SCI-Arc’s elective vertical studios pair small groups of upper-level, graduate and undergraduate, students with elite faculty and international architects. In these studios, students develop projects which explore particular interests and focus. They have the opportunity to work with architects visiting the school, and gain insight into a broad range of issues concerning approaches to building, the environment, technology, theoretical stances, and personal interests.

Visiting faculty Jeff Kipnis’ design studio, one of 10 vertical studios offered at SCI-Arc this fall, is focused on developing a design proposal for a hybrid brothel/child-care center (watch studio intro above). The unique brothel will offer female and male services to select clients with a full range of additional optional accommodations including gourmet meals, fine libations and entertainment. The day-care/pre-school accepts infants through kindergarten, scheduled and on short notice. For every age and length of stay, the school is programmed, outfitted, and staffed to match the extraordinary service level of the brothel.

In recent years, vertical studio faculty have included noted architects such as Lise Anne Couture, Michael Sorkin, Peter Trummer, Wolf Prix, Merrill Elam, Hernan Diaz Alonso, Hsinming Fung, Marcelyn Gow, Craig Hodgetts, Coy Howard, Wes Jones, Robert Mangurian, Eric Owen Moss, Dwayne Oyler, Marcelo Spina, Peter Testa, Tom Wiscombe,  Andrew Zago and Peter Zellner. The vertical studio faculty to student ratio is 1:16, with many classes employing additional TAs to assist students.

SCI-Arc is now accepting applications for the Master of Architecture program. Deadline to apply is December 15, 2014.