Architecture Class Explores Hudson

Millbrook’s architecture class—a feature of our new Interdisciplinary Studies Department—has been busy learning about American architectural styles this semester, studying and sketching Georgian, Greek Revival, and Colonial Revival elements found in Prum Hall, the Barn, and Pulling House. Last week, they expanded their studies beyond campus during a field trip to Hudson, New York, where they focused on the Victorian architecture so prevalent there.

The goal of the project, according to instructor Sarah MacWright, was to complete field drawings and identify the various Victorian forms present in a randomly assigned house. Referencing their textbook, A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia McAlester, students made arguments for which forms they found. For example, Ms. MacWright said, an Italianate house might have a Second Empire mansard roof.

“Going to Hudson for my architecture class was truly a hands-on experience, as Hudson has great examples of building types we’ve been learning about in class,” noted Charlotte Withers-Clarke ’27. The VIth former explained that the project began with a warmup drawing and group walk around Hudson looking at examples of Italianate, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne architecture before they began working on their final sketches.

Charlotte and her classmates embraced the challenge, relishing the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life scenario. “This whole experience really brought what we learned in the classroom out into the real world and strengthened our knowledge about different types of architecture,” she explained.

The Hudson Valley is brimming with culture and history, and Millbrook’s faculty make the most of local learning opportunities with regular field trips. Of course, the rich resources of New York City are also a quick train ride from campus. Ms. MacWright recently took her Honors Photography class to the Met, and you can check out some photos and videos from their experience on Instagram:

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