Founded in 1883 in honor of Benjamin Smith Rotch, the Rotch Travelling Scholarship is the oldest of its kind in the United States and is an annual two-stage design competition that results in one person, deemed the Rotch Scholar, traveling the world for at least six month’s time, studying architecture and documenting observations that are archived in the MIT Libraries.

Preliminary finalists and finalists in recent years have conceptualized accessory dwelling units, exhibition displays, outdoor classrooms and data processing centers – exploring spatial and social relationships of architecture in and around Boston. Scholars have gone on to travel and research architecture in every corner of the globe and also elevate their careers through this honor.

The pandemic has delayed the exhibitions and travels for the 2020 and 2021 Scholars. Please join the BSA for presentations by recent Rotch Scholars David Costanza (2020) and Kyle Barker AIA (2021) on their competition process and plans for future work.

Presenters:

Kyle Barker AIA
Senior Associate, MERGE Architects
2021 Rotch Travelling Scholarship Winner

David Costanza
Director and lead designer, DCS (David Costanza Studio)
2020 Rotch Travelling Scholarship Winner

Moderators:

Peter Wiederspahn AIA
Associate Professor of Architecture, Northeastern University School of Architecture; Vice president, Rotch Travelling Scholarship Trustee

Megan Panzano Assoc. AIA
Design Director, studioPM; Sr. Director of Early Design Education and Lecturer in Architecture, Harvard GSD; Secretary, Rotch Travelling Scholarship Trustee

Learn more about the Rotch Travelling Scholarship and current and past exhibitions

Topic

Advancing Architecture