Fulbright Award sends Bruin to study in Italy

Published: Monday, May 1, 1995

Architectural ambition leads to prestigious award

By Princeton Kim

While some students go to Europe on a one way ticket with the intention of bumming around, UCLA doctoral student Richard Abramson possesses more ambitious aspirations.

He was recently selected for the prestigious J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship award. Including Abramson's scholarship, UCLA currently ranks third in the nation for Fulbright scholars.

Abramson was awarded the scholarship for his work in architecture. He will participate in a nine month research project in Italy, studying the 17th century architect, Giovanni Battista Montano.

"(Montano's) work started new visual and optical trends in architecture. He gave architectural expression to the changing ideas of visual space," Abramson said.

The vigorous competition for Fulbright scholarships make them one of academia's most prestigious student awards. During the 1994-95 competition, about 4,500 applicants fought for the 900 available Fulbrights.

Each applicant must be a graduating college senior or current graduate student. Also, requirements for the award demand a record of each student's transcripts, three letters of recommendation from faculty, a personal statement and a proposal of the applicant's research goals.

The conceptual evaluation of Montano's architecture was among Abramson's top research concerns and personal goals.

"Montano's work followed the newfound principles of infinity and dimensional space," Abramson stated. "He transversed the way we look at the world and I believe his architecture helped people better comprehend these concepts."

Abramson was awarded about $15,000 to $20,000 to cover his room, board and airfare for the nine month project. However, the award money does not cover much more aside from living and travel expenses.

Although Abramson is in the first year of his doctoral study, his interest in architecture began during his undergraduate years at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

"I kind of fell into architecture. I've always been interested in art and mathematics, and architecture is a good blend of both," Abramson explained.

Some of Abramson's other work involves teaching at the Southern California Institute of Architecture. He trains other architects to teach children the basics about design.

"It's great working with children because they are so willing to try anything and they haven't developed an attitude yet. There's nothing like seeing a child excited about learning something new, especially since they can use their hands in the program," said Abramson.

Teaching is one of the areas of architectural study which Abramson hopes to continue throughout his career. He also wishes to pursue a private architectural practice.

Those wishing to apply for the 1996-97 Fulbright competition must turn in their applications to the Special Fellowships Graduate Division by Sept. 22, 1995.