These rich, intertwined histories are depicted through a set of ten, interactive, accordion-bound books, each representing one decade from 1912 to 2012. The graphically arresting books are provocative, comparative timelines of varying length that organize specific information regarding the Rice School of Architecture (people, operations, events, and community outreach) with local, national, and international external influences (architectural, cultural, technological). Each information type is distinguished by a particular vivid color, highlighting the density of certain influences or individuals across and between decades.
RSA has been recognized historically for its commitment to design research - consistently formulating the critical disciplinary questions and possibilities through the design of innovative, yet plausible architectural and urban futures. Photograph: Ben Koush
Design Research Team: Dawn Finley, Peter Muessig, Erin Ruhl, Mary Beth Woiccak.
10 Decades constructs the one-hundred year history of Rice School of Architecture (RSA) in Houston, Texas. RSA’s curriculum and culture has transitioned and transformed from the Beaux-Arts traditions of early twentieth century architectural education, through the influences of Modernism, and advances in material and information technologies, to the now contemporary, fast-paced, global moment.
This exhibition was made possible by the generous financial contribution of: Rice School of Architecture, Rice Design Alliance, Architecture Center Houston Foundation, Barbara Amelio, HOK, John Hawkins, Lonnie Hoogeboom and Betsy Strauch JD Miner Systems, LLC, Christina and Mark Mitchell, Louis H. Skidmore, Jr.
