A Vision for USC CAFA-AD

Background

For those who are not familiar with the acronym, USC CAFA-AD stands for University of San Carlos - College of Architecture, Architecture Department (whew!). The "AD" is not part of the official acronym, but I had to add it since this blog is about the Architecture Department.

Our chairman asked the faculty to share their ideas to help craft the vision and mission statement of the department. He made the request two months ago and there were a couple who submitted "something." One shared a write up on what should be in a mission/vision statement, the other shared the mission/vision statement of another school to serve as example (or to be copied?).

The truth is, the topic had been on my mind since college years (duh!). People were comparing USC with CIT then. I remember arriving school at 6am and decided to make use of my time by thinking about what could be USC's cutting edge. A friend had suggested that I bring out a pen and paper if I go into this "mode", so I did. When the school bell rang at 7:45am I looked at my paper and saw the following words: RESEARCH, URBAN DESIGN.

The Vision of Research

The department should be known for a research-based process in design. It does not need to be an innovator, it does not need to be set up as an R&D institution, although its doors are wide opened to innovation. The discipline of research, however, must be instilled in each one, including the undergraduate students. This serves as the mark of the department, its way of doing things.

The Mission of Urban Design

The department should be known and respected for a particular field. It should, in fact, become an authority recognized especially by the government, not only locally but nationally. It can specialize in urban design with a bias in creating sustainable communities and a deep respect for heritage.

The Statement

The official vision/mission statement can be: A research-based design institution with a deep respect for heritage and committed to building sustainable communities.

Rationale

The resources in the department right now seem to favor this proposed vision and mission. We have architects who are experts in urban planning, heritage conservation, landscape architecture and related fields. We have also established three units: the Institute of Planning and Design, the Heritage Studio, and the Architecture Computer Center (for GIS, CAD/CAM, Statistics). There is also the graduate program, as well as the undergraduate thesis program. Finally, there is the facility - a new building thus open to any configuration. We can also add the open mindedness of the faculty members as well as their influence in social circles and the government.

Interior Design

Research discipline, respect for heritage and sustainable practices are also compatible with the Interior Design program which now falls under the Architecture Department. In fact, it is good to emphasize that these concerns are not confined to the public realm.

Caveat

This is not official. These are just my thoughts. I will try to send this to the chairman for his consideration. For all I know, the faculty might throw it out of the window... but then again, they might not.