The Da Vinci Challenge

The following idea was presented to the Texas A&M University, College of Architecture) for consideration.

Texas A&M has a highly loyal and engaged alumni, as is evidenced by the high levels of financial support to the University and the individual colleges.  Former Students give generously of their time as well, returning to the University to lecture, critique student work, and serve on a range of advisory councils. The common denominator in this dedication is far more than philanthropy; it is a fervent commitment to enhancing the depth, breadth, and quality of the educational experience and the students’ return on their academic investment.  There is an even greater under-tapped resource in this dedicated alumni base – the fervent desire to share their experiences and expertise as they make the shift from success to significance at the apex of their careers. 

This premise has prompted the idea of developing an innovative forum where Former Students can collaborate with current students in the exploration of challenging assignments in the area of applied creativity.  I would like to propose that the Colleges of Architecture and Business collaborate to sponsor a unique forum where young, unfettered minds meld with seasoned professionals in the in-depth exploration of a challenge. Prompted by a provocateur, to be selected jointly by the Colleges’ academic leaders, the creative teams would explore the challenge, using a blend of high tech and high touch techniques to arrive at innovative ideas for resolution or advancement of the challenge. Under ideal circumstances the team would “live” together with the challenge for a week in an inspirational setting where ideas flourish and collaboration is easily facilitatied. What better place to hold the initial forum than in the Texas A&M University Santa Chiara Study Center in Italy?

Leonardo da Vinci was the icon of a Renaissance man.  My proposal is that we brand this program “The Da Vinci Challenge” and seek national and international recognition for the annual event. The entire challenge process would be documented and published with the garnered recommendations becoming viral in social media and beyond.  Each College selects four distinguished alumni to constitute their part of the forum and these eight individuals select their student counterparts through a prequalification and selection process.  Each participant, former and current student, would be responsible for their own expenses.  Each College would also send one academic representative from their respective faculty. The provocateur would be selected jointly by the Colleges.  The week of creative exploration would be punctuated by discussions on the process of applied creativity and field trips to points of inspiration in proximity to the Santa Chiara Study Center. There would be advanced reading required prior to the challenge on subject matter assembled by the academic sponsors in collaboration with their respective faculties.

An initial “Da Vinci Challenge” might be on a subject like “what would it take to effect zero time in the product design and construction/fabrication process?”  This would require the development of multi-variant simulation models to accelerate the interdependent decision process.  Multiple perspectives would have to be addressed simultaneously including design, financial modeling, fabrication, construction, and operational considerations.  The provocation has to be challenging and require multi-disciplinary thinking. Yet, there must be the potential to drive to actionable recommendations.  The value of the challenge is as much in the process as in the end product.  Through the “Da Vinci Challenge” we will develop true polymaths, individuals who are able to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems.