Southern California Institute of Architecture facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Southern California Institute of Architecture

Pavillion by SCI–Arc instructor Alexis Rochas
Type	Private architecture school
Established	1972
Director	Hernán Díaz Alonso
Students	500
Location	Los Angeles , California , United States 34°02′46″N 118°14′00″W / 34.045984°N 118.233431°W / 34.045984; -118.233431
Campus	Urban

The Southern California Institute of Architecture (often called SCI-Arc) is a special school in Los Angeles, California. It's a private school focused on teaching students how to design buildings and spaces. SCI-Arc started in 1972 and was known for its new and experimental ideas about architecture.

Today, about 500 students attend SCI-Arc. Around 80 teachers work there, and many of them are also working architects. The school is located in a very long building that used to be a train depot. This building is in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. SCI-Arc also hosts public events like art shows and talks.

History of SCI-Arc

SCI-Arc was founded in 1972 in Santa Monica. A group of teachers from another university, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, started it. These teachers, including Ray Kappe and Thom Mayne, wanted to create a school that was more experimental. They felt that traditional schools didn't offer enough freedom for new ideas.

A School Without Walls

The school was first called the New School. It was based on the idea of a "college without walls." This meant it was a very open and flexible place to learn. Unlike many schools, SCI-Arc didn't have a strict hierarchy between teachers and students. Students were encouraged to take charge of their own learning.

Ray Kappe, who helped start the school, became its first director. He led SCI-Arc until 1987. He was recognized for his great work in architecture education.

Leaders of the School

After Ray Kappe, Michael Rotondi became the director. He was one of the first students at SCI-Arc. Later, Neil Denari took over in 1997. Eric Owen Moss was the director from 2002 to 2015.

The current director and CEO is Hernán Díaz Alonso. He started this role on September 1, 2015. Mr. Díaz Alonso had been a teacher at SCI-Arc since 2001. He is known for helping the school use more digital tools in architecture.

Growing and Changing

In its early days, SCI-Arc was not officially recognized by some groups. Its money situation was also a bit tricky. However, the school is now fully recognized and has a strong financial base. In 2011, SCI-Arc was able to buy its campus building. This showed how much the school had grown.

The SCI-Arc Campus

North End of SCI-Arc from Santa Fe Ave, Downtown Los Angeles

SCI-Arc Campus at the former Santa Fe Freight Depot building, view facing the institute's library.

SCI-Arc has been in three different places. From 1972 to 1992, it was in a small industrial building in Santa Monica. Then, from 1992 to 2000, it moved to a larger building in Marina del Rey.

Current Location

In 2001, SCI-Arc moved to its current home. This building is a very large, 60,000-square-foot former train depot. It was built in 1907 and designed by Harrison Albright. The building is on the eastern side of Downtown Los Angeles. When SCI-Arc moved in, it was mostly an empty concrete shell.

Today, this building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SCI-Arc has helped make the area around it a lively part of the city's Arts District. The school also works on design projects that help people in the community. It has received grants to create public spaces for performances and talks.

What Students Learn

SCI-Arc offers different types of degrees for students. These programs are officially recognized by important groups like the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): This is a five-year program for students who want to become architects.
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch 1): This three-year program is for students who have a bachelor's degree in any subject.
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch 2): This two-year program is for students who already have an undergraduate degree in architecture.

Advanced Studies

Besides these main degrees, SCI-Arc also has four special one-year programs. These are for students who want to study even more deeply. They can focus on things like new building technologies, designing cities, or the ideas behind architecture.

At the end of their studies, students present their final projects. These projects are called "thesis projects." Famous architects and critics from all over the world come to see them. SCI-Arc is known for being a place where designers imagine the future of buildings.

Public Events

SCI-Arc often holds public events that are open to everyone. These events help connect the school with the community.

Exhibitions and Talks

One recent event was an exhibition called "LA in Wien/Wien in LA." It explored how the architecture of Los Angeles and Vienna has influenced each other. This event brought together famous architects from different countries. They shared their ideas and experiences.

SCI-Arc's public programs include many different activities. There are lectures, art shows, and talks by teachers. These events give people a chance to learn about architecture and interact with the school.

Notable People at SCI-Arc

Many talented people have taught or studied at SCI-Arc.

Notable Faculty

The following people have been teachers at SCI-Arc:

Notable Alumni

These are some of the people who have studied at SCI-Arc:

See also

In Spanish: Southern California Institute of Architecture para niños