The SOM Foundation supports individuals with the highest design aspirations to achieve excellence.
Bringing together the brightest design minds to undertake interdisciplinary research that can help shape our future
© David Schalliol.
© Daniel Kelleghan.
Creating New Architecture Through Research
September 6, 2019
2020 Research Prize
Reclaiming Black Settlements: A Design Playbook for Historic Communities in the Shadow of Sprawl
Diane Jones Allen
Austin Allen
Kathryn Holliday
2019 Structural Engineering Fellowship
A Case Study of the Cities of Japan
Samantha Eng
2017 China Prize
Architecture, Infrastructure, and Urban Design and the Emerging Role of Infrastructure Design in the Modern City
Yue Wu
Upcoming Deadlines
April 23, 2021 China Fellowship
Featured Fellow
A Case Study of the Cities of Japan
2019 Structural Engineering Research Fellowship
Samantha Eng
University of California, Berkeley
Awaji Yumebutai, Awaji, Hyōgo, 2019. © Samantha Eng.
Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, 2019. © Samantha Eng.
Kyoto Station, 2019. © Samantha Eng.
Featured Events
Towards an Agrarian Urbanism: Progressive Potentials for Contemporary Practice
On October 14, 2020, architect and urbanist Charles Waldheim, juror of the 2019 Research Prize, discussed his work as it relates to the topic of the Research Prize: “Shrinking our Agricultural Footprint.” The lecture was organized in collaboration with the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Watch
Recent News
2021 China Fellowship Application Opens
The SOM Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021 SOM Foundation China Fellowship. The $5,000 China Fellowship is awarded annually to three students in the last two years of either an undergraduate or graduate program in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design at a university in the People’s Republic of China. The Fellowship provides financial support to conduct independent travel and research that contributes to the SOM Foundation’s current topic. Apply
SOM Foundation Announces Winners of 2020 Robert L. Wesley Award
The SOM Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 SOM Foundation Robert L. Wesley Award. Three fellows, Viridiana Hernandez Sevilla, Temi Osanyintolu, and Daniella Slowik will each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award to support their academic development. In addition to the three fellows, the jury decided to expand the number of fellows to include two $5,000 unrestricted awards to Corey Norman and Kenya Steward. All recipients of the award will be mentored for a year by the jurors and an extended network of advisors. Read
SOM Foundation Announces Winners of 2020 Research Prize
The SOM Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 SOM Foundation Research Prize. Two teams—one from the University of Texas at Arlington and one from Tulane University—will each receive a grant of $40,000 to conduct original research. This year’s topic, “Examining Social Justice in Urban Contexts,” encouraged applicants to explore and identify long-term policies, immediate actions, and comprehensive plans have the potential to shape a more equitable and sustainable future. Read
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