BENJAMIN J. SMITH

ABOUT

Benjamin J. Smith, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of architecture at University of Minnesota. He teaches a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses. Smith's research centers on the history and theory of architecture, design pedagogy, and architectural aesthetics. His book manuscript on the origins and progress of the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) through the 1970s and 1980s unfolds the premise under which SCI-Arc was created, that in providing freedom through self-study it would be possible to produce both architects and architecture. The book shows how the “college without walls” concept played out in the specific context of an architecture school. Other publications include peer-reviewed essays for proceedings of national and international conferences as well as articles in journals and design publications. In his design practice, ooffcie Design, recent work includes competition entries that share explorations in ambiguity and legibility, and residential projects in Louisiana and Colorado. Prior to joining University of Minnesota, Smith taught at Tulane University, where he was an assistant professor of architecture and director of graduate architecture programs. He has also taught at SCI-Arc and University of Michigan and worked for internationally recognized firms such as Morphosis Architects and George Yu Architects in Los Angeles, California. His degrees include a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, an M.Arch from SCI-Arc, and a B.A. from St. Olaf College.

email: bensmith@umn.edu