Thomas Ustick Walter’s Theoretical Foundation for the Architectural Profession in Nineteenth-Century America

FAIN: FT-51363-03

Jhennifer A. Amundson
Judson University (Elgin, IL 60123-1404)

The first formal architectural theory written by an American architect was penned in the mid-19th century by T.U. Walter, designer of the US Capitol dome. His unpublished Lectures of 1840-60 detail a history of world architecture and associated cultural values. Written during the profession’s infancy, the Lectures aimed to elevate architectural practice to the level of a fine art capable of improving society and advancing the cultural awareness, and even the salvation, of individuals. This project proposes an annotated publication of the Lectures with an extensive commentary explaining how they indicate the theoretical content of mid-century architecture and the motivations of America’s first generation of professional architects.