Southern California Institute of Architecture, Los Angeles, USA

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

Founded in 1972, Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is a private university that teaches mainly architecture programs. It is based in Los Angeles, California. Originated by the name of New School, it was the first-ever institution known as “college without walls”. Ray Kappe was the founder of this New School and served till 1987. WASC Senior College and University Commission officially reorganized SCI-Arc.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The institution was initially located in Santa Monica from 1972 to 1992. Thereafter, until 2000 it acquired a much greater space in Marina del Rey. Later in 2001, 60,000 square foot area made by Harrison Albright was used for this institution known as Santa Fe Freight Depot situated near Downtown Los Angeles. At present the building is in the list of ‘National Register of Historic Place’. 

Southern California Institute of Architecture enrolls students for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. The institution offers B.Arch, M, Arch as well as Ph.D. courses. Popular undergraduate courses include Design Studios, Liberal Arts, History + Theory, Visual Studies, and Applied Studies
 
Accomplishments & Alumni

The institution has organized a number of public events like lectures, symposia, and exhibitions, which has attained fame. The various exhibitions which took place were related to architecture, urban planning, design, and art. Every semester the institute invites lecturers around the globe to give exposure to students. Notable alumni include Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, American architect Barbara Bestor, Mimi Zeiger, American director, cinematographer Todd Emmanuel Fisher, and Israeli artist Moses Hacmon.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

In the beginning, it had 500 students and 80 faculty members. The male-female ratio is 62% male and 38% women.  It has a very high racial diversity as students here get to learn from a range of racial groups and ethnicities. The undergraduate students consist of approximately 160 males and 100 females. About 312 international students which make 60% of SCI-Arch has a large number of international students,  international students pursue their creative passion at SCI-Arc. Top organizations where the alumni work are Gensler, SCI-Arc, Gehry Partners, LLP, CallisonRTKL, Woodbury University, Perkins and Will, HKS, Inc., and Trimble Consulting.