What is SCI-Arc and why do I find their work so inspiring? From their web site:
- SCI-Arc is a world-renowned center of innovation and one of the nation's few independent architecture schools, offering undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs. We are dedicated to educating architects who will imagine and shape the future.
To begin with, I like that they are an independent school of architecture. To me this means that the very institution is continually being established by the merit of the work of their students and faculty. They cannot rely on the strengths of long entrenched work and reputation. For instance, MIT is an institution that can readily be recognized as a institution of physics and mathematics while yet having an excellent legacy in their architecture programs. I would venture to say that most people when they think of that school first recall their hard sciences program before the architecture arena. Don't get me wrong. I am truly inspired by the work that goes on there.
But in terms of the time they were both established, SCI-Arc is the young upstart on the block. SCI-Arc was established in 1972 while MIT was established in April of 1861. So SCI-Arc is not your great, great, great, great grandfather's college of architecture. It is often thought to be the most avant-garde institutionally and artistically.
Along with being dedicated to, "architects who will imagine and shape the future they are reaching into the future of how that architecture is realized", they have been on the forefront of the use of technology, experimental design and what they call, "Making and Meaning".
The technology aspect of this is very appealing to me. Most of the architects that I work with still use a drafting board. I am not downplaying this as a tool but for me I find it unproductive and limiting. More and more I use computational design and massing to design and develop my buildings. I use programs like Autodesk Revit and Dynamo to both design and draft my buildings. These tools allow me to be competitive with teams of architect on similar projects that use more traditional technologies such as Autodesk Autocad or mechanical drafting. The new wave of tools like Revit are called building information modelers. They are smart, very smart, and allow for design, engineering, construction documentation and much more within the same suite.
Beyond that they, SCI-Arc, has a valuable take on art and design. They have a dedicated YouTube Channel that is continually communicating some of the most fresh and original pieces of content on these subjects. One such piece from their channel can be seen in:
So when I need to dip into the well of creativity or need some rational to break the rules of the box form I look to their publications and videos. Along with that if I need to solve an engineering problem that we are struggling with I will take some refuge in their ability to rationalize these requirements in new ways that still meet the specifications. It sort of like the kid who was able to accomplish what a group of experienced people could not. There was a large boat that was being transported to it's point of delivery and came to a bridge with an overhang that was just a little to low. The experts conspired to come up with an answer to the stranded vessel. But in the end a simple suggestion from the kid to let some of the air out of the tires did the trick.
SCI-Arc is not my only source of inspiration or wisdom. I have received great counsel while strolling down the paths of my local State Forest. Valid inspiration can come from anywhere that you find it. I simply find that SCI-Arc reliably helps me to rise above my previous work and challenges me on to the future.
So I have to ask those of you who are out there that are artists, engineers, scientists, where do you draw inspiration from? Do you dare to think differently? What makes you think those thoughts that set your work free?
As always, I really appreciate all of my followers and the people who have shown me such great support in my work. Please take a moment and comment. I love to hear many voices and encourage my fellow Steemians to be active in discussion