As SCI-Arc critically imagines architectural futures, it actively engages its Los Angeles neighbors to become a more well-informed and accessible community member.
Vision
By building community partnerships based on reciprocity, sustainability, and equity, we aim to enrich the SCI-Arc collective consciousness with the insight and experience of the communities that inhabit the built environment. By honoring these principles, we hope to collaboratively imagine and design within and outside of SCI-Arc's campus with our community partners. The range of benefits of community engagement include, but are not exclusive to:
- High Impact Practices (HIPs) of Community Engagement support retention and holistic development of students through their work connecting campus and local community.
- Community engagement promotes ideals of inclusive access and success by creating a heightened sense of awareness and involvement within the area in which an institution is situated.
- Application of skills and knowledge in the field that contributes to students’ career trajectory (i.e., fulfilling NCARB requirements, mentorship, etc.).
For more information on how to get involved, please see below:
Values:
- Reciprocity: We approach partnerships with an asset-based framework wherein local communities are equally as valuable as the institution.
- Sustainability: Partnerships focus on building community between all parties for collective action on social issues that affect all in that shared community.
- Equity: Community partnerships should be pursued with the understanding of power dynamics between the institution and surrounding community members.
Main Channels for Involvement
- R*SEARCH Projects: Campus community members are welcome to partake in socially responsible projects through SCI-Arc's R*SEARCH department. Whether a lead researcher or a lab assistant, there are opportunities to work on social issues related to affordable housing, sustainable building, and more. These projects are a sustained commitment (on a case-by-case basis) during which students will interact with surrounding communities through the Urban Pasts and Futures Labs.
- Curricular Development: Faculty and students can develop community partnerships through courses that support the critical work of non-profit and grassroots organizations. Class activities may involve mentoring young people in creative contexts or supporting survey work on a future public facility.
- Pipeline Development: SCI-Arc's various outreach and recruitment programs support the minds of youth and adults that are interested in learning more about architectural thinking and design. From Pop-Arc workshops that host high school-aged students to Design Immersion Days, which gives prospective SCI-Arc students in-depth opportunities to learn the fundamentals of design while building a creative portfolio, there are multiple ways in which one can become involved.
Other channels of involvement include public programs with a community focus, service days organized by students, and more. If you have interests and/or ideas about ways to get involved with community engagement, please contact Community Engagement Coordinator Jonathan Chan by emailing jonathan_chan@sciarc.edu.