Honoring the Past • Inventing the Future

The USC School of Architecture is continuously being renewed and transformed.  The most recent sign of change is my appointment as the new dean of the School.  As such, my mind has been occupied by nothing but successes: the School’s successful past, its success today and the level of success I hope to achieve during my tenure.

It is said that success rides on time.  The School of Architecture has achieved a more than ninety-year tradition in educating and cultivating some of the finest architectural minds in addition to contributing to the development and construction of the city of Los Angeles.  This tradition is built on a foundation that integrates exemplary instruction, design, research and technology.  This tradition is demonstrated by some of the most critical discourses initiated by USC graduates and faculty including Pierre Koenig, Craig Ellwood, Conrad Buff, Donald Hensman, Konrad Wachsman and Ralph Knowles to name a few.  Their success, as highlighted by the Case Study House Program for example, has significantly changed the course of contemporary American architecture and building industries. Their legacy is evidenced in the rigorous investigation of the built environment, an active pursuit that continues in our studios today.  The fire of tradition continues to burn brightly in our alumni Frank O. Gehry and Thom Mayne, both Pritzker Prize winners, who have brought a global perspective and their distinctive mark to the architectural scene in Los Angeles, putting it on par with New York and Chicago.

Success also rides on moments in time.  There is no better time than now to be an architecture student at USC.  For now is the time when Los Angeles claims a double frontier in both America and the Pacific Rim, as a center of tremendous creativity and diversity.  Now is the time when Trojans are reaching afar to new territories and cultures.  This is also the time when the School is launching new initiatives in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary discourses including the new Graduate Studies Abroad Summer Programs in China.

Additionally, success stands on the shoulders of giants.  The School has reached great heights under the leadership of previous deans Arthur Weatherhead, Arthur Gallion, A. Quincy Jones, Sam Hurst and Robert Harris who, with their vision and dedication, have defined the School by incorporating urban diversity, social responsibility and technological integrity into the program over the years.  My gratitude goes to my predecessor, Robert H. Timme, whose legacy will forever be memorialized in the Robert H. Timme Architectural Research Center in Watt Hall.  The space houses our four graduate programs and also serves as a place for research and collaboration, encouraging scholarly debate and investigation.

I am ready to grasp this critical moment in time and, together with our students, staff and faculty, create a community that is innovative and harmonious, create a platform that celebrates intellect and individuality.  Most importantly, I would create a pathway for preparing young minds and future leaders who would be able to navigate the world of tomorrow. 

Confucius claimed, “The best leader does nothing.”  It is my belief that his wise saying has been misunderstood for centuries.  My interpretation is that a great leader does nothing that goes against the river of time, does nothing that would leave irrevocable traces behind.  Confucius believed the highest state of human enlightenment is to “Change as time does.  Do as time demands.”

Indeed, there is no better time than now.  The School’s past successes and rich tradition lay an excellent foundation enabling us to move forward and to embrace change.  It is my hope that you will join me as we continue to push architectural boundaries and design technologies, strengthening ties in the community and around the world.

Qingyun Ma
Dean of the School of Architecture
Della and Harry MacDonald Dean's Chair