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ArtCenter College of Design

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Art Center College of Design
File:Artcentercollegeofdesignlogo.gif
TypePrivate
Established1930
PresidentRichard Koshalek
Location
Pasadena
,
CA,
,
USA
CampusSuburban
Website[http://www.ar
Pasadena 91103
Photo of Art Center during the night.

Art Center College of Design (commonly referred to as Art Center) is a private college located in Pasadena, California. It is one of the leading graphic and industrial design colleges in the world. The school logo is an orange circle, also known as the Art Center "Dot", which has been a part of the school identity since its beginning. The Art Center is particularly known for its Transportation (Automobile) Design program. It also has notable photography, graphic design, illustration, fine art and film programs among others. The school maintains two campuses in Pasadena, both are considered architecturally notable.

Art Center built its reputation as a vocational school, essentially, preparing returning GIs for work in the commercial arts fields. It has traditionally maintained a strong "real-world" focus, emphasizing craftsmanship, technique, and professionalism while somewhat de-emphasizing theory. Instructors are working professionals, for the most part, and projects are intended to map to real-life assignments.

The challenge for schools like Art Center is maintaining the balance between talent and revenues. Tuition in 2006 is over $13,000 per term (3 terms per year - trimester), plus room and board, plus the not inconsiderable costs of supplies.

That said, the tuition is on par with other private and/or fine art institutions. As indicated above, the college operates on a trimester system. Students can obtain their degree in about 2 trimesters (completing 8 terms) -- graduating with a four-year degree in just over two and a half years. (Though most students take a term off for independent study or to take formal internships in industry.) The accelerated learning environment stems from the college's trade school roots. Administrators and faculty wanted to mimic as much as possible the "real world" where there is no such thing as a summer vacation. Graduates are in the work force earlier than their counterparts at other colleges or universities. So, students may be paying as much or a bit more for supplies, etc. but they're ostensibly able to pay off their education earlier too.

The Art Center has been long accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges[accreditation]. As a result, their Liberal Arts course offerings are quite extensive while having an art and design bent. Additionally, research methodologies and design theory have increasing importance alongside the aforementioned craftsmanship, technique and professionalism. One other aspect of art and design is finding prominence at the college. That's the social and humanitarian aspects, as evidenced by the college's affiliation with the United Nations.

History

Art Center was founded in 1930 in downtown Los Angeles as the Art Center School. During and after World War II, the Art Center ran a technical illustration program in conjunction with the California Institute of Technology. In 1947, the post-war boom in students caused the school to expand to a larger location in building of the former Cumnock School for Girls in the Hancock Park neighborhood, while still maintaining a presence at its original downtown location. The school began granting Bachelor's and Master's degrees in arts in 1949, and was fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1955. In 1965, the school changed its name to the Art Center College of Design. The school expanded is programs, including a film program in 1973. The school moved to its trademark Hillside Campus in Pasadena in 1976. The school operated the Art Center Europe in Vevey, Switzerland for ten years starting in 1986. In 2003, the Art Center was granted Non-Governmental Organization status by the UN Department of Public Information. After mulling locations in Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, the Art Center openned the South Campus in Pasadena in 2004.

Facilities

The Art Center College of Design maintains two campuses in Pasadena: Hillside Campus and South Campus.

Hillside Campus

Designed by noted modernist architect Craig Ellwood, the Hillside Campus broke ground in November 1974. The trademark "bridge building" dramatically spanned an arroyo and roadway on 175 wooded acres in the hills above Pasadena. Openning in 1976, the building was expanded with the south wing, also designed by Ellwood, which was constructed between 1989-91.

South Campus

The South Campus opened in 2004 in a former aircraft-testing facility. Redesigned by the firm Daly, Genik, it houses the graduate programs as well as a unique 16,000 square foot exhibition space known as the Wind Tunnel. Although the building contains graceful lines and fine design, students and faculty report significant difficulties in day to day use of the building due to the lack of adequate soundproofing.

Notable graduates

Notable teachers past and present (if not already listed above)

See also

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