Architect Henry N. Cobb's 'Hypostyle' Installation To Open At SCI-Arc Gallery

The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) will be presenting Hypostyle, a site-specific gallery installation by architect Henry N. Cobb.

Since ancient times, hypostyles have been an important design element in the construction of large hall spaces. The standing columns are assorted, vertical supports with overhangs. Conceptually, the column groupings are limitless in number but vary in their structural effect.

The hypostyle in SCI-Arc Gallery is an experiment to discover the realistic consequence of populating a hypostyle with planar elements joined to form vertical constructs. Historically, they were built with columnar solids, however, Henry N. Cobb's idea shapes figural spaces within and between these planar constructs composed of twenty, four 3-foot by 8-foot thick hollow-core doors.

The rotation of these constructs alternate rows sequentially and in both directions to introduce a large-scale order, enhancing a complex interplay that blurs the distinction between solid and void, open and closed.

One construct resides in the center row and is omitted to create a gathering space in an uninterrupted display. This particular installation demonstrates that without precedent, its effect on the occupant cannot be fully understood by drawings, but rather, must be experienced.

On Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. an exhibition discussion with architect, Henry N. Cobb and SCI-Arc Director Eric Owen Moss will be held, followed by an opening reception. Cobb is a founding principal of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects, based in New York City.

Over six decades since the firm was established in 1955, his practice has embraced various building concepts throughout cities across the United States and across the globe. Over the course of his career, Cobb has taught and lectured at several schools of architecture, most intensively during a five-year term at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

He is a recipient of the Gold Medal for Architecture, awarded by the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education, as well as by the American Institute of Architects and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

The SCI-Arc installation will be open for visitors to experience until May 17, 2015. The Southern California Institute of Architecture is dedicated to educating architects who will imagine and shape the future.

Located in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, the independent, accredited degree-granting institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture and distinguishes itself by its vibrant studio culture and emphasis on process.

For more information visit www.sciarc.edu.