classical orders, their distinct characteristics, and their role as the "grammar" of architectural expression. 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.

Recorded at the third annual Beauty and Ugliness in Architecture conference in Oslo, May 2nd – 4th 2025.