HARMONIA

SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture

Project idea

What is the future of architecture, and how will it look 50 years from now? SCI-Arc, known for its experimentation and architectural innovation, currently lacks a vital component: student housing. Harmonia, a futuristic extension of the SCI-Arc campus, aims to fill this gap. By integrating advanced technologies, Harmonia is designed to enhance the lives of future students. Located directly above the existing school, it provides seamless access between the two buildings. Harmonia also seeks to elevate the SCI-Arc experience, attracting attention and sparking curiosity while offering stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles from west to east. The building includes flying car hubs at both ends, revolutionizing the future of architecture and student housing. Named Harmonia, the structure harmonizes with the existing school's culture and studio layout.

Project description

Harmonia is an ambitious and innovative project envisioned as a futuristic extension of the SCI-Arc campus. This project draws inspiration from Paul Rudolph's Brutalism and incorporates advanced design techniques to create a unique and dynamic architectural experience. Here are the key features and elements of Harmonia:

Architectural Style and Design:
Brutalism Inspiration: The design is heavily influenced by Paul Rudolph's Brutalism, characterized by rugged and textured surfaces, bold structural forms, and a sense of monumentalism.
Diagonal Circulation: One of the most distinctive features is the diagonal circulation system, where stairs and elevators move diagonally through four diagonal cores. This unconventional approach not only adds to the futuristic aesthetic but also enhances the functionality and flow within the building.
Integration with SCI-Arc:
Location: Harmonia is conveniently situated directly above the existing SCI-Arc campus, providing seamless connectivity and accessibility for future students.
Program Alignment: The program distribution within Harmonia aligns harmoniously with the existing studio and classroom layout of SCI-Arc. This ensures a smooth transition and integration between the old and new spaces.
New Facilities:
Dormitories: New residential facilities for students, offering convenient and modern living spaces within the campus.
Restaurant: A dining facility providing diverse food options and serving as a social hub for students and faculty.
Additional Classrooms: Expanded academic spaces to accommodate the growing needs of the institution.
Keck Hall: Centrally located in Harmonia, this new hall is designed for large exhibitions and lectures, making it a focal point for academic and cultural activities.
Future Mobility:
Flying Cars: Embracing the concept of futuristic transportation, Harmonia includes two major hubs at both ends of the building specifically designed for flying cars. Additionally, secondary hubs are distributed throughout the building, following the rotation of its form. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the building is prepared for the anticipated advancements in transportation technology.
Overall Vision:
Harmonia represents a bold vision for the future of architectural education and campus design. By blending Brutalist principles with cutting-edge design and futuristic transportation concepts, it aims to create a dynamic, functional, and inspiring environment for SCI-Arc students. The project not only enhances the existing campus but also sets a new standard for integrating advanced technologies and innovative architectural solutions in educational institutions.

Technical information

The newly proposed Harmonia building will provide around 200 beds, catering to nearly half of SCI-Arc's student population. This addition addresses the critical need for on-campus student housing, fostering a more integrated and convenient living experience for students.

Multifunctional Design
Harmonia is designed with multiple functions to enhance the educational environment:

Centrally Located Lecture Hall: Positioned in the middle of the building, the lecture hall is easily accessible from all points within Harmonia. This central location ensures that students and faculty can quickly and conveniently attend lectures, events, and large gatherings.
Additional Classrooms and Facilities: Besides the lecture hall, Harmonia includes additional classrooms and study areas, supporting a variety of academic activities and collaborative workspaces.
Structural Integrity
Column Structural System: The building employs a robust column structural system that effectively supports and transfers loads. The columns direct these loads to both diagonal and vertical cores, ensuring the building's overall stability and resilience.
Advanced Engineering: This design integrates advanced engineering techniques to manage the complex load distributions, particularly given the building's unique position above the existing campus.
Innovative Features
LED Light Indicators: Harmonia is equipped with long LED lights strategically placed to function as indicators for flying cars during nighttime. These lights enhance visibility and safety for aerial vehicles approaching the building.
Flying Car Hubs: At both ends of Harmonia, there are newly proposed flying car parking systems. These hubs are designed to accommodate future modes of transportation, ensuring the building remains at the forefront of technological advancements in urban mobility.
Seamless Integration and Aesthetic Appeal
Strategic Positioning: Located directly above the existing SCI-Arc campus, Harmonia offers seamless access between the two buildings. This strategic positioning not only facilitates easy movement for students and faculty but also elevates the overall campus experience.
Panoramic Views: The design of Harmonia provides stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and creating an inspiring environment for the SCI-Arc community.
Cultural Harmony: The building is named Harmonia to reflect its harmonious integration with the existing school's culture and studio layout. It represents a seamless blend of innovation and tradition, enhancing SCI-Arc's identity as a leader in architectural education.
Overall, Harmonia is poised to revolutionize student living and learning at SCI-Arc, combining state-of-the-art technology with thoughtful design to create a forward-thinking educational environment.