Fulbright Award sends Bruin to study in Italy

Fulbright Award sends Bruin to study in Italy

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.