1982 Master of Architecture
Grace Kobayashi

The final report contains fifty pages of drawings from my various sketchbooks during my travels in Europe on the 1982 SOM Foundation fellowship (June 1982–December 1983).

These pages are grouped alphabetically by country and arranged from smaller-scale interior architecture to larger, urban design works. These drawings serve as “notes” and observations to record the various aspects of the building, which were of interest to me. They represent one of the approaches used in viewing architecture. In addition, materials and details were explored by photography, and the actual encounter with the buildings on their time and context led to an understanding at the experiential (user) level.

Traveling was a wonderful experience. It broadens one’s world and mind in many respects. One of the themes which arose in my mind and became a preoccupation, was the strong sense of “individual expression” that was to be found in the works of many good architects. Attention to one's artistic notions, developing a personal vocabulary, love, and understanding of details and materials were amongst some of the common traits. Often influential, also, was the tradition of local vernacular architecture on the architects.

Finally, I wish to thank the SOM Foundation for providing me with this opportunity.