Page 23 - 2024-08-26 Annual Award 2024

CONVERSATIONS WITH USC SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

- THE ROLE OF EDUCATION

In the current climate of inflation and rising interest rates, the U.S. building industry is facing significant challenges. The
cyclical nature of the market is not new; the building industry has always been highly sensitive to economic fluctuations.
However, the factors driving these adverse market conditions are increasingly complex and global in scope. As a result, the
need for cross-disciplinary creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration to address these challenges is more critical than
ever. In this context, the role of education in developing a pedagogy that "embraces challenges and discovers opportunities"
is essential and cannot be underestimated.

The USC School of Architecture, founded as a department in 1914 and established as a school in 1919, has a storied legacy
defined by the impactful contributions of its graduates. Over its 105-year history, the school has produced more than 7,000
alumni who have significantly influenced and shaped the built environment, driving forward the industry and the future
of design. These distinguished graduates include:

• Two Pritzker Laureates: Frank Gehry and Thom Mayne.
• Notable Mid-Century Modernists: Pierre Koenig, Conrad Buff, Don Hensman, and Cal Staub, who were key par-
ticipants in the Case Study House Program.
• Paul R. Williams: The first licensed Black architect west of the Mississippi.
• Other Influential Architects: William Pereira, Albert Martin, Jon Jerde, Mark Rios, Ronald Altoon, and Mark Lee,
whose work has not only transformed the urban landscape of Los Angeles but has also garnered global recognition for
excellence in architecture.

USC’s legacy in architecture is defined by its innovation, leadership, and significant contributions to urbanism and techno-
logical advancement. However, since the tenure of Qingyun Ma as Dean and the more recent appointment of Brett Steele,
the architectural profession has faced substantial global changes that have transformed our society. These shifts compel us
to reconsider how we prepare the next generation of architects and building professionals.

In response to these evolving challenges, the Chinese American Construction Profession (CACP), in collaboration with
the USC School of Architecture, is proud to present the inaugural event in CACP’s series of Conversations. The topic at this
year’s CACP Annual Award Banquet will explore the critical role of education in equipping future building professionals
to address and respond to emerging challenges.

Conversation Guests:
Brett Steele, Dean of USC School of Architecture
Qingyun Ma, former Dean of USC School of Architecture, 2008 – 2018
Alvin Huang, Director of Graduate & Post-Professional Architecture,
USC School of Architecture

Moderator:
Paul R. Tang, recipient of 2023 CACP Excellence in Architecture, f
ormer Professor of Practice, USC School of Architecture, 1993-2012

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