Thesis Title: R.A.D. Lab (Research Architecture Development Laboratory)
Students: Philip Auchettl, Jason Grauten, David Loewenstein and Mike Poage, NewSchool of Architecture and Design Master of Architecture program, Class of 2013.

Thesis Advisor:  Chuck Crawford
Rendering Credit: P. Auchettl, J. Grauten, D. Loewenstein, M. Poage/NSAD

Thesis Summary: The R.A.D Lab is a design-build thesis project that explores the relationship and boundaries between permanent and temporary in the context of an identified need for intervention in underused urban vacant lots. The project site, a currently vacant lot, is located in San Diego’s downtown East Village neighborhood. A stagnant economy and the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in the state of California, has left many lots like these unused. The proposal outlined in this thesis integrates community needs and a business plan to revive these spaces and enhance the urban space through temporary architecture approaches. The plan would create a “pop up” marketplace showcasing locally made products, catering to outdoor activities and events. Spaces will be available for lease to allow small- and medium-sized business to enter the market and create and display their unique items. The R.A.D. Lab will feature a blend of creative architectural solutions highlighting the importance of smart sustainable design. Our goal is to attract businesses that want a strong community connection that can help one another bring business to the site to succeed.

**Special note: This NSAD student team, which goes by the name Design Tempo, is coordinating actively with city officials to bring the project to full development. The mayor of San Diego has spoken positively about their concept. See this KPBS-San Diego story:  “San Diego Student Have Plans for Stalled Redevelopment Site.”

See and Learn More: Work produced by graduating students from NewSchool of Architecture and Design, located in San Diego, will be displayed at the NSAD Student Thesis Exposition on June 21, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The school is located at 1249 F Street, San Diego, Calif. 92101. The event is free and open to the public. Contact PR Manager Anna Cearley for more information: [email protected]

About NewSchool of Architecture and Design
NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD), founded in 1980, is located in San Diego, California. For the past two years, DesignIntelligence has ranked NSAD among the top 10 undergraduate architecture schools in the western United States in its publication “America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools.” NSAD is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. NSAD’s Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Executive Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NSAD also offers a pre-professional Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, along with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, a Master of Construction Management and a Master of Science in Architecture. The school’s expanding global design education offerings include a new Bachelor of Interior Design program available in 2013–2014. For more information, visit www.NewSchoolArch.edu.