Southern California Institute of Architecture facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Southern California Institute of Architecture

Southern California Institute of Architecture
Type	Private architecture school
Established	1972
Director	Hernan Diaz 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
Website	www.sciarc.edu

The Southern California Institute of Architecture (often called SCI-Arc) is a special school in Los Angeles, California. It is a private school where students learn to become architects.

SCI-Arc started in 1972. It was known for being very creative and trying new things. It was different from older, more traditional architecture schools in the United States. Today, about 500 students go to SCI-Arc. Around 80 teachers work there, and many of them are also working architects.

The school is located in a very long building in downtown Los Angeles. This building used to be a train depot. It is in an area called the Arts District. SCI-Arc also hosts events for the public. These include free art shows and talks.

How SCI-Arc Started

SCI-Arc was founded in 1972 in Santa Monica. A group of teachers from another university started it. These teachers were Ray Kappe, Shelly Kappe, Ahde Lahti, Thom Mayne, Bill Simonian, Glen Small, and James Stafford. They were not happy with how their old school treated students and teachers. They wanted to create a new school that would be more experimental.

The school was first called the New School. It was based on the idea of a "college without walls." This meant it would be very open and flexible. It is still one of the few independent architecture schools in the world. At first, teachers and students worked together as equals. Students were encouraged to take charge of their own learning.

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

Leaders of SCI-Arc

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

The current director is Hernan Diaz Alonso. He started in September 2015. Mr. Diaz Alonso has been a teacher at SCI-Arc since 2001. He is known for helping the school use more digital tools and technology. Before becoming director, he led the school's graduate programs.

SCI-Arc used to have some financial challenges. But now, it is a strong and recognized school. In 2011, the school was able to buy its campus building. This cost $23.1 million. The goal is for SCI-Arc to keep growing while staying true to its unique spirit.

Where SCI-Arc Is Located

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.

In 2001, the school moved to its current home. This is a large building that was built in 1907. It used to be the Santa Fe Freight Depot. 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 on the National Register of Historic Places. SCI-Arc has helped the area around it become a lively Arts District. The school also works on design projects that help the local community. It has received grants to create public spaces for performances and talks.

What Students Learn at SCI-Arc

SCI-Arc offers different programs for students. These programs are officially recognized by important education groups.

Students can earn a five-year degree called a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). This is for students who are just starting their architecture studies. There are also Master of Architecture programs. The M.Arch 1 program is for students who have a bachelor's degree in any subject. The M.Arch 2 program is for students who already have an undergraduate degree in architecture.

Besides these main programs, SCI-Arc has special one-year programs. These focus on topics like new architectural technologies, designing cities, and architectural theory.

At the end of their studies, students present their final projects. These presentations are public events. Famous architects and critics from around the world come to see them. These include people like Peter Cook, Greg Lynn, and Pritzker Prize winner Thom Mayne. SCI-Arc is known for its experimental approach. Its student projects often show new ideas about the future of buildings and cities.

Public Events and Programs

SCI-Arc often hosts public programs. These include lectures, art exhibitions, and talks by teachers. These events allow the school to connect with the community.

For example, one program explored the architecture of Los Angeles and Vienna. It looked at how these two cities influenced each other over time. Six famous architects from different countries shared their ideas. These included Hitoshi Abe, Peter Cook, Eric Owen Moss, Thom Mayne, Peter Noever, and Wolf Prix.

Famous Teachers at SCI-Arc

Many talented people have taught at SCI-Arc. Here are some of them:

Famous Graduates of SCI-Arc

Many students who graduated from SCI-Arc have become well-known architects and designers. Here are some of them:

See also

In Spanish: Southern California Institute of Architecture para niños