GRAVES IN ROME In 1960, Michael Graves was awarded the American Academy in Rome's prestigious Prix de Rome. Having just completed his graduate studies in architecture, he embarked on a two-year "Grand Tour" that led to a lifelong fascination with the landscape, the culture, and the history of Italy. During this time, Graves was exposed to ideas about architecture that went well beyond his modernist upbringing. — Published 2007.0207
	POSTCARD FROM NEW YORK Dear ArchitectureWeek, John Hejduk's work is mystical. That aspect of his architecture became stronger toward the end of his career along with his projects' narrative power. (Hejduk, the dean of the architecture program at Cooper Union for more than two decades, died in 2000.) The exhibit, "Sanctuaries: The Last Works of John Hejduk," recently at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, was a compact show that explored the mystical side of his work. — Published 2003.0108
	REEVALUATING POSTMODERNISM Twenty years ago the Portland (Oregon) Public Services Building by Michael Graves marked the coming of age of postmodern architecture. Arriving after noteworthy houses by Robert A.M. Stern, Robert Venturi, and others, the Portland Building was perhaps the movement's first major public building and the first to garner recognition beyond the sometimes insular world of the architecture profession. — Published 2002.0605
	AIA GOES MILE-HIGH Like every worthwhile professional gathering, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national convention held in Denver, Colorado in May was part education, part work, and part inspiration. The 16,500 participating architects and other design industry professionals learned about a range of pressing "livability" issues -- sustainability, affordable housing, urban revitalization. They also resolved to attack some national and internal problems, and heard from several of the world's most respected practitioners. — Published 2001.0613
	AIA ANNOUNCES HIGHEST HONORS The American Institute of Architects has just announced its 2001 awards, which it has bestowed on an architect, a firm, and an educator. These awards are decided on the basis of the recipients' depth and breadth of influence on the profession of architecture. — Published 2000.1213
	JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE? Pick up a typical architecture magazine and you become transfixed by images of new buildings and newly renovated spaces from all over the world. In our media culture, these images express the latest stylistic trends and new perceptions of space. The media thrive on images of beautiful objects, but at what cost? While the magazines enthrall their readers with photographs of captivating objects, they may be neglecting the buildings' experiential qualities. — Published 2000.0906

Michael Graves