What is the SSD?
In the fall of 2010, the Architecture and Building Science Major at Tohoku University launched the Sendai School of Design (SSD) as a new education program in conjunction with the local region.
The first change stems from architecture. The comprehensive power of architectural design, which encompasses a variety of techniques, originally extended to more than the simple creation of a “box.” Now, in this period of drastic change that followed the wake of the 20th century, which was driven by a “scrap-and-build” policy, architecture has the potential to generate effective contents through collaborative activities between a wide range of fields, including urban planning, video, art, music, and information-communication systems.
The next change is in education. Inviting outstanding architects and designers from both Japan and abroad, the SSD’s activities transcend the university framework and expand into the city. Graduate students and local creators both participate in the program, providing each other with stimulation, and through practical projects and workshops that deal with local issues, we strive to cultivate tough individuals with the ability to adapt to a wide range of professional situations in this constantly fluctuating era.
And finally, change also emerges from Sendai. In the interurban competition that marks this phase of globalism, the SSD, while drawing out the potential of Sendai’s creative industries, strives to create a firm foundation for design, a hub for a network of creators, and a base for dispatching information to the world. Graduates of the SSD function as the driving force in activating the region and altering the appearance of the urban landscape. The power of design and communication persistently enhances the charm of Sendai as a city. Changing the local area is the first step to changing the world.
This program has been conducted by the Department of Architecture and Building Science, School of Engineering, Tohoku University in collaboration with Sendai City, sponsored by the Strategic Fund for the Promotion of Science and Technology by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Text of English in Summary is translated from Japanese into English by Christopher Stephens.