Santa Monica College (SMC) architecture and interior architectural design students have secured third place at the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) annual Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition. This achievement marks the second consecutive year SMC, a community college, has reached the finals of this prestigious national event, competing against universities nationwide.
The awards ceremony took place during the NOMA conference held in Kansas City from October 8 to 12. The competition showcased the talents of 41 National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) chapters. These chapters represented a wide array of institutions, including highly regarded universities such as Cornell University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Pratt Institute, and Georgia Tech.
Key Takeaways
- SMC students won third place in the NOMA Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition.
- This is the second consecutive year SMC, a community college, reached the national finals.
- The competition involved 41 NOMAS chapters from top universities across the country.
- SMC's design, named "Cadence," focused on a mixed-use development in Kansas City's Paseo West community.
- The project combined architectural and interior design curricula for the first time.
Designing for Community Impact: The "Cadence" Project
The student teams were tasked with designing a mixed-use development located in Kansas City. This ambitious project required the integration of multi-generational housing, a cultural center, and a creative space within a single cohesive plan. The challenge encouraged innovative thinking and practical solutions for urban environments.
The SMC team's winning entry was titled "Cadence." Their design specifically aimed to provide support and revitalization for the Paseo West community. This area has historically faced challenges related to disinvestment, making the project's focus on community upliftment particularly significant.
The architectural form of "Cadence" drew inspiration from Kansas City's rich jazz history. The building's massing featured dynamically offset volumes. These elements were carefully crafted to evoke a sense of rhythm and resilience, mirroring the improvisational nature and enduring spirit of jazz music.
Project Focus
- Location: Kansas City
- Type: Mixed-use development
- Components: Multi-generational housing, cultural center, creative space
- Community Target: Paseo West, an area impacted by disinvestment
A Fusion of Design Disciplines and Jazz Influence
The design concept of "Cadence" reflects jazz's departure from traditional musical structures. This ethos translated into an architectural approach that moved beyond conventional building forms. A multi-use space within the design served as an architectural syncopation, adding a unique and unexpected rhythm to the overall composition.
Students dedicated an intensive eight months to developing their entry. This extensive period allowed for thorough research, iterative design, and detailed refinement of their concept. The commitment highlights the rigorous academic standards and dedication required for such a high-level competition.
"This year was the first time we combined the Interior and Architectural Design curriculum into one shared studio," stated Professor Josephine Hao, emphasizing the collaborative approach taken by the students.
This integrated studio environment likely fostered a more holistic design process. It allowed students from both disciplines to collaborate closely, ensuring that the interior spaces were seamlessly connected with the overall architectural vision.
The Competition Journey: From Zoom to Kansas City
The competition unfolded in several stages. Initially, student teams submitted their proposals and participated in a five-minute Zoom presentation. This virtual round served as a crucial screening process, narrowing down the field of competitors. The top 16 teams advanced from this initial stage.
These top teams then proceeded to the final round. This involved traveling to Kansas City for in-person presentations. Each team delivered a more comprehensive 10-minute presentation, allowing them to elaborate further on their designs and engage directly with the judges. The stakes were high, with the best architectural minds from across the country vying for recognition.
About NOMA
The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) is a professional organization dedicated to minimizing the impact of racism on the architecture profession. It works to foster communication and fellowship among minority architects. The organization also sponsors programs that address the needs of minority students and communities.
SMC's Unique Position in National Architecture Education
Santa Monica College holds a unique position within the national architecture competition landscape. As a community college, its consistent presence in the NOMA finals is noteworthy. It demonstrates the high caliber of education and talent cultivated within its programs, often competing against four-year universities with larger resources.
SMC offers both degree and certificate options in its architecture and interior architectural design programs. These pathways provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for diverse careers in the design field. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and industry-relevant.
Furthermore, SMC maintains articulation agreements with seven California architecture schools. These agreements are vital for students aiming to pursue higher education. They allow students to seamlessly transfer as third-year undergraduates, providing a clear and efficient path to completing a bachelor's degree in architecture.
The success of the SMC students at the NOMA competition highlights the strength of their curriculum and the dedication of their faculty. It also underscores the importance of community colleges in providing accessible, high-quality education in specialized fields like architecture and design. The program continues to prepare students for both professional practice and advanced academic pursuits.
For individuals interested in learning more about the architecture and interior architectural design programs at Santa Monica College, additional information can be found by visiting smc.edu/architecture.