For updated information regarding tuition and program specific cost estimates, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@sciarc.edu or 213.356.5320.
printMAKING + MEANING
The Foundation Program in Architecture
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Alexis Rochas, Program Coordinator
SCI-Arc's Foundation Program in Architecture addresses a broad range of educational needs, catering to anyone with an interest in Architecture and providing a head-start for students preparing an application for, or about to embark upon, a degree in Architecture or other design-related fields. The curriculum continuously evolves to incorporate the latest developments in materials and fabrication technologies.
Program dates
The Making + Meaning Program runs for five weeks during the summer, beginning July 20, 2009 and ending August 21, 2009.
Admission & notification
Admission for Making + Meaning is on a rolling basis until the end of June. Early application is recommended to secure enrollment in the program.
The program
Students learn about the language of Architecture, develop a design process and hone representational and model-making skills in a studio atmosphere that fosters creativity, innovative thinking and a flexible design process. Construction and model-making are introduced early on as means with which to visualize and test three-dimensional ideas. Throughout these explorations, students learn to balance initial intuitive responses with the need to clearly present their work to a jury.
Faculty
Alexis Rochas, SCI-Arc faculty member and architect, directs Making + Meaning, with other SCI-Arc faculty members and graduate students teaching different aspects of the program at a ratio of 1:12. The course also includes guest lectures by faculty from other departments, as well as by professionals from outside the school.
Office visits / Field trips
Office visits and field trips include many top offices and architectural sites in Los Angeles.
Visual Studies Laboratory
In the Visual Studies Laboratory, every weekday morning from 9am to 12pm, students explore a range of modes of representation, from gestural and figure drawing to image transfer and computer drawing. Students learn to use tools of representation as means of investigating visual ideas and to find a balance between manual and digital tools of representation.
Design Laboratory
The Design Laboratory, the focus of the Making + Meaning program, meets every weekday afternoon from 1 to 6pm. Students are exposed to various design strategies while experimenting with, and exploring, the properties of different materials. Week-long assignments are presented in final reviews at the end of the week, culminating in a final review. Notable Los Angeles architects and jurors critique and contribute to the dialogue of the design process at various times during the course of the program.
Architecture in LA
The Making + Meaning program includes visits to a selection of exciting and innovative architecture, both historic and contemporary, that Los Angeles has to offer. Field trips also include visits to manufacturers, allowing students to gain further insight into materials discussed during the course of the program.
Los Angeles is the center of the movie industry, and as such, offers an ideal base from which to explore new fabrication techniques employed by the film industry.
Exhibition and portfolio
Students produce an exhibition for public viewing and review at the end of the program. Faculty and teaching assistants are available for advice, critique and counseling on the development of a portfolio for application to Architecture school.
Certificate of participation and recommendation for professional studies
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of participation. This certificate describes the program and can be helpful in the pursuit of a professional degree in Architecture. For questions please contact the Admissions Office: 213.356.5320 or admissions@sciarc.edu
All applications to M + M must include the following materials:
– Completed application form
– $25 application fee
– Statement of interest
(one-page)
– Two samples of creative work. Submissions must be printed, and must not exceed 8.5 x 11 inches. Send only reproductions of your work.
– Resume or curriculum vitae (if available)
Download Application
– Completed application form
– $25 application fee
– Statement of interest
(one-page)
– Two samples of creative work. Submissions must be printed, and must not exceed 8.5 x 11 inches. Send only reproductions of your work.
– Resume or curriculum vitae (if available)
Download Application