John Ian Rutherfurd ~ Graduated from The University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where he received his undergraduate and post graduate degrees in architecture as well as a minor degree in sociology. John taught theory and practice for five years at UNCC and has participated in multiple volunteer teaching and mentorship programs during his professional career. John has worked with Leading Architectural Firms, Architects, Engineers, Builders and Tradesmen. He maintains contact with his previous associations and enjoys the benefits of continued collaborations. John has the ability to call on the vast resource of colleagues and contacts in America and Indonesia. He has gained extensive experience in a wide variety of traditional and technologically advanced systems of design and construction. John brings his passion for excellence to every project.
John is currently living in Indonesia where he has been teaching as well as continuing his architectural practice. His passion in architecture is centered on how the built environment can improve our quality of life. As a result, John is fascinated by the relationship that learning has with architecture.
While teaching, he designed and built (often in collaboration with his students) many installations as well as creating a nature trail, bridges and various shelters. In 2013 John co-wrote a grant proposal for the National Science Foundation (NSF) with an International Team of educators and entrepreneurs to study various methodologies of improving S.T.E.M. education by increasing student engagement. For the proposal John also designed an environmentally fit, "Green Science Center" on his families historic New Jersey property, now called Rutherfurd Hall. The building is designed to engage students with innovative technologies while respecting the historic site of one of America's earliest hydroelectric power plants.
The design is an in depth exploration into how architecture can help improve and enhance education through the creation of intelligently designed purpose built environments. The hope is that it will inspire the kind of real learning, through a hands-on and immersive experience, that can make a difference in the growth and wellbeing of a learning person.
The video below is a virtual walk through animation of the science center.
The Architecture of Education must come with the understanding that, to really effect positive change in the world, we need to really learn. To do that, we not only need: good teachers, appropriate curriculum, and quality materials but we also need, an architecture that enhances, perpetuates and demonstrates real learning. Places of learning deserve a corresponding architecture. Their form should follow their function. We must seek the forms that express that function? The form should demonstrate the value of learning in the sense that the form is correct or intelligently designed; a form that truly supports the function of learning; a form that demonstrates the value we give to the function of educating the next generation; a form that testifies to the love that we have for our children; a form that stands as a monument in service to them and their future.
ir-A R C H I T E C T U R E
We are seeking to collaborate with like-minded Designers, Builders & Educators from around the world.
