SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture)

[camlewy]

http://www.sciarc.edu/

SCI-Arc is a very experimental, digital, and fabricating school. If you are interested in pushing the limits and being on the edge of what digital design is doing, SCI-Arc is a good place to be. there are 2 different graduate programs. MArch 2 (2.5 years....summer thesis)_for those who have a Bachelors degree in Architecture.... and the MArch 3 (3.5 years....summer thesis)_ those who have a Bachelors degree in some other field. I have been in the MArch 2 program. during the first year you work with the same 35 students and have all of the same class. for the MArch 3 the same applies but it is for the first 2 years. The last year before thesis you get to choose your studios as well as all your other classes. Thesis is mandatory now, and takes place in your final summer. If you want to see SCI-Arc at its best, come to Thesis Week...it will be the weekend of Sept. 15th and 16th this year, in 2007.

We use a lot of Maya, Rhino, 3D Max, Etc. Gehry's Digital Project/CATIA is also being integrated much more into classes. one of the most digital schools you will find. the woodshop is one of the largest facilities in any graduate school. We have two large 4x8 CNC 3 axis milling machines. a 4x8 laser cutter, and are going to be getting a new smaller one this summer. We have one 3-d printer and will be getting 3 more this summer. Often students outsource their work to many of the Movie Fabricators in the LA area.

The school is an old Freight Depot right near downtown Los Angeles. the Student atmosphere is very good here at SCI-Arc. Everyone gets their own space. you provide your own computer. there are computers in the LABs as well which are always up to date with the newest software. Most of the Teachers all practice as well as teach. There are always gallery installations and exhibitions to take part in which are displayed in the Kappe Library and Gallery. There are also very good visiting lectures and worshops.

Tuition is at $20,000 per year. Students probably spend at least $600-$800 per semester on books and supplies.

Living costs...plan for $600/month if you are rooming with someone. 1 bedroom apartments $1200-1500 2 bedroom $1300-2000 the furthur you live from Downtown the cheaper it is. gas is usually about .20 higher here than in utah. food is probably 20% more expensive.

[rmoore]

Attach some photos if you get some spare time. Thanks.