Fall 2019
WUHO Gallery
February 2019 – For the second year, East Los Angeles College, Department of Architecture participated in a 2 week Community College Architecture Program Exhibition at the Woodbury University WUHO Gallery in Hollywood, Ca. This year our theme was “I’m here,” which is a developing brand that illustrates the reasons students choose ELAC as a step towards a professional career.
LA|AIA 2x8 Scholarship Program & Exhibition
East Los Angeles College Department of Architecture participated in this years event with 2 student projects; Emilio Bustos with his project titled “La Serpiente” along with Gustavo Gomez with his project titled “LIL-Boyle Heights”. Approximately 10 University programs participate in this “Judged” Exhibit and Scholarship program. This year, ELAC, once again received Honorable Mention along with a cash prize of $250.00.
Chester & Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarship
Established in 2017 by Chet Widom, FAIA and wife Diana Widom, the Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarship, in honor of Paul W. Welch, provides scholarship opportunities to community college students from California to pursue their architectural education.
The award of $3,500 is to help offset the costs of higher education in architecture and design. Awards can be used for qualified tuition and related expenses and/or to otherwise improve or enhance ones capacity, skill or talent in the field of architecture.
The inaugural year winners were our very own ELAC students:
High School Architecture Pathway Dual Enrollment
Our department has successfully expanded our outreach efforts to include three high schools: Los Angeles Woodrow Wilson High School, Bernstein High School/ Hollywood STEM, and Bell Gardens High School. Adjunct Faculty Jesus Abril, Jr., Omar Ureta, and Emilio Pulido have completed another semester of our dual enrollment program, teaching Arc 121, Arc 160, and Arc 162 giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credit and achieve skills certificates. Already in its third semester, Bell Gardens High School students are one class away from earning their first skills certificate and being one step closer on their pathway towards architecture at ELAC. Bernstein High School/ Hollywood STEM has completed its second autocad course, while Wilson High School wrapped up its first course offering.
The USC School of Architecture partnered with the ELAC Department of Architecture to embed 2 Architecture Grad Students into each of our 3 High School Courses to assist in student contact as well expand knowledge of the University Architectural program experience. This added to the unique teaching delivery and highlights the expanded relationships our program has with Universities.
NOMA
Networking with a USC School of Architecture Grad Student Mentee, Joshua Foster (Graduated this Spring with his M-Arch), ELAC was connected with the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Recognizing a similar mission to present the profession of Architecture to underserved populations, a natural partnership has been formed. This year, the 10th Anniversary of the SoCAL NOMA “Project Pipeline” Summer Camp will be held on the ELAC campus in the Department of Architecture during 3 Saturdays in July with project presentations the first Saturday of August. The camp is open to middle & high school students ages 10 to 17. Previous camps have netted nearly 250 campers over the 4-weekend schedule. The goal is surpass those numbers. In addition, Camp NOMA has a goal is to raise $100,000.00 to benefit the intercity youth interested in the academic pursuit of Architecture.
Announcements
ELAC Department of Architecture has hired Chester (Chet) Widom, FAIA as an Adjunct Professor. The highly decorated long time Architect, former State Architect and former Advisor to the Architecture Program at ELAC, taught his first course this past spring 2019. Chet taught Arc 115 –Architecture Professional Practice. This is not Chet’s first time in the classroom as he has taught Professional Practice at the USC School of Architecture. Teaching a similar course at the different collegiate levels was an interesting challenge. Of course, we are looking to have Chet teach more courses in the coming Semesters.
To qualify for the award, we provided a brief overview of your academic program. The % of graduates placed in architecture programs, including the total number of students accepted to accredited architecture programs, and a list of which 4-yr. programs they attended and over the past 2 years. Lastly, a summary of the diversity of your faculty and demographics of our students. Based on those criteria, ELAC won the two-year grant!
Architecture Club
The ELAC Architecture Club had yet again a very successful and productive year. Under the leadership of Mayra Flores, President, Evaristo Hernandez, Vice President and in partnership with the ASEA (American Society of Engineers of Architects) annual events, we successfully participated in and garnered our share of ASEA sponsored competition awards. The following are among the scheduled club events this past year calendar year:
The Gen3 Entertainment Design Competition
The Gen3 Entertainment Arts and On-Track Themes Design Competition and Student Awards are intended to honor students who set out to accomplish two things:
Retail-Tainment is the concept of adding entertainment and experiences to the retail mix. The trend started a number of years ago but has accelerated as retailers, shopping centers and malls are in need of new ways to remake themselves, attract new consumers and boost foot traffic. The winners of the competition, Misako Akabori, Meiling Yang and Pengyan Wu presented their projects to Kevin Suh, Executive Vice President Themed Entertainment at Paramount Pictures Corporation and Dave Rossi, Project/Brand Manager at Paramount Pictures Studio. Also present were Mark Thomas, President of On Track Themes, Josh Stern, Technical Director at On Track Themes, and Erika Kulbach, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Electrosonic Inc. After the lunch presentation, Dave Rossi gave us a private tour of the studios. Congratulations again to Misako, Meiling and Pengyan for your hard work. No Community College had done such a presentation before and you represented our Department of Architecture at ELAC with excellence.
Mexico City
East Los Angles College has been busy developing a new “Center for Global Education”. With connections in Asia (China), Europe (Netherlands) and Latin America (Mexico City), the College is expanding it’s opportunities to students and exchanging with students from all parts of the world. This past January, East Los Angeles College sent an exclusive group of 7 Academics and 3 Administrators to Mexico City to meet with a number of Universities and the Mexican Government to develop academic relationships. D. Michael Hamner, FAIA and the Department of Architecture were invited to meet with the various Universities to seek reciprocal relationships.
The Architecture program has begun serious discussions with one particular public University, La Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM). We toured the School of Architecture with UAM and found many similarities in curriculum delivery and outcomes. The College and University are currently in discussions with a joint project delivery or exchange program.
In addition, the Architecture program was able to make an exclusive presentation with the Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Secretario de Relaciones Exteriores). The presentation of Housing strategies was well received and continued dialogue has been requested. It is the goal to begin academic exchange by Spring 2020
February 2019 – For the second year, East Los Angeles College, Department of Architecture participated in a 2 week Community College Architecture Program Exhibition at the Woodbury University WUHO Gallery in Hollywood, Ca. This year our theme was “I’m here,” which is a developing brand that illustrates the reasons students choose ELAC as a step towards a professional career.
LA|AIA 2x8 Scholarship Program & Exhibition
East Los Angeles College Department of Architecture participated in this years event with 2 student projects; Emilio Bustos with his project titled “La Serpiente” along with Gustavo Gomez with his project titled “LIL-Boyle Heights”. Approximately 10 University programs participate in this “Judged” Exhibit and Scholarship program. This year, ELAC, once again received Honorable Mention along with a cash prize of $250.00.
Chester & Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarship
Established in 2017 by Chet Widom, FAIA and wife Diana Widom, the Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarship, in honor of Paul W. Welch, provides scholarship opportunities to community college students from California to pursue their architectural education.
The award of $3,500 is to help offset the costs of higher education in architecture and design. Awards can be used for qualified tuition and related expenses and/or to otherwise improve or enhance ones capacity, skill or talent in the field of architecture.
The inaugural year winners were our very own ELAC students:
- Monica Shenouda (Cal Poly Pomona transfer)
- Edwin Reyes (Woodbury University transfer)
High School Architecture Pathway Dual Enrollment
Our department has successfully expanded our outreach efforts to include three high schools: Los Angeles Woodrow Wilson High School, Bernstein High School/ Hollywood STEM, and Bell Gardens High School. Adjunct Faculty Jesus Abril, Jr., Omar Ureta, and Emilio Pulido have completed another semester of our dual enrollment program, teaching Arc 121, Arc 160, and Arc 162 giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credit and achieve skills certificates. Already in its third semester, Bell Gardens High School students are one class away from earning their first skills certificate and being one step closer on their pathway towards architecture at ELAC. Bernstein High School/ Hollywood STEM has completed its second autocad course, while Wilson High School wrapped up its first course offering.
The USC School of Architecture partnered with the ELAC Department of Architecture to embed 2 Architecture Grad Students into each of our 3 High School Courses to assist in student contact as well expand knowledge of the University Architectural program experience. This added to the unique teaching delivery and highlights the expanded relationships our program has with Universities.
NOMA
Networking with a USC School of Architecture Grad Student Mentee, Joshua Foster (Graduated this Spring with his M-Arch), ELAC was connected with the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Recognizing a similar mission to present the profession of Architecture to underserved populations, a natural partnership has been formed. This year, the 10th Anniversary of the SoCAL NOMA “Project Pipeline” Summer Camp will be held on the ELAC campus in the Department of Architecture during 3 Saturdays in July with project presentations the first Saturday of August. The camp is open to middle & high school students ages 10 to 17. Previous camps have netted nearly 250 campers over the 4-weekend schedule. The goal is surpass those numbers. In addition, Camp NOMA has a goal is to raise $100,000.00 to benefit the intercity youth interested in the academic pursuit of Architecture.
Announcements
ELAC Department of Architecture has hired Chester (Chet) Widom, FAIA as an Adjunct Professor. The highly decorated long time Architect, former State Architect and former Advisor to the Architecture Program at ELAC, taught his first course this past spring 2019. Chet taught Arc 115 –Architecture Professional Practice. This is not Chet’s first time in the classroom as he has taught Professional Practice at the USC School of Architecture. Teaching a similar course at the different collegiate levels was an interesting challenge. Of course, we are looking to have Chet teach more courses in the coming Semesters.
- Bill Simonian is no stranger to both the practical world of Architecture or to the academic world. Perhaps more well known as one of founding members of SCI-Arc, Bill has been involved in Academia since the late 1960’s as both a professor and more so as Counselor and Advisor. Bill has been an Advisor of the Department of Architecture for a number of years. He also donates his time with various Studios to sit on reviews, but more importantly assist with the day-to-day studios. This past academic year, Bill offered to volunteer his time once a week to meet with students to offer personal and academic advice to our students. In addition, he has developed some analytics to assist us with understanding student skills, capabilities and needs. This is beginning to assist us in curriculum development and maintenance.
- This past January, ELAC, along with other Community Colleges in the State of California with Architecture programs received an invitation from the “HMC Designing Futures Foundation” (DFF) founded by HMC Architects in 2009. The foundation's mission is to build a better world by awarding grants in architecture/design, education (STEM & STEAM), environmental sustainability, health and human services, and disaster relief/resiliency.
To qualify for the award, we provided a brief overview of your academic program. The % of graduates placed in architecture programs, including the total number of students accepted to accredited architecture programs, and a list of which 4-yr. programs they attended and over the past 2 years. Lastly, a summary of the diversity of your faculty and demographics of our students. Based on those criteria, ELAC won the two-year grant!
Architecture Club
The ELAC Architecture Club had yet again a very successful and productive year. Under the leadership of Mayra Flores, President, Evaristo Hernandez, Vice President and in partnership with the ASEA (American Society of Engineers of Architects) annual events, we successfully participated in and garnered our share of ASEA sponsored competition awards. The following are among the scheduled club events this past year calendar year:
- ASEA Toothpick contest:
- Team of: Mayra Flores, Monica Shenouda, Evaristo Hernandez and Felix Lam
- Received:
- 1st Place team award for "BEST DESIGN"
- 3rd Place team award for "STRUCTURAL STRENGTH"
- Sandcastle contest:
- Team of: Mayra Flores, Evaristo Hernandez, Salvador Cardoso, Elijah Christenson
- Received:
- 1st Place team award for "BEST DESIGN"
- ASEA Project Design Competition:
- 2nd Place Award - Emilio Bustos
- 3rd Place Award - Gustavo Gomez
- Honorable Mention - Mayra Flores
The Gen3 Entertainment Design Competition
The Gen3 Entertainment Arts and On-Track Themes Design Competition and Student Awards are intended to honor students who set out to accomplish two things:
- Solve a design challenge using Computer Aided Design as both a conceptual tool and a visualization tool, and
- Illustrate the unique nexus between 3D modeling as a key design process and the extensive possibilities that digital tools offer for enriching that process.
Retail-Tainment is the concept of adding entertainment and experiences to the retail mix. The trend started a number of years ago but has accelerated as retailers, shopping centers and malls are in need of new ways to remake themselves, attract new consumers and boost foot traffic. The winners of the competition, Misako Akabori, Meiling Yang and Pengyan Wu presented their projects to Kevin Suh, Executive Vice President Themed Entertainment at Paramount Pictures Corporation and Dave Rossi, Project/Brand Manager at Paramount Pictures Studio. Also present were Mark Thomas, President of On Track Themes, Josh Stern, Technical Director at On Track Themes, and Erika Kulbach, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Electrosonic Inc. After the lunch presentation, Dave Rossi gave us a private tour of the studios. Congratulations again to Misako, Meiling and Pengyan for your hard work. No Community College had done such a presentation before and you represented our Department of Architecture at ELAC with excellence.
Mexico City
East Los Angles College has been busy developing a new “Center for Global Education”. With connections in Asia (China), Europe (Netherlands) and Latin America (Mexico City), the College is expanding it’s opportunities to students and exchanging with students from all parts of the world. This past January, East Los Angeles College sent an exclusive group of 7 Academics and 3 Administrators to Mexico City to meet with a number of Universities and the Mexican Government to develop academic relationships. D. Michael Hamner, FAIA and the Department of Architecture were invited to meet with the various Universities to seek reciprocal relationships.
The Architecture program has begun serious discussions with one particular public University, La Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM). We toured the School of Architecture with UAM and found many similarities in curriculum delivery and outcomes. The College and University are currently in discussions with a joint project delivery or exchange program.
In addition, the Architecture program was able to make an exclusive presentation with the Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Secretario de Relaciones Exteriores). The presentation of Housing strategies was well received and continued dialogue has been requested. It is the goal to begin academic exchange by Spring 2020
Spring 2018
Start Date:
Fall semester starts Monday, February 5, 2018.
If you are interested in taking a class, make sure you sure you enroll as soon as possible as classes are filling very quickly.
Fall semester starts Monday, February 5, 2018.
If you are interested in taking a class, make sure you sure you enroll as soon as possible as classes are filling very quickly.
Fall 2017
Start Date:
Fall semester starts Monday, August 28, 2017.
If you are interested in taking a class, make sure you sure you enroll as soon as possible as classes are filling very quickly.
Fall semester starts Monday, August 28, 2017.
If you are interested in taking a class, make sure you sure you enroll as soon as possible as classes are filling very quickly.
Summer 2017
Several classes are offered this session:
- ARC 264 - 3D Modeling for Designers using SketchUp and Rhino 3D - June 12 to July 14 - Five weeks
- ARC 110 - Introduction to Architecture - June 12 to July 14 - Five weeks
- ENC 121 - Freehand Drawing - June 12 to July 28 - Seven weeks
Spring 2017
Start Date:
Spring semester starts February 8, 2017.
Lectures:
As in the past years, several lectures will be offered. Check the Lectures link for the Spring schedule.
Club Meetings:
The Architecture Club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
The ELAC USGBC Chapter meetings will be help on Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
Check the Club Facebook page for more information on meetings and activities.
Habitat for Humanity:
May 6, 2017 the ELAC-USGBC Chapter Club and the Architecture Club participated again this year in an Habitat for Humanity project. The project was in Compton .
Bertha Mendoza, President of the ELAC-USGBC Chapter Club, was very happy about the students participation. "It felt good to be able to do help people in need" she said. In fact, the Clubs are planning to help again in June after the finals are over.
The Department of Architecture is proud to have their two Clubs participate in such endeavors each year.
Competitions:
The Toothpick Competition was held at Citrus college.
Two ELAC teams participated: Team 1 with Fernando Sandoval, Thomas Ramirez, and Lucy Su; and Team 2 with Isabel Rodriguez and Jesus Montes.
The competition was to design a bridge to be judged on:
- strength (by adding weights on its center top)
- aesthetic.
Team 2 won both the aesthetic and strength categories. Team 2 was told that winning both categories is rare. Congratulations Team 2 and a big thank you to both teams for representing ELAC.
Design Village Competition - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The competition was held for three days and two nights.
The ELAC team was was composed of Daniel Mendez, Jesus Montes, Isabel Rodriguez, Moises Torres, and Chuck Kit Sin.
The theme was "Essence and Architecture" where the students had to design a structure that is relevant to the theme of Essence.
Architecture Club Adviser and Professor James Kawahara, AIA, meet with the team every week before the competition to follow the team progresses.
“We began designing by using hexagons as a mentor for the project. Similar to fog, it can be manipulated and moved. Taking fog as our starting point, we used the shape of six equal sides as the basis to our design. We incorporated 12 main hexagons. The smaller hexagon represents the entrance of white light to our interior space, and the larger hexagon represents the refraction of the mist. To complete our structure, we incorporated bracing, and custom brackets. We used primary colors blue and white as our skin through the usage of the weather proof black out fabric. The fabric will protect us from rain and heavy winds, while the fabric allowed diffused light to enter and allowed the structure to breath. The ability to move freely around the site gave us the opportunity to interact with different structures” explained Team Leader Daniel Mendez.
Even though the team did not win, they received a lot of accolades from other participants wondering why the ELAC team did not win as the project was so well designed.
Thank you to all the participating students and Professor Kawahara for all their efforts.
Facebook:
Check our two Facebook pages for last minute news and links to interesting articles selected by faculty.
Spring semester starts February 8, 2017.
Lectures:
As in the past years, several lectures will be offered. Check the Lectures link for the Spring schedule.
Club Meetings:
The Architecture Club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
The ELAC USGBC Chapter meetings will be help on Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
Check the Club Facebook page for more information on meetings and activities.
Habitat for Humanity:
May 6, 2017 the ELAC-USGBC Chapter Club and the Architecture Club participated again this year in an Habitat for Humanity project. The project was in Compton .
Bertha Mendoza, President of the ELAC-USGBC Chapter Club, was very happy about the students participation. "It felt good to be able to do help people in need" she said. In fact, the Clubs are planning to help again in June after the finals are over.
The Department of Architecture is proud to have their two Clubs participate in such endeavors each year.
Competitions:
The Toothpick Competition was held at Citrus college.
Two ELAC teams participated: Team 1 with Fernando Sandoval, Thomas Ramirez, and Lucy Su; and Team 2 with Isabel Rodriguez and Jesus Montes.
The competition was to design a bridge to be judged on:
- strength (by adding weights on its center top)
- aesthetic.
Team 2 won both the aesthetic and strength categories. Team 2 was told that winning both categories is rare. Congratulations Team 2 and a big thank you to both teams for representing ELAC.
Design Village Competition - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The competition was held for three days and two nights.
The ELAC team was was composed of Daniel Mendez, Jesus Montes, Isabel Rodriguez, Moises Torres, and Chuck Kit Sin.
The theme was "Essence and Architecture" where the students had to design a structure that is relevant to the theme of Essence.
Architecture Club Adviser and Professor James Kawahara, AIA, meet with the team every week before the competition to follow the team progresses.
“We began designing by using hexagons as a mentor for the project. Similar to fog, it can be manipulated and moved. Taking fog as our starting point, we used the shape of six equal sides as the basis to our design. We incorporated 12 main hexagons. The smaller hexagon represents the entrance of white light to our interior space, and the larger hexagon represents the refraction of the mist. To complete our structure, we incorporated bracing, and custom brackets. We used primary colors blue and white as our skin through the usage of the weather proof black out fabric. The fabric will protect us from rain and heavy winds, while the fabric allowed diffused light to enter and allowed the structure to breath. The ability to move freely around the site gave us the opportunity to interact with different structures” explained Team Leader Daniel Mendez.
Even though the team did not win, they received a lot of accolades from other participants wondering why the ELAC team did not win as the project was so well designed.
Thank you to all the participating students and Professor Kawahara for all their efforts.
Facebook:
Check our two Facebook pages for last minute news and links to interesting articles selected by faculty.
Michael D. Hamner, Professor and Chair, FAIA
Congratulations to Michael D. Hamner who is now a Fellow AIA!
American Institute of Architects Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.
The prestige of FAIA is unparalleled and the judging is rigorous. Only architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.
American Institute of Architects Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.
The prestige of FAIA is unparalleled and the judging is rigorous. Only architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.
Winter 2017
One class is offered this session:
- ARC 161 - Introduction to Computer Aided Design - January 2 through February 2
- Co-requisite: ARC 180 - Computer Aided Design Lab
Fall 2016
Start Date:
Fall semester starts August 29, 2016.
Lectures:
As in the past years, several lectures will be offered. Check the Lectures link for the current schedule.
Club Meetings:
The Architecture Club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
The ELAC USGBC Chapter meetings will be help on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
Facebook:
Check our two Facebook pages for last minute news.
Fall semester starts August 29, 2016.
Lectures:
As in the past years, several lectures will be offered. Check the Lectures link for the current schedule.
Club Meetings:
The Architecture Club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
The ELAC USGBC Chapter meetings will be help on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Drafting Room.
Facebook:
Check our two Facebook pages for last minute news.
Spring 2015 - University Transfers
We are very proud to announce that about forty of our students are transferring this year!
To USC, Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, UC Davis, The NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Woodbury University...
Alumni News
For the past six years we have transferred over 100 students to programs all around the country. During that time, 42 graduated with their first professional undergraduate degree and we estimate that about 58 students are now on the path to graduate in the coming years. This year, 14 former ELAC students graduated from universities from around the country and six students will graduate from USC in spring 2016.
Omar Ureta, one of our students who transferred to Woodbury University (B-Arch '13 and Masters of Science in Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism '14) was recently interviewed by Wired Magazine in an article labeled, “Mapping the History of L.A.’s Notorious Sprawl” (http://www.wired.com/2015/06/los-angeles-building-ages-map/). The article describes an innovative “Interactive Map” telling the stories and history of the development of Los Angeles. Omar, while working on his thesis at Woodbury, created “Built:LA”. He hopes the Mapping program will grow with information and data that can be used across multiple disciplines.
Alumni Jurors
With what has become a tradition, former transfer students come back on a regular to assist our current students. They participate in design juries, lecture, answer design questions, provide critique and advice… They also share their experiences at the university level. They are mostly from USC, Woodbury University and Cal Poly Pomona.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Design Village 2015
For the first time since the late 1970’s the annual Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Design Village Competition was included in the curriculum for the Architectural Design 201 class. The class was unusually large this semester with 26 students. Each student submitted his/her own design project proposal and the department faculty selected one project to be built for the competition. The project selected was designed by Tak Kin Szeto and a model was built with the help from a team of classmates.
There was another entry from that class where the project was designed by Shanshan Bian and her team built a model as well.
A team formed by students who were not in that class but are done with the program and are now transferring to universities decided to take on the challenge of the Design Village. Their hard work was rewarded in bringing home the Most Habitable Design Award. Congratulation Thomas Gin Jr., Ivan Hu, Saul Navarro, Eddie Ramirez, and Matthew Rivera!
We are very proud to announce that about forty of our students are transferring this year!
To USC, Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, UC Davis, The NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Woodbury University...
Alumni News
For the past six years we have transferred over 100 students to programs all around the country. During that time, 42 graduated with their first professional undergraduate degree and we estimate that about 58 students are now on the path to graduate in the coming years. This year, 14 former ELAC students graduated from universities from around the country and six students will graduate from USC in spring 2016.
Omar Ureta, one of our students who transferred to Woodbury University (B-Arch '13 and Masters of Science in Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism '14) was recently interviewed by Wired Magazine in an article labeled, “Mapping the History of L.A.’s Notorious Sprawl” (http://www.wired.com/2015/06/los-angeles-building-ages-map/). The article describes an innovative “Interactive Map” telling the stories and history of the development of Los Angeles. Omar, while working on his thesis at Woodbury, created “Built:LA”. He hopes the Mapping program will grow with information and data that can be used across multiple disciplines.
Alumni Jurors
With what has become a tradition, former transfer students come back on a regular to assist our current students. They participate in design juries, lecture, answer design questions, provide critique and advice… They also share their experiences at the university level. They are mostly from USC, Woodbury University and Cal Poly Pomona.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Design Village 2015
For the first time since the late 1970’s the annual Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Design Village Competition was included in the curriculum for the Architectural Design 201 class. The class was unusually large this semester with 26 students. Each student submitted his/her own design project proposal and the department faculty selected one project to be built for the competition. The project selected was designed by Tak Kin Szeto and a model was built with the help from a team of classmates.
There was another entry from that class where the project was designed by Shanshan Bian and her team built a model as well.
A team formed by students who were not in that class but are done with the program and are now transferring to universities decided to take on the challenge of the Design Village. Their hard work was rewarded in bringing home the Most Habitable Design Award. Congratulation Thomas Gin Jr., Ivan Hu, Saul Navarro, Eddie Ramirez, and Matthew Rivera!
Tak Kin Szeto Team
|
Shanshan Bian Team
|
The Winning Team
|
New Articulations
We are excited to announce that we have new articulations with SCI-Arc and the NewSchool of Architecture and Design.
Outreach
With many students feeding into our program from local schools, we believe in the importance of reaching to our surrounding community. This year, some of our faculty and students have had the opportunity to present the foundations of the profession of Architect to several schools. The key to these presentations was to identify the opportunities that ELAC, and specifically our department, provide to prepare new students to enter the profession of architect. Professor Alexis Navarro reached out to Mark Keppel High School, Professor Michael Hamner to Schurr High School, Montebello High School, and Macy Intermediate, and students John Estrada and Ivan Hu to Stevenson Middle School.
Lecture Series
Since fall 2013 and in keeping its students engaged with the current discourse of their field, the Department of Architecture has been organizing the Lecture Series. The lecture series are planned by Associate Professor Orhan Ayyuce, AIA.
These lectures are attended by architecture students, faculty, interested guests from other schools, and the community. They are designed to be a vehicle for our students to learn about their field of study, see everyday examples of inspirational architecture, find out about the various ways of working in architecture and meet practicing architects for possible internships and job opportunities. They also help building bridges with the universities where most of our students transfer. Among our guest lecturers are chairs and professors from Cal Poly Pomona, SCI-Arc, USC School of Architecture, Woodbury University and other higher learning institutions.
Through the private and institutional sponsors, the Department of Architecture will continue the Lecture Series and expand its community outreach by publicizing it through the architecture media. The lectures are usually on Friday nights at 7:30 at the Vincent Price Museum Art Lecture Hall or in the Department of Architecture studio room.
The lectures are free and open to the public.
Fabrication and Technology
Since the opening of the model shop and the continuous addition of new fabrication tools (3D printer, laser cutter, CNC machine), students have been able to explore new model making tools and in the process have taken their design presentations to new levels.
Europe Architecture Student Tour and a “For Credit Class”
This winter a group of 12 Architecture students traveled to Italy with Professor Navarro to experience the significant architecture and environments that are often referred to in their studies. This is the eighth trip and countries in the past have included France, Spain and Greece.
The department first embarked on this educational opportunity with five students. Close to one hundred students have now spent two weeks exploring great European capitals and their significant architecture. The opportunity to travel abroad has produced evident benefits for expanding the vision of possibilities as students return to ELAC with a greater enthusiasm and confidence that if they can "go to Europe, they can go anywhere".
The next phase of this educational experience is being developed for January 2016. The goal is to create a freehand drawing class for credit in which students will spend two weeks in Europe and three weeks at ELAC completing the course.
ELAC USGBC Chapter
The ELAC USGBC Chapter organized several very successful events this year. Among them, the chapter participated in the Green Apple Day of Service which is a day where parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations come together to transform all schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments through local service projects. The event planned by our Chapter took place at Robert Hill Lane Elementary School, located on minutes away from East Los Angeles College. The day was kicked off with a presentation on the fundamentals of sustainability, recycling, renewable resources, alternative energy, water conservation, and native plants. The day was capped with a hands-on project to drive home the point of sustainability. The project was to take a plastic bottle and “up-cycle” it into a self-watering planter for a California native plant. In this way every student could participate, hands-on, in the process of being sustainable by creating something that encompassed the important lessons discussed throughout the day.
Another very important event was the participation of the chapter in the World Habitat Day. “World Habitat Day is the one day set aside annually to recognize the basic right of all humanity to adequate shelter, and to encourage grassroots action toward ending poverty housing.” ELAC USGBC Chapter decided that for that event they would participate, hands-on, in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity single family home located in Lynnwood, California. Fourteen of our students participated and had a hands-on experience in the construction of a single family home located in Lynnwood, California.
Finally, the Chapter organized several study groups for the Green Associate exam and several of our students are ready to take the exam this summer.
Roberto Gomez is the President of the Chapter and Professor Patricia Combes-Brighton is the Advisor for the Chapter.
We are excited to announce that we have new articulations with SCI-Arc and the NewSchool of Architecture and Design.
Outreach
With many students feeding into our program from local schools, we believe in the importance of reaching to our surrounding community. This year, some of our faculty and students have had the opportunity to present the foundations of the profession of Architect to several schools. The key to these presentations was to identify the opportunities that ELAC, and specifically our department, provide to prepare new students to enter the profession of architect. Professor Alexis Navarro reached out to Mark Keppel High School, Professor Michael Hamner to Schurr High School, Montebello High School, and Macy Intermediate, and students John Estrada and Ivan Hu to Stevenson Middle School.
Lecture Series
Since fall 2013 and in keeping its students engaged with the current discourse of their field, the Department of Architecture has been organizing the Lecture Series. The lecture series are planned by Associate Professor Orhan Ayyuce, AIA.
These lectures are attended by architecture students, faculty, interested guests from other schools, and the community. They are designed to be a vehicle for our students to learn about their field of study, see everyday examples of inspirational architecture, find out about the various ways of working in architecture and meet practicing architects for possible internships and job opportunities. They also help building bridges with the universities where most of our students transfer. Among our guest lecturers are chairs and professors from Cal Poly Pomona, SCI-Arc, USC School of Architecture, Woodbury University and other higher learning institutions.
Through the private and institutional sponsors, the Department of Architecture will continue the Lecture Series and expand its community outreach by publicizing it through the architecture media. The lectures are usually on Friday nights at 7:30 at the Vincent Price Museum Art Lecture Hall or in the Department of Architecture studio room.
The lectures are free and open to the public.
Fabrication and Technology
Since the opening of the model shop and the continuous addition of new fabrication tools (3D printer, laser cutter, CNC machine), students have been able to explore new model making tools and in the process have taken their design presentations to new levels.
Europe Architecture Student Tour and a “For Credit Class”
This winter a group of 12 Architecture students traveled to Italy with Professor Navarro to experience the significant architecture and environments that are often referred to in their studies. This is the eighth trip and countries in the past have included France, Spain and Greece.
The department first embarked on this educational opportunity with five students. Close to one hundred students have now spent two weeks exploring great European capitals and their significant architecture. The opportunity to travel abroad has produced evident benefits for expanding the vision of possibilities as students return to ELAC with a greater enthusiasm and confidence that if they can "go to Europe, they can go anywhere".
The next phase of this educational experience is being developed for January 2016. The goal is to create a freehand drawing class for credit in which students will spend two weeks in Europe and three weeks at ELAC completing the course.
ELAC USGBC Chapter
The ELAC USGBC Chapter organized several very successful events this year. Among them, the chapter participated in the Green Apple Day of Service which is a day where parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations come together to transform all schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments through local service projects. The event planned by our Chapter took place at Robert Hill Lane Elementary School, located on minutes away from East Los Angeles College. The day was kicked off with a presentation on the fundamentals of sustainability, recycling, renewable resources, alternative energy, water conservation, and native plants. The day was capped with a hands-on project to drive home the point of sustainability. The project was to take a plastic bottle and “up-cycle” it into a self-watering planter for a California native plant. In this way every student could participate, hands-on, in the process of being sustainable by creating something that encompassed the important lessons discussed throughout the day.
Another very important event was the participation of the chapter in the World Habitat Day. “World Habitat Day is the one day set aside annually to recognize the basic right of all humanity to adequate shelter, and to encourage grassroots action toward ending poverty housing.” ELAC USGBC Chapter decided that for that event they would participate, hands-on, in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity single family home located in Lynnwood, California. Fourteen of our students participated and had a hands-on experience in the construction of a single family home located in Lynnwood, California.
Finally, the Chapter organized several study groups for the Green Associate exam and several of our students are ready to take the exam this summer.
Roberto Gomez is the President of the Chapter and Professor Patricia Combes-Brighton is the Advisor for the Chapter.
Green Apple day of Service
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Habitat for Humanity
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The Architecture Club
Affiliated with the American Society of Engineers and Architects (ASEA), the ELAC Architecture Club has just finished another great year. The Club placed second in the toothpick competition, second in the Sand Castle Competition, and Club member Charmian Lui received first place in the ASEA Fairfax High School Art Gallery Design. Thanks to the efforts of the Club President, Guadalupe Rodriguez, students were able to explore many avenues of architecture outside the classroom walls.
Summer 2014
Two courses are offered this summer: ARC264: 3D Modeling for Designers using SketchUp and Rhino, and ENV101: Foundation of Design.
A boot-camp is also offered to high school students to introduce them to the world of architecture.
A boot-camp is also offered to high school students to introduce them to the world of architecture.
Alumni News
Vincent Hui, now at Cooper Union, will be spending the summer in Switzerland doing research in preparation for his 5th year thesis.
Bernardo Rubio and Omar Ureta just completed their Master Degree Program at Woodbury University.
Annette Barraza and Susie Huerta just completed their Bachelor of Architecture program at Woodbury University.
Congratulations to all from the Department. The entire faculty is proud of your accomplishments.
Bernardo Rubio and Omar Ureta just completed their Master Degree Program at Woodbury University.
Annette Barraza and Susie Huerta just completed their Bachelor of Architecture program at Woodbury University.
Congratulations to all from the Department. The entire faculty is proud of your accomplishments.
Last USGBC and ARCHITECTURE Clubs' Meetings - 06.05.14
The last clubs' meetings for the 2013-2014 year were held last Thursday. About 30 students attended and the two clubs provided Italian food for the members.
Helga Quiles, President of the ELAC USGBC Club, presented the USGBC Club Award and a small scholarship to Miguel Avila for his participation and help with the club.
Ivan Hu, President pro-tem of the Architecture Club, and John Estrada, Vice-president of the Architecture Club, presented the Architecture Club Award and a small scholarship to Michelle Lee for her participation and help with the club.
Congratulations Miguel and Michelle!
Helga Quiles, President of the ELAC USGBC Club, presented the USGBC Club Award and a small scholarship to Miguel Avila for his participation and help with the club.
Ivan Hu, President pro-tem of the Architecture Club, and John Estrada, Vice-president of the Architecture Club, presented the Architecture Club Award and a small scholarship to Michelle Lee for her participation and help with the club.
Congratulations Miguel and Michelle!
Networking with ELAC President Marvin Martinez - 05.31.14
The American Student Union (ASU) organized a Networking Lunch with President Marvin Martinez on May 31st were the out-going and in-coming board members of the several ELAC clubs and well as their advisers were invited. Our department was the most represented with the participation of: Helga Quiles, out-going President of the ELAC USGBC Students Group; Ivan Hu, out-going Treasurer of the Architecture Club; Roberto Gomez, Miguel Avila, Shanshan Bian, and Michelle Lee, respectively in-coming President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Delegate of the 2014-2015 ELAC USGBC Students Group; and finally Guadalupe Lopez, in-coming President of the Architecture Club. Professor Patricia Combes-Brighton, Adviser for the ELAC USGBC Students Group also attended.
After a brief introduction by Eduardo J. Vargas, the President of the ASU, President Martinez introduced himself and briefly went over his educational and career path. Our students were delighted to learn that our president has a MA from the Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning from UCLA!
President Martinez emphasized student transfer and one of his goals is for ELAC to be the Number 1 transfer campus. He announced a new program that will start next summer: the CCCP (Center for Community College Partnerships) Scholars Program. With this program, about 30 students from our campus will go to UCLA for a six-day-stay that will introduce the selected students to the very different world of university, hoping that this stay will entice students to continue their studies at a higher level.
President Martinez also mentioned increased interaction with high-schools to bring more students to ELAC as another goal*.
Finally, President Martinez thanked all board-member students for their work in their respective club. With such activities students learn how to be responsible, how to motivate, organize, persuade... skills we all need at some point. "Invest in yourself, and people will invest in you", he said.
Thank you President Martinez for this Networking Lunch and a very inspirational presentation.
*: Some of our students showed interest in helping with this goal via possible events organized at local high schools with other campus clubs. They had a long conversation with Julie Benavides, Dean of Student Services, after lunch.
After a brief introduction by Eduardo J. Vargas, the President of the ASU, President Martinez introduced himself and briefly went over his educational and career path. Our students were delighted to learn that our president has a MA from the Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning from UCLA!
President Martinez emphasized student transfer and one of his goals is for ELAC to be the Number 1 transfer campus. He announced a new program that will start next summer: the CCCP (Center for Community College Partnerships) Scholars Program. With this program, about 30 students from our campus will go to UCLA for a six-day-stay that will introduce the selected students to the very different world of university, hoping that this stay will entice students to continue their studies at a higher level.
President Martinez also mentioned increased interaction with high-schools to bring more students to ELAC as another goal*.
Finally, President Martinez thanked all board-member students for their work in their respective club. With such activities students learn how to be responsible, how to motivate, organize, persuade... skills we all need at some point. "Invest in yourself, and people will invest in you", he said.
Thank you President Martinez for this Networking Lunch and a very inspirational presentation.
*: Some of our students showed interest in helping with this goal via possible events organized at local high schools with other campus clubs. They had a long conversation with Julie Benavides, Dean of Student Services, after lunch.
 President Martinez
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 Michelle, Ivan, Lupe, Robert, Professor Combes- Brighton, and Miguel
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 Miguel, Shanshan, and Michelle
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ELAC in Rotterdam - 05.28.14 to 05.30.14
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Thanks to the support of President Marvin Martinez, Vice-President Laura M. Ramirez, Dean Paul de la Cerda, Chair Michael Hamner and many other administrators three of our students (Sarahi Baeza, Maria Mercado, and Masae Senyoshi) went to the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam with Professor Orhan Ayyuce. The project that was presented is known as "The Vernon Project" and it is a project that was developed by Professor Ayyuce.
This Biennale is the equivalent of the "Olympics" for architecture. Please check "Orhan's Blog" for a report on the Biennale when they come back from Europe. |
USGBC Student Mixer - 04.28.14 and Verdical Group Presentation - 05.22.14
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On April 28, the USGBC Student Group attended the USGBC-LA Networking and Student-Industry Event at the at the SoCal Gas Energy Resource Center in Downey.
Click on the images on the right to read the feed-back from two of our students. Thank you Helga Quiles (President) and Christal To (Vice-President) for coordinating the efforts for both events. |
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Drew Shula from the Verdical Group
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The mixer event was very successful and our campus had the most students attending. As a result, our Department won a free LEED Seminar from the Verdical Group.
On May 22, the seminar was held at ELAC in the Department of Architecture. Several students from PCC also attended. The seminar gave a good overview of the LEED certification process as well as the requirements to prepare and pass the LEED Green Associate exam. |
Senior Day - 05.09.14
For the second time in a row the Department of Architecture participated in the Senior Day event. As last year, the event was very successful and many high school students stopped by our booth.
New this year though is the booth itself. Created by students under the direction of Professor Michael Hamner, Chair, Greg Kachoeff, our Workshop Master, and Sung Quach, our IT Instructional Assistant, the booth touts perforated stainless steel sheets mounted on unistruts as well as a flat TV screen where students' projects are presented.
Professor Combes-Brighton, Greg Kachoeff, Ivan Hu, and Leonardo Lagunas manned the booth for most of the event. A big thank you to all the volunteers mentioned above as well as to: Eric Ton, Anthony Rodriguez, and John Estrada for their help building the booth.
New this year though is the booth itself. Created by students under the direction of Professor Michael Hamner, Chair, Greg Kachoeff, our Workshop Master, and Sung Quach, our IT Instructional Assistant, the booth touts perforated stainless steel sheets mounted on unistruts as well as a flat TV screen where students' projects are presented.
Professor Combes-Brighton, Greg Kachoeff, Ivan Hu, and Leonardo Lagunas manned the booth for most of the event. A big thank you to all the volunteers mentioned above as well as to: Eric Ton, Anthony Rodriguez, and John Estrada for their help building the booth.
 The Booth
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 Booth Close-up
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 Booth Close-up
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 Ivan Hu, Professor Combes-Brighton, Greg Kachoeff, and Leonardo Lagunas
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 Ivan and Leonardo demonstrating how to create a paper folding element
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 Inquiring Students
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Our "Cardboard" students as props at the Opening Ceremony in the Auditorium
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USGBC Students Group Attends the Biomimetic Principles for Innovative Design Event - 05.08.14
Ten students from the USGBC Student Group attended the event at USGBC-LA quarters. To better explained the event, following is an excerpt from the USGBC website:
Ilaria Mazzoleni an architect and the founder of IM Studio Milano/Los Angeles (www.imstudio.us). Her conceptual work has been published globally, and her built work can be found in Italy, California, and Ghana. Since 2005 she has been a full-time faculty member at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in Los Angeles. Her professional and academic investigation relates to sustainable architecture on all scales of design with a research focus on biomimicry, where innovation in architecture and design is inspired by the processes and functions of nature. Ilaria's work focuses on the analysis of how organisms have adapted to different environments, to translate the learned principles into the built environment. Often in collaboration with evolutionary biologist Dr. Shauna Price, she uses the animal kingdom as a source of inspiration, to instill a shift in thinking about the application of biological principles to design and architecture. Her book Architecture Follows Nature - Biomimetic Principles for Innovative Design, was published by CRC in March 2013.
Thank you Helga Quiles (President) and Christal To (Vice-President) for coordinating the event with the students.
Ilaria Mazzoleni an architect and the founder of IM Studio Milano/Los Angeles (www.imstudio.us). Her conceptual work has been published globally, and her built work can be found in Italy, California, and Ghana. Since 2005 she has been a full-time faculty member at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in Los Angeles. Her professional and academic investigation relates to sustainable architecture on all scales of design with a research focus on biomimicry, where innovation in architecture and design is inspired by the processes and functions of nature. Ilaria's work focuses on the analysis of how organisms have adapted to different environments, to translate the learned principles into the built environment. Often in collaboration with evolutionary biologist Dr. Shauna Price, she uses the animal kingdom as a source of inspiration, to instill a shift in thinking about the application of biological principles to design and architecture. Her book Architecture Follows Nature - Biomimetic Principles for Innovative Design, was published by CRC in March 2013.
Thank you Helga Quiles (President) and Christal To (Vice-President) for coordinating the event with the students.
 Our students: Miguel, Israel, Omar, Christal, Robert, Helga, Lizette, Charmian, Angel and Michelle
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 The Audience
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 Polar Bear Inspired Design
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 Polar Bear Inspired Design
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 Polar Bear Inspired Design
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The ELAC USBGC Students Group Results are in!
The new board is as follows:
President: Roberto Gomez
Vice President: Miguel Avila
Secretary: Heidi Marquez
Treasurer: Shanshan Bian
Delegate: Michelle Lee
Alternate Delegate: Ismael Moreno
Please congratulate the new board when you see them!
President: Roberto Gomez
Vice President: Miguel Avila
Secretary: Heidi Marquez
Treasurer: Shanshan Bian
Delegate: Michelle Lee
Alternate Delegate: Ismael Moreno
Please congratulate the new board when you see them!
The Students Visit the Federal Reserve Bank - 04.09.14
In the lobby of the FRB
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Several students visited the Federal Reserve Bank during the spring break with Professor Kawahara and Professor Combes-Brighton.
Professor Ruben, who is the Facility Manager for the bank as well as an Adjunct Professor at ELAC, gave the tour and pointed out some interesting features of the buildings. Thank you Professor Ruben for taking the time to show us the building. After the tour, our group stopped by the engineering firm Martin and Associate where the group was showed a PPT presentation of their major work, including the Disney Hall. Thank you the team at Martin and Associate for your time as well. |
AIA|LA Interior Architecture Committee Annual 1:2 Student Competition
Good news for the department!
Last Saturday the 29th of March was the AIA|LA Interior Architecture Committee Annual 1:2 Student Competition. The program was "A Young Wine". The students were given the shell of a building (with a gable roof) and were to design a new winery in an old vineyard.
Two of our students, Angie Xu and John Estrada participated and.. they won Honorable Mention!
"John and Angie gave an excellent presentation and generated some engaging critiques. I honestly thought their project was in the top three. However, the results were: Otis one, Long Beach State was two and Art Institute (Inland Empire) three. We were the only two-year school to "place" and there were four two-year schools of the 12 schools invited" says Mr. Hamner, who was there Saturday.
Please join the faculty in congratulating Angie and John when you see them!
Last Saturday the 29th of March was the AIA|LA Interior Architecture Committee Annual 1:2 Student Competition. The program was "A Young Wine". The students were given the shell of a building (with a gable roof) and were to design a new winery in an old vineyard.
Two of our students, Angie Xu and John Estrada participated and.. they won Honorable Mention!
"John and Angie gave an excellent presentation and generated some engaging critiques. I honestly thought their project was in the top three. However, the results were: Otis one, Long Beach State was two and Art Institute (Inland Empire) three. We were the only two-year school to "place" and there were four two-year schools of the 12 schools invited" says Mr. Hamner, who was there Saturday.
Please join the faculty in congratulating Angie and John when you see them!
Interview with Thom Mayne
Check Orhan's Blog for an exclusive interview he had with Thom Mayne mid March.
2014 Trip to Europe - Winter Intersession
Professor Alexis Navarro brought another group of students to Europe during the winter break. This is the sixth trip that ha has organized.
This year, students went to France and Spain.
This year, students went to France and Spain.
Alhambra, Spain
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Barcelona, Spain
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Sevilla, Spain
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In front of the Louvre, Paris
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In the "Metro" in Paris
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Skill Certificates and Certificates of Achievement
Did you take enough classes to fulfill the requirements for a Skill Certificate? Or a Certificate of Achievement? Did you get a "C" or above in all required classes? Then ask one of your instructors for a form and apply for the certificate.
Check our new Blogs
We have now three new blog's: Professor Ayyuce's blog, the students' clubs' blog, and Greg's "Chisme" blog.
Check Professor Ayyuce's blog for news related to architecture, the clubs' blog for student events, and Greg's "Chisme" blog for workshop news.
Check Professor Ayyuce's blog for news related to architecture, the clubs' blog for student events, and Greg's "Chisme" blog for workshop news.
Welcome Back to a New Semester and a New School Year! - 08.26.2013
A couple of things to know for the beginning of this semester...
Most Classes are Closed
As many of you have already experienced, virtually all our classes are already closed (full). As you also all know if you are interested in taking a class that is closed, make sure you come to the first day of that class and ask the instructor if s/he can add you to the class.
Please Give a Warm Welcome to Orhan Ayyuce!
Some of you already know Orhan if you took his ENV202 class. You will be happy to know that Orhan was just hired as a full-time faculty from his part-time position. When you see him, do not forget to welcome him to our department and congratulate him!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Student Counseling
All faculty strongly encourage all students to sit down with them and review their educational plan. We, faculty, want you to make the best of you education here and make sure you all take the right classes at the right time and in the right sequence.
This is especially true for ALL new students. It is also important for ALL students to declare Architecture as their Major.
So please come and see us as soon as you can.
Last Semester News and Events
Many events happened last semester: Luncheon Awards, Visit to the Getty Center, SLO Design Competition, the creation of a USGBC LEED Architecture Club... We will publish more information on these past events in the coming weeks.
Most Classes are Closed
As many of you have already experienced, virtually all our classes are already closed (full). As you also all know if you are interested in taking a class that is closed, make sure you come to the first day of that class and ask the instructor if s/he can add you to the class.
Please Give a Warm Welcome to Orhan Ayyuce!
Some of you already know Orhan if you took his ENV202 class. You will be happy to know that Orhan was just hired as a full-time faculty from his part-time position. When you see him, do not forget to welcome him to our department and congratulate him!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Student Counseling
All faculty strongly encourage all students to sit down with them and review their educational plan. We, faculty, want you to make the best of you education here and make sure you all take the right classes at the right time and in the right sequence.
This is especially true for ALL new students. It is also important for ALL students to declare Architecture as their Major.
So please come and see us as soon as you can.
Last Semester News and Events
Many events happened last semester: Luncheon Awards, Visit to the Getty Center, SLO Design Competition, the creation of a USGBC LEED Architecture Club... We will publish more information on these past events in the coming weeks.
Architecture Club: The Results are In! - June 4, 2013
The elections for the new cabinet were held these past several days and voting closed yesterday. The results are as follows with elected members in red:
President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
President:
- Roberto Rojas: 32 votes
- Guadalupe Rodriguez: 25 votes
- John Estrada: 45 votes
- John Valenzuela: 12 votes
Secretary:
- Angie Xu: 37 votes
- Eric Ton: 20 votes
Treasurer:
- Ivan Hu: 36 votes
- Aaron Castaneda: 21 votes
Woodbury University Presentation - February 21 at 5:00pm - Rm-114
Today, February 21, 2013, there will be a presentation of the Architecture program at Woodbury University by the interim chair.
The Presentation will start at 5 PM in E7-114.
The interim chair and a Woodbury Representative will arrive early - before the presentation - for any informal questions you may have.
This is a great opportunity to listen to a representative of a university on what they will be looking for with potential transfers students.
Do not let this chance go by, this will be your opportunity to ask questions about their admissions process, programs, and other important question you may have.
All architecture students are encouraged to stop by and attend this presentation.
The Presentation will start at 5 PM in E7-114.
The interim chair and a Woodbury Representative will arrive early - before the presentation - for any informal questions you may have.
This is a great opportunity to listen to a representative of a university on what they will be looking for with potential transfers students.
Do not let this chance go by, this will be your opportunity to ask questions about their admissions process, programs, and other important question you may have.
All architecture students are encouraged to stop by and attend this presentation.
Attention Architecture Students!
Do you want to represent our Department at the next annual 1:2 student competition which will be held in March? And potentially be the next winner???
Then participate in the charette on February 22nd.
Click here to download the pdf file with all the information.
Then participate in the charette on February 22nd.
Click here to download the pdf file with all the information.
ARC 165 - BIM and Sustainable Design
Good news for those who want to continue Building Information Modeling!
If you took ARC164 - Design Software for Architecture, you can now enroll in ARC165 - BIM and Sustainable Design. This class was developed by Professor Patricia Combes-Brighton three years ago via a grant through the Green Science and Technology but it had not been offered yet due to budget cuts. It is offered this Spring semester through a Perkins Grant. The faculty teaching the class is Dimitris Klapsis. Enroll as soon as you can as the class will probably fill very quickly.
The information for this class is as follows:
ARC 165 - Section: 9629 - Friday - 9:00am - 12:10pm - 2 units
You can use the SIS system to enroll.
If you took ARC164 - Design Software for Architecture, you can now enroll in ARC165 - BIM and Sustainable Design. This class was developed by Professor Patricia Combes-Brighton three years ago via a grant through the Green Science and Technology but it had not been offered yet due to budget cuts. It is offered this Spring semester through a Perkins Grant. The faculty teaching the class is Dimitris Klapsis. Enroll as soon as you can as the class will probably fill very quickly.
The information for this class is as follows:
ARC 165 - Section: 9629 - Friday - 9:00am - 12:10pm - 2 units
You can use the SIS system to enroll.
AIA LA and LArchitecture Article - Fall 2012
LArchitecture
LArchitecture, an American Institute of Architecture LA chapter magazine, has published an article on our department. Please click this link to read the full article by Steve Tanner, AIA LA Chapter Membership Director.
AIA LA Chapter
Want to know more about AIA activities in the Los Angeles Area? Make sure you chek the AIA website at http://www.aialosangeles.org
LArchitecture, an American Institute of Architecture LA chapter magazine, has published an article on our department. Please click this link to read the full article by Steve Tanner, AIA LA Chapter Membership Director.
AIA LA Chapter
Want to know more about AIA activities in the Los Angeles Area? Make sure you chek the AIA website at http://www.aialosangeles.org
2012, A Winning Year
Please check our Design Competitions page. 2012 was a great year for our department as our students won in three main design competitions: SLO Design Competition, AIA | 1:2, and 1X8:TAUT
Asides from the competitions, many of our students have transferred to universities. The updated list of transfers in our department hallway.
Asides from the competitions, many of our students have transferred to universities. The updated list of transfers in our department hallway.
Department of Architecture Advisory Committee
Our Advisory Committee will hold its meeting on January 31, 2013. This meeting is attended by the many professionals who support our program. This year's main topic: budget cuts. As stated by our chair D. Michael Hamner in the invitation sent to the committee members, "Economics have, once again, taken its toll on us [Department of Architecture]. We lost two classes this semester and look to possibly lose more in the Fall 2013. In spite of Prop 30 passing, Architecture is in the cross hairs [of budget cuts]".
Trip to Europe
Once again on a fifth trip during the Winter inter-session, Professor Navarro brought a group of eleven students to Europe, via a stop over in New-York where Vincent Hui, an ELAC alumnus now at Cooper Union, gave students a very animated tour of Manhattan.
After New-York the group went to Spain for a ten day exploration of Madrid, Barcelona and the key cultural centers of Andalucia. Amongst numerous sites, students experienced the remarkable and exhilarating beauty of La Alhambra in Granada, La Mezquita in Cordoba, the paintings of El Greco in the Catedral de Toledo and Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This group brings to a total of 35 students that have traveled to Europe, including some that have participated three times!
After New-York the group went to Spain for a ten day exploration of Madrid, Barcelona and the key cultural centers of Andalucia. Amongst numerous sites, students experienced the remarkable and exhilarating beauty of La Alhambra in Granada, La Mezquita in Cordoba, the paintings of El Greco in the Catedral de Toledo and Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This group brings to a total of 35 students that have traveled to Europe, including some that have participated three times!
Metropol Parasol, Sevilla
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Plaza de Espana, Sevilla
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La Alhambra, Granada
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Next year's trip exploring Paris and the region of Provence, France, concluding in Barcelona is already scheduled with eight students already signed up. All architecture students are invited to participate. For further information visit http;//www.efcollegestudytours.com or contact Professor Navarro at [email protected].
3D Printer
3D Printer
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3D model and print by Sung Quach
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Our Department recently acquired a 3D printer.
On the left is a 3D print of la Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp, completed in 1954 and one of the finest examples of the architecture of Le Corbusier. The model was first created in 3ds max by Sung Quach, our Instructional Assistant. |
Our Alumni...
Terry Lee, B-Arch Pratt - Vincent Hui, Cooper Union 3rd year - Professor Navarro - Karin Yang, MA Columbia University
Vincent Hui, Cooper Union 3rd year - Ron Hernandez Woodbury University 4th year - Professor Navarro - Heidi Lee, B-Arch, Woodbury University - Jonathan P. Bell, UCLA M. Urban Planning - Martin Castro, USC 3rd year - Cecilio Cortez, Syracuse University 4th year.
Ping Wang at Harvard
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While on a trip to New York in 2012, Professor Alexis Navarro had the pleasure of getting together with Architecture Alumni who are either completing their architectural studies or working. The alumni gave Professor Navarro a tour of their schools and some of the major design projects in NY. Every semester ELAC Alumni return to participate in the design juries to assist the department. These students appreciate the education they received at ELAC and know that their input is highly appreciated by students as well. Ping Wang, who attended our program at ELAC, is now in the first year at Harvard Graduate School of Design. She sent us this photo of her final design presentation. We wish her continued success |
