Learning From The Rural Studio

Samuel Mockbee’s position on the role of the architect is inspiring. His brainchild, the rural studio itself, is impressive. While we can never be a part of the rural studio – the website literally says they accept no volunteers or assistance outside the program – it is important for us to understand how we can put his thoughts into practice.

   

“I believe that architects are given a gift of second sight and when we see something that others can’t we should act, and we shouldn’t wait for decisions to be made by politicians or multinational corporations…Do we have the courage to make our gift count for something.”

Clemson is growing faster than it ever has before. As the location of the only architecture school in the state and one of the few centers of design knowledge in the upstate of South Carolina, it is imperative for us as the Clemson School of Architecture to use our ‘gift of second sight’ to lead and influence our community. Over the next few years the municipality of Clemson plans to eliminate street parking, add two-way protected bike lanes, line college avenue with trees, add a secondary parking garage behind Spill the Beans, and line the east portion of N Clemson Avenue with shopping and public space. Developers are excited; members of the community are wary. These projects have the potential to transform our community for the better. They could also set the town back – which is really saying something considering our recent developments. 

 “The dilemma for every architect is how to advance our profession and our community with our talents rather than our talents being used to compromise them.”

Our design impact on the community of Clemson doesn’t have to be as sweeping as Rural Studio’s on Hale County Alabama. It could be as minimal as attending the local town planning meeting or as large as creating documents to support design ideas. Most importantly, we need to use our ‘gift of second site’ to ‘advance our profession and community…rather than compromise it.’