Samuel Mockbee taught his students that of all the arts, architecture most directly impacts the human condition.

“Architecture is a social art,” he said. “And as a social art, it is our social responsibility to make sure that we are delivering architecture that meets not only functional and creature comforts, but also spiritual comfort.”

Whether helping a Catholic nun move and renovate condemned homes for the underprivledged in Madison County, Mississippi, or teaching students to make the choice “between fortune and virtue,” Mockbee wanted to unsettle the architecture establishment. A design-build architect during an era when architects often removed themselves from anything beyond design, Mockbee’s style of work – sustainable, community building work – is now back in vogue as students, teachers and community leaders realize the value of it. Mockbee’s design-build developments often featured creative use of building materials. The homes and sites consist of largely donated, salvaged, found and recycled materials, which kept costs low and designs courageous.

Mockbee, Samuel. “The Rural Studio.” November 15, 2007.http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/ruralstudio/mockbee_ruralstudio.shtml (accessed August 15, 2009).

Libby, Brian. “Samuel Mockbee.” April 9, 2001.http://archive.salon.com/people/conv/2001/08/09/mockbee/ (accessed 08/16/2009).