Located in Los Angeles, the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is one of the world’s few independent architecture schools that offers an accepting platform for those who view design and architecture as an ever-evolving art.
For Japanese students, who bring their heritage of artistry and design, SCI-Arc offers a path to explore architecture through fresh, cutting-edge perspectives.
We had a summer studio in Japan for over 15 years. Japan has one of the most sophisticated design cultures globally, and we’d love to see more Japanese students bring their perspectives to SCI-Arc.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Director and CEO Hernan Diaz Alonso
“SCI-Arc is more than a school. It’s a place where students challenge the conventional definitions of architecture,” said SCI-Arc Director and CEO Hernan Diaz Alonso.
Having nurtured strong connections with Japan, SCI-Arc plans to reignite those partnerships, suspended during the COVID pandemic, and wants to invite more Japanese students to its LA campus.
“We had a summer studio in Japan for over 15 years. Japan has one of the most sophisticated design cultures globally, and we’d love to see more Japanese students bring their perspectives to SCI-Arc,” Diaz Alonso said.
SCI-Arc’s campus offers not just academics. Its location in Los Angeles immerses students in a vibrant global center of technology, fashion and entertainment, making it an ideal setting for Japanese students wanting to broaden their architectural insights.
“LA offers everything, from technology, fashion, entertainment, and an innovative spirit,” said Diaz Alonso, making it an
Going beyond classroom teaching, SCI-Arc’s hands-on approach offers internships with top firms like Nike, Google, and Leica. These connections allow students to gain real-world experience and position them for careers beyond conventional architecture.
As “a playground for exploring what’s next in architecture and design,” Díaz Alonso said SCI-Arc offers an unmatched opportunity to blend tradition with innovation, making it an ideal hotbed for those who view architecture as a canvas for radical ideas.
