In its sixth year, the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego, Calif., has once again hosted its Annual Napkin Sketch Auction where original sketches on napkins from well-known architects are auctioned off for a cause. In collaboration with local San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), more than 100 people attended the event, including some of the architects who had provided sketches. The effort was to support AIAS and bidders could donate their offers through both live and silent auction. Thirty-six napkin sketches were auctioned and approximately $4,000 was raised to go towards supporting AIAS. According to Rachel Lighty, executive director at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, a napkin sketch by Billie Tsien—who is designing the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago—was sold for $250.
As stated in a press release by NewSchool, the students created their own napkin sketches, then mailed them to a selection of architects around the world with requests for them to send back an original sketch to be auctioned in the event. Some of these sketches are of built works, some are concepts, and some are architects' inspirations.
"The dichotomy of a 'throw away' napkin and permanent, structured artwork adds to a specialness of the piece. Sharing this long held practice with the students is unique and inspiring," Marvin Malecha, president of NewSchool of Architecture and Design, said in a press release.
This year included submissions from architects such as Billie Tsien, AIA; Larry Scarpa, AIA; Ian Ritchie, AIA; Glen Murcutt; Perry Kulper; Craig Dykers, AIA; Alvaro Siza; Norman Kelly; Raoul Bunschoten; Alan Rosenblum; Richard Meier, AIA; Coop Himmelblau; Greg Lynn; Steven Holl, FAIA; and Chris Livingston, AIA.
Check out a few of the sketches, below.
