The SOM Foundation supports individuals with the highest aspirations to enhance the design of the built environment.
2026 Researcher-in-Residence
Sixth Street Viaduct as Next Generation Infrastructure
Linda C. Samuels
Sixth Street Viaduct, Los Angeles. Photograph by Iwan Baan, Courtesy Michael Maltzan Architecture.
2026 Structural Engineering Fellowship
Critical Connectors: Regenerating Structures and Community Through Short-span Bridges
Lili Boenigk
Double living root bridge in East Khasi, India, 2011. CC BY 2.0 Arshiya Urveeja Bose.
2025 Research Prize
Visioning Eco-Connectivity with Youth in the Rio Grande Valley
Maggie Hansen
Miriam Solis
Cyclists enjoy the bike trail at Estrero Grande State Park, one regional precedent for our work. © Maggie Hansen.
Ali Fard
2025 Research Prize
Through the Cloud: Remapping Mobility in the Technical Landscapes of Northern Virginia
Development timeline along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. © Ali Fard.
2025 European Research Prize
Coastal Register: Disrupting the Corridor: Water/Ground Mobilities Across the Adriatic
Water stories. © Simonetta Armondi.
Simonetta Armondi
Agim Kërçuku
2025 Robert L. Wesley Award
Jenae Edwards
“Siren City.” © Jenae Edwards.
2025 Robert L. Wesley Award
Israel Jimenez
Braced Communal Platform. © Israel Jimenez.
2025 Robert L. Wesley Award
Nekelle Thomas
Examine the Existing. © Nekelle Thomas.
Supporting Lafayette International High School Students Interested in Architecture
Gordon Bunshaft. © SOM.
Call for Applications
Research Prize Applications Open in September 2026
European Research Prize Applications Open in September 2026
Robert L. Wesley Award Applications Open in September 2026
2021 Research Prize
Anna Dyson
Mae-ling Lokko
Yale University
School of Architecture
Rice bio panel made from rice waste and rice glue by Jinrui Zhang. © Jinrui Zhang.
Rice bio panel made from rice waste and rice glue by Jinrui Zhang. © Jinrui Zhang.
Recent News
SOM Foundation announces the 2026–2027 Framework
The SOM Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2026–2027 awards cycle will focus on the framework ”AI, the Built Environment, and Human Agency.”
SOM Foundation names Peter MacKeith as its executive director
The SOM Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter MacKeith to the position of Executive Director following a global search.
SOM Foundation Announces Winner of the 2026 China Fellowship
The SOM Foundation is pleased to announce the winner of the 2026 SOM Foundation China Fellowship. Fan Guo will receive $15,000 to conduct independent travel and research that contributes to this year’s topic, “Exploring the Potential of Mobility Corridors.”