The Future of the Past

Whe Classical Design Foundation announces an illustrated lecture and book-signing by Professor Steven Semes, author of “The Future of the Past”. Professor Semes, Director of the Rome Studies Program for the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture, has also authored “The Architecture of the Classical Interior” and is Fellow Emeritus of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Classical America. Do not miss this extremely rare opportunity to join the international debate between modernists and traditionalists as part of “The Classical Vision” series.

Current policies in historic preservation emphasize differentiating the new from the old and typically view new work in historic styles as “false history”. Semes takes another approach, based on the premise that the wholeness and continuity of the historic setting is paramount. He writes:

“For the last half-century, historic preservation regulation has offered an essential defense of the cultural values embodied in our heritage environments. The need to conserve the most valued models of architecture and urbanism has motivated citizens around the world to defend the character-defining elements of these places from destruction or insensitive modification. While early preservation battles were aimed against willful destruction of historic properties for the sake of economic development or thoughtless “modernization,” now the challenge is more likely to be preserving historic character from additions or alterations by noted architects that introduce discordant elements or styles, even at sites under the protection of preservation laws. The guardians of our historic places have too often yielded to the promoters of the “architecture of our time,” with dismaying consequences. How did this happen?”

The Classical Design Foundation has developed a reputation for connecting with the finest international scholars on a variety of cultural issues. Founder and Director D. Jeffrey Mims says, “Past programs such as ‘Sandhills at a Crossroads’ and ‘Our Cultural Landscape’ have brought both provocative and constructive dialogue to our community, and ‘The Classical Vision’ promises no less lively a discourse on art and architecture.”

Lecture is Monday evening on the 24th of May at 7, at the Sunrise Theater, and is free to the public. Reception and book-signing will follow the event at Mims Studios. Books will be available for purchase. Light refreshments served.

Sponsored by The Classical Design Foundation, with generous support from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Classical America, Charlotte Chapter.

For directions to the Sunrise Theater, please click here.
For directions to Mims Studios, please click here.

www.ClassicalDesignFoundation.org