Hello
Jane Griswold Radocchia is an architect.
Jane studies practical geometry and vernacular architecture.
Below are some of her latest blog posts,
others can be found in the Archive
Jane Griswold Radocchia
Jane Griswold Radocchia
Recent Events
Practical Geometry
workshop for the Preservation Carpentry program at the
North Bennet Street School
Boston, MA,
April 12-13, 2023.
The Dietrick American Foundation published an article about a Lancaster clock case, researched and written by Christopher Storb, in July 2022.* It was forwarded to me by Craig Farrow, Cabinet Maker.** He knew I would be interested.
The Foundation wrote that it "intended [such articles] as a type of crowd sourcing, where responses and information shared by readers can inform research." I am happy to respond, to try this way of sharing information, to see if it can be successful.
As my research on the use of geometry in construction - Practical Geometry - is not well known or understood, I have written this post as an introduction.
I will write to Christopher Storb when I publish this analysis. I look forward to his reply and the information from others who have responded.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Practical Geometry at Mud University, Cambridge, NY, March 3-4
Announcement!
I'm giving a class on Practical Geometry at Mud University, in Cambridge, NY, on March 3-4, 2023.
Their website is at the end of this post.*
Just in time for mud season! Come learn about practical geometry at Mud University.
FREE and FUN! With a fabulous instructor: me.
Anyone who's curious is welcome, no math or drawing skill needed.
March 3, First meeting: I will introduce geometry as practical knowledge well understood until about 1950. We will use compasses to layout daisy wheels.
March 4, Second meeting: we will draw the patterns, hands-on with compasses.
Here's a diagram - the square and its circle.
It is the language for the pattern of a quilt
(dated 1847)
and the roof structure for St. David's Cathedral in Wales (c. 1550).
I'll talk about what Practical Geometry was/is using a Power Point presentation to show the history of the use of geometry in construction and design.
You will see how our ancestors, weavers, quilters, cabinet makers and builders used geometry for design and construction. I will mention drawings, paintings, and illustrations, including how our cell phones superimpose the rule of thirds over our snap shots.
Ask me if you have questions. Or just sign up.
I look forward to seeing you there. Jane
Smith, Laurie, The Geometrical Design of St. David’s Cathedral Nave Ceiling, A Geometer’ Perspective,
The Geometrical Design Works, 2017, printed Exeter, UK. and others.
Architect
As an architect based in Bennington, VT. and Andover, MA. I work with old houses and the families who love them.
During this time, I have worked with over 1200 houses, some modern, some 300 years old.
Historian
I am an architectural historian by accident. I found I was showing friends and clients the historic environment they lived in but did not see.
I know from my work as an architect how available materials and technology influence design and construction.
I am most interested in vernacular architecture, how we built to suit our climate and our needs using the tools and materials we had.
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Blogs
Architecture (Current Blog)
Passing By (Original Blog)
Sunday Drives (Original Blog)
Comments / Reflections
Mary said...
Thank you so much for this lovely article. This church was well loved & had at least a dozen families attending when it closed down. It is sad to see it be torn down, instead of being preserved as a community space. The one blessing is that we can finally see the beautiful architectural elements you describe, which were hidden to all of us by the drop ceiling. Lovely that the church still stands in this elemental fashion for a few more months. More
