Retirement Celebration for Professor Stephen Grabow

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR PROFESSOR STEPHEN GRABOW FRIDAY, MAY 5 th, 2017 SPENCER RESEARCH LIBRARY THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

BIOGRAPHY

Stephen Grabow

Originally from Brooklyn, New York,

His professional experience includes

Stephen Grabow studied architec-

architectural and urban design work

ture at the University of Michigan

in New York City, Providence, Rhode

(BArch, 1965), urban design at Pratt

Island, Tucson, Arizona and Tehran,

Institute (MArch, 1966), landscape

Iran. He also served as an architect

architecture at the University of Cal-

and planner in the U.S. Peace Corps,

ifornia at Berkeley, and urban plan-

in Tunisia, North Africa (1967-1969)

ning at the University of Washington

and engages in architectural and

(PhD, 1973). His teachers included

urban consulting work in Lawrence

Leonard Eaton (architectural history),

and Kansas City. His most signifi-

Sylvia Thrupp (medieval economic

cant local work was the Southwest-

history), Paul Heyer, Gunnar Birkerts

ern Bell Telecommunications Tower

and Ulrich Franzen (architectural

in downtown Lawrence in 1981

design), Sibyl Moholy-Nagy (ur-

(with Tom Williams and Design-Build

ban design history), Garrett Eckbo

Architects).

(landscape architectural design), Lawrence Halprin (landscape urban

He has taught at the universities

design) and C. West Churchman

of Arizona, Washington, California

and Horst Rittel (systems theory and

(Berkeley), Dundee (Scotland) and

design science).

at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Professor

04

Grabow has been at the University

the Bradley Award for Excellence in

of Kansas for forty-four years, teach-

Teaching Architecture at KU.

ing a lecture course on the history of urban design and on the principles

In addition to membership on

of modern architecture, architectural

numerous regional and national

design studios, and a variety of elec-

committees, Professor Grabow

tives in the area of history, theory

has been on the boards of the

and criticism. In addition to serving

Association of Collegiate Schools

as director of graduate studies and

of Architecture, the Architectural

other administrative positions, he

Research Council, and the Journal

was director of architecture for six

of Architectural Education. At the

years between 1979 and 1986.

University he has served on many committees, including the Executive

He is the recipient of grants and

Council of the Graduate Faculty, the

fellowships from the National

Student Housing Advisory Board,

Endowment for the Humanities,

the Committee on Distinguished

the Fulbright Program, the National

Professorships, the Center for

Endowment for the Arts, the Univer-

Dispute and Conflict Resolution, the

sity of Kansas and its Hall Center

European Studies Program Com-

for the Humanities, and the U.S.

mittee, Associate Marshal and Chair

Department of Housing and Urban

of the University Commencement

Development. He has received

Committee, the Provost’s Faculty

awards from the American Institute

Advisory Group, Chief Marshal of the

of Architects, the National Endow-

University and, for the last ten years,

ment for the Arts, the Kousaku-Sha

Faculty Ombudsman.

Foundation (Tokyo), the Danish International Studies Program (Co-

Within the architecture program he

penhagen) and was the recipient of

has played an important role in pro05

moting and developing study abroad

nated and participated (with Dennis

opportunities for architecture stu-

Domer and John Gaunt) in week-

dents. For decades, he served on the

long international autumn academies

Ewart Scholarship Selection Com-

in Neukloster, Germany for architec-

mittee, implemented (with Dennis

ture students from the Universities

Domer) an exchange program with

of Kansas, Dortmund, Potsdam, and

Germany, and served as the German

Delft. A firm believer in teaching

and Danish study abroad programs

about architecture and urban design

advisor since the early 1980s. He

in the presence of actual buildings

has taught numerous summer study

and towns, he has participated

abroad programs, including Siena,

(with Kent Spreckelmeyer and Bob

Italy and Berlin, Germany, and has

Coffeen) in keeping alive the annual

participated in Western Civilization

Chicago field trip and to remain in

spring break trips to Tunisia (with

contact with alumni in the many pro-

James Seaver) and London (with

fessional offices there since 1987.

Kent and Antha Spreckelmeyer).

Between 2000 and 2007 he coordi06

He is the author of over twenty

journal articles and several book

nis, eds.), Vitruvius on The Plains

chapters on urban design and on the

(2012, ed.) and, most recently, The

relationships between architecture,

Architecture of Use: Aesthetics and

art and science. His article “Founda-

Function in Architectural Design

tions for a Radical Concept of Plan-

(2015, with Kent Spreckelmeyer) –

ning (1973, with Allan Heskin) in the

the first book on architectural design

Journal of the American Institute of

theory by anyone on the faculty.

Planners has been re-published in

In addition, his writings have been

numerous anthologies of planning

translated into French, German and

theory and is today considered the

Japanese. He is also an Amazon Top

seminal work on the subject. He has

Reviewer of classical music, with a

published five books: Christopher

following of more than one hundred

Alexander: The Search for a New

thousand. As an emeritus professor

Paradigm in Architecture (1983),

he plans to continue his research

Architecture and the Future (1985,

and scholarly writings, guest lectures

with Paul Heyer, eds.), Architectural

and design reviews and to be a part

Education: Where We Are (1992,

of the life of the School.

with William Porter and Michael Den-

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NOMINATION LETTER For Professor Steve Grabow Chancellor’s Club Career Teaching Award

I am pleased to nominate Professor

sity of Washington and a series of

Steve Grabow for a Chancellor’s

professional and academic positions

Club Career Teaching Award. I have

that took him to Europe, the Middle

summarized his career in the various

East, and North Africa. That love

areas of teaching, scholarship,

of travel and the study of foreign

service, and administration. I have

cultures became a recurring theme

also added personal recollections,

throughout Steve’s career at KU,

memories, or significant incidents

and it defines the essence of his

that put the objective facts of his

contributions to the Architecture

career in words that, hopefully,

Program and the larger university

transmit the admiration and affection

community in Lawrence. It’s fair

his colleagues at KU have for him.

to say that Steve – working with

Steve has dedicated his academic

colleagues such as Charles Kahn,

career to the pursuit of excellence.

Jim Seaver, Wojciech Lesnikowski,

We can think of no one at KU more

Peter Pran, and Johanne Nalbach –

deserving of this honor.

is the person most responsible for elevating the status of the Architec-

Steve Grabow came to the Uni-

ture Department at KU to one that

versity of Kansas as an Assistant

now requires every student to study

Professor of Architecture in the fall

abroad, to appreciate the history and

of 1973. He joined the faculty after

literature of human settlements, and

completing his Ph.D. at the Univer-

to seek the highest levels of

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PROFESSOR GRABOW

professional achievement. During

formed from a respectable regional

his forty-four years at KU, architec-

enterprise to an internationally

tural education has been trans-

recognized institution.

The breadth of Steve’s personal interests in history, music, and the arts in general, in combination with his worldly outlook, has served students and faculty exceedingly well over his many years at KU. The integration of one’s personal interests with specific academic responsibilities represents a mode that is by no means uncommon in the university, but one that is worthy of special mention in the instance of his remarkable contributions to the School’s international programs. His broad knowledge of history and the arts, especially as these might relate to study abroad venues, his thoughtful guidance of students, and his unassuming and gracious personal manner are truly significant in the School’s extraordinary success in this important sector. The reciprocal value of his contributions is clearly evident in the warm relationships that he has built with international colleagues and the respect he has generated for our school and university. He is an effective mentor for our students in preparing them for informed practice, and an erudite ambassador for the University of Kansas.

—John Gaunt, Professor & former SADP Dean

If you ask Steve what he finds most

and intellectual life of New York

surprising about his career at KU it

City and all that implies: regular

would probably be that he is here at

attendance at an urban opera and

all. He is a product of the cultural

symphony, the density of city living, 09

the diversity and variety of interna-

finer points of design thinking and

tional cuisines. What he found in

zoning ordinances. He was the Chair

Lawrence was a life of the mind and

of Architecture when Victor Papanek

the creative spirit that was unex-

was hired in 1981as the first J.L.

pected west of the Hudson. From

Constant Distinguished Professor,

the beginning of his tenure at KU he

and in 1980 he hired a young Assis-

found colleagues in the humanities,

tant Professor – Dan Rockhill – who

music, the social sciences, art, and

currently occupies the Constant

literature who shared his sensibilities

chair. His ability to discern excel-

and encouraged him to expose his

lence and his instinct for recruiting

students to the larger world outside

faculty who share his sense of

the narrow disciplinary walls of Mar-

urbanity and intellectual curiosity is

vin Hall. You will encounter many

a gift KU can never really repay. His

KU architecture alums today – some

colleagues and students are simply

nearing retirement – who remember

lucky that Steve has transplanted

Steve as much for introducing them

himself so comfortably and success-

to Verdi and Wittgenstein as the

fully on the Great Plains.

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Every faculty needs a rock. For over forty years Professor Steve Grabow has been KU Architecture’s rock – our precious stone, distinguished, steadfast, and immeasurably valuable. He has not only provided an incredible wealth of institutional memory, he has continually defended our core pedagogical moorings. From his principled advanced design studio teaching to his teaching of design principles during the formative years of our students’ education, from his extensive knowledge of the history of urban design to its application in the form of his Berlin studyabroad program, from his championing of a carefully curated liberal arts education for future architects to his unparalleled service at all levels of the University, from his many articles to his several books he has shouldered this great responsibility with grace. As a young and newly-tenured member of the faculty, I have continually looked to Steve as a model of a truly engaged, productive, and passionate academic.

—Chad Kraus, Associate Professor of Architecture

Steve has filled a variety of roles in

of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

the Architecture Department, the

in North America. He has served

School, the University, and national

throughout his career at KU on

and international professional asso-

numerous international editorial and

ciations. Within a few years of arriv-

review boards, academic selection

ing at KU he was asked to serve as

committees for Fulbright, Rhodes,

the Associate Chair of Architecture,

Marshall, and Danforth fellowships,

and in 1979 he assumed the chair’s

and University governance commit-

position. In addition to recruiting and

tees and task forces. He served for

retaining an impressive list of junior

nineteen years as the Associate and

and distinguished faculty, he served

Chief Marshal of the University, and

as the regional director and then

has served since 2007 as Faculty

national treasurer of the Association

Ombudsman. Since 1982 he has

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Steve has filled a variety of roles in

tees and task forces. He served for

the Architecture Department, the

nineteen years as the Associate and

School, the University, and national

Chief Marshal of the University, and

and international professional asso-

has served since 2007 as Faculty

ciations. Within a few years of arriv-

Ombudsman. Since 1982 he has

ing at KU he was asked to serve as

served continuously on commit-

the Associate Chair of Architecture,

tees in Architecture that encour-

and in 1979 he assumed the chair’s

age, select, and place students in

position. In addition to recruiting and

foreign-study programs in Germany,

retaining an impressive list of junior

France, Denmark, and Great Britain.

and distinguished faculty, he served

In addition to all this, since 1987 he

as the regional director and then

has been the stalwart organizer and

national treasurer of the Association

guide on an annual tour of architec-

of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

tural sites and professional offices

in North America. He has served

in Chicago. The hallmark of all

throughout his career at KU on

these service activities has been a

numerous international editorial and

dedication to giving students access

review boards, academic selection

to the world of the built environment

committees for Fulbright, Rhodes,

and developing in them a sense of

Marshall, and Danforth fellowships,

global reach, cultural diversity, and

and University governance commit-

academic excellence.

I have known Steve since the spring semester of 1978, when I became a parttime lecturer in Architecture. We both taught sections in the second-year studio course. Over the decades we have shared our views of teaching, architecture, music, chess, poker, basketball, and many other subjects. Of course, as part of this nomination there is a package of documents listing Steve’s accomplishments and experience. This listing alone should prove to those who do not know him his

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qualifications for this award. A sampling of this list includes his establishment of study abroad programs in Denmark and Germany, his writing on (and advocating for) the place of liberal education in architecture, his teaching a course entitled “Principles of Modern Design”, and his writing the book “The Architecture of Use.” The reason he has taught and published as he has is in order to best serve the educational interests of his students as they prepare to become members of the profession. In an era in which much of architectural discourse is focused on how to achieve formal spectacles and technical cleverness, Steve has stuck to his belief in the fundamental principles of what makes a designed environment good. In short, these involve the use of basic design principles such as proportional systems, the analysis and use of function as a form-giver, and the analysis of context in order to create a harmonious and healthy relationship of building to site. He demands of his students that they analyze well, that they think well, and that they make principled and refined decisions in their design work. It is because of this that he has been a great teacher and mentor to generations of students and professionals.

—Steve Padget, Associate Professor of Architecture

For the past thirty years Steve has

ble repository of human history and

devoted himself fulltime to teaching

knowledge, not just a place to find

and scholarship in the Architecture

information. The book is celebrat-

Department. During that time he

ed in this age of the disappearing

has developed a series of what

printed page. He also insists that

have become classic studio and

students hand draw their presen-

lecture courses. When he teaches

tation boards and manually build

second-year studio he usually gives

an exquisite scale model of their

his students a program to design a

projects at a point in their academic

small library on an urban site. He

careers when computer-aided de-

insists the library be seen as a tangi-

sign techniques and the laser cutter 13

are the norms for studio instruction.

ing for more than a decade with

Although many of the students may

Bob Coffeen, Steve has developed

feel they are being dragged back to

a project that introduces students

a Luddite world, they soon discov-

to the worlds of performance,

er the joys of the tactile qualities

acoustics, spectacle, and the urban

of producing beautiful places for

gesture. He exposes students to

beautiful objects. Fourth-year in the

the artistry of music, the science of

architecture curriculum, on the other

sound, and the potential of modern

hand, has become known as the

building processes. Using sophisti-

“Opera House� experience. Work-

cated digital techniques, his students

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have over the years rendered pre-

expectations. What both these stu-

sentations equal to anything a pro-

dio experiences represent is Steve’s

fessional firm could produce. These

devotion to the way architecture

projects are regularly displayed in

embodies the human qualities of

Marvin Hall, and they have become a

built form and acts as a vessel for

fixture in many students’ educational

transmitting cultural values.

I have worked with Steve and his fall-semester architecture studio for ten years in the design of very complex opera houses and concert halls. He skillfully guides his students from the basic architectural aspects of these performance venues through how interior architecture and site layout support these performances and how building aesthetics enhance excellent musical and associated drama presentations. The quality and completeness of the student designs is always excellent. In addition to working with his architecture studio I have also participated for twelve years with Steve in our annual student visit to Chicago to observe its excellent architecture, including buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright and the history of high-rise buildings.

Steve is skilled in conducting this annual tour and involving School alumni who work for Chicago architectural firms. Steve Grabow is an extremely valuable member of the University faculty, and it’s an honor to be able to support this nomination for a Chancellor’s Club Award.

—Bob Coffeen, Lecturer in Architectural Acoustics

Steve has also developed a series of

become touchstones in the collec-

lecture courses that have anchored

tive memories of a generation of KU

the professional curriculum in the

architectural graduates. Combin-

introduction of modern design

ing tightly argued and composed

principles and the history of urban

narratives with provocative visual

settlements. These courses have

images, these courses serve as the

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theoretical and historical foundations

you speak to his former students

for how students see and absorb the

you invariably hear phrases like

process of designing in the physical

“Professor Grabow taught me to see

world. Much of what Steve commu-

human history in built form,” and “I

nicates in his lectures is his enthu-

never realized design was as much

siasm for the ways well-designed

a social process as a form of artistic

places represent and embody

expression until I saw it come to life

human aspirations and needs. When

in Steve’s class.”

I’ve thought for many years how Professor Grabow’s assistance allowed me to move on from university and pursue architecture in a way which made sense to me.

While I worked in an architecture office for a few years, my passion was actually in building. After laboring, framing, placing concrete, superintending and managing projects for the past 21 years, I’ve become an expert in working with high design and theoretically driven architects and assuring that the projects maintain and deliver the design intent – regardless of the challenges of construction, code and cost.

If anyone in college would have asked me if I could envision myself in this place I would have laughed a resounding “no!” But here I am and a little part of that goes out to him, the professor who showed compassion and understanding to a student who needed to move on.

—Meredith Frolio, Bachelor of Architecture Graduate, 1994

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At a time when the large lecture

lectures, but also in his walking tours

is giving way to more interactive

of European cities, his remarks in

forms of instruction, Steve’s lectures

design reviews, even his summations

remain immensely popular and

in faculty meetings, Steve is able to

significant in the professional archi-

use that most valuable of academic

tectural curriculum. It should also

tools – the ability to profess – to

be said that Steve is a consummate

engage and excite an audience.

actor and wordsmith. Not only in his In 2008 I helped teach the last five weeks of Steve Grabow’s urban design history course. I was given his slides but no words and ended up writing new lectures, but the images themselves were very intriguing. Upon his return to teaching, I discussed these lectures with him and he invited me to attend the class sometime, which I did in mid-October, and continued the following year from the beginning.

As an adviser, I had always heard from students that they enjoyed Steve’s courses, and I understand why. I attended his lectures not to learn the material, but to see how he engages the students. I found he gives them a broad framework to make sense of the history of place-making from the earliest settlements in Africa to the great civilizations in Central and South America to the present. He speaks to the students about the current topic for fifteen to twenty minutes in conversational tones, perched on the edge of a chair or slowly moving around the room without showing any graphics. He then presents the slides, pointing out the physical expressions of the various human events embedded in works of art, plans of streets, and public spaces focusing more on ideas than on names or dates. I have tried to emulate this method in my teaching when I lecture and have found that many students follow the discussion more easily when they first listen to the entire narrative and then focus on the images. So, through his excellent teaching, Steve is also mentoring a colleague and helping me be a more effective teacher.

—Marie Alice L’Heureux, Associate Professor of Architecture 17

In addition to being a master

of the 20th century, and a seminal

teacher, Steve Grabow is also an

series of articles on the foundations

insightful scholar, an exceptional

of modern urban planning principles.

writer, and a keen observer of the

He has published not only in the

ways built form supports and mirrors

professional and academic architec-

the human condition. He is the

tural journals, but his work has been

author of the intellectual biography

influential in the social sciences, art

of Christopher Alexander, one of

history, and urban planning. He has

the most significant design theorists

been the recipient of Fulbright, NEA,

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NEH, and HUD awards to sup-

artistic, literary, and humanistic di-

port his scholarly activities, and his

mensions of architectural education.

academic work has been recognized

He embodies the classic definition

by numerous local, regional, national,

of the ideal academic: someone

and international organizations. His

who adds to a discipline’s literature,

four-dozen-plus scholarly works are

inspires students and transmits new

the objective record of a long and

knowledge, and serves the institu-

distinguished career, but they are

tions of the academy, the profes-

only a small piece of an academic

sions, and society.

life that has woven together the Steve has been a long-time bellwether for the presence of the humanities in our curriculum, and he has worked hard to assure our graduates leave KU with a strong liberal arts education as part of their professional degree program, often against the vested interests of the majority who might favor courses in a packed curriculum that hit a little closer home to narrow professional concerns. He has touched every graduate in some way, either directly through his own course work or by his influence on our curricular decisions. He has been a leading advocate for an enhanced study-abroad experience for all of our students. Thirty-five years ago, as the Architecture Chair, he pioneered an offering of restoring an Italian farm complex by chipping away at it summer after summer. This was just the beginning of a steady increase of offerings by the majority of our faculty, and currently Steve’s Berlin summer program is one of our best. His appreciation for all the arts is commendable, and he has shared that interest with every student that has had contact with him.

In addition, his ongoing organization of and participation in the annual Chicago trip has become an institution in the school. His impact on the school has been deep and lasting, and his imminent retirement will be a great loss for us all. —Dan Rockhill, J.L. Constant Distinguished Professor of Architecture

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One of the most important roles that

modern design lecture course, and

Steve fills in the Architecture De-

he is the last person they see as

partment is that of the conscience

he reads their names as the School

and institutional memory of the fac-

Marshal at commencement. Many

ulty. During the School’s centenary

KU students simply imagine Steve

in 2012 Steve compiled and edited

Grabow when they remember their

one-hundred years of the faculty’s

lives in Marvin Hall. He has done

scholarship and research, which was

this throughout the years with a

published as Vitruvius on the Plains.

keen sense of humor, an unwavering

He is tenacious in his devotion to

dedication to academic excellence,

the place architecture occupies in

and a fierce devotion to fair play

the life of a university. Steve is one

and equality in his dealings with his

of the first persons a student of

colleagues and students.

architecture at KU encounters in his Steve Grabow is one of the pillars of our school. He is a walking, talking library of architectural knowledge, and is one of those elements that gives our school its unique character. KU’s Department of Architecture is unimaginable without him. His commitment to excellence is second to none; he is always willing to take a stand for what he believes is right for our school – his school. Steve Grabow holds the history of the school in his memory, remembering every character, every curricular shift, every great debate and can recall it all, just as he does every fact and cultural shift in his “Principles of Modern Architecture”’ class, his great passion and a class that every student who has passed through our school has encountered. An encounter with Steve Grabow is an encounter with architecture.

—Anne Patterson, Lecturer in Architecture

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Finally, let me add a few personal

career Steve has devoted himself

comments about why my colleagues

to making the Architecture Depart-

and I feel Steve Grabow is so

ment, the School, the University, and

deserving of a Chancellor’s Club

the professional design communities

Career Teaching Award. As the

centers of intellectual excellence

senior faculty member of the Ar-

and places where his colleagues

chitecture Department Steve is the

and students feel they can return for

longest-serving and most significant

stimulation, fellowship, and renew-

link to the foundations of the School

al. In short, Steve embodies the

of Architecture, Design & Planning.

traditions and culture of architectural

He was one of the first faculty hired

education at KU. It would be a

by Dean Charles Kahn after the

fitting and happy conclusion to his

1969 creation of the School, and

academic career to honor him spe-

he has been a faithful and steady

cifically and architectural education

presence within the faculty during

in general as the first Chancellor’s

the evolution of architectural edu-

Club recipient from the School of

cation at Kansas. Throughout his

Architecture, Design & Planning.

Sincerely,

Kent Spreckelmeyer Professor of Architecture

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22

LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Including Notes from:

Todd Achelpol

Phil Hofstra

O. Peter Broeder

Glen S. LeRoy

David Broz

Kristin Rosebrough

Mark L. Gillem

Arjun Bhat

Robert E. Gould

23

ta-des Todd Achelpol Design December 14, 2016 I am writing in support of Steve

ture abroad in Great Britain, a life

Grabow for the Chancellor’s Club

changing event not possible without

Career Teaching Award. I first met

Steve’s guidance. Throughout my

Steve as a second-year student

professional life, I attribute much of

shortly after he had assumed his

what helped me see beyond myself

first tenure as Chair of the Archi-

to a larger world of places and ideas

tecture Program at KU in 1979. The

to Steve…his unique personal touch

second year of professional archi-

changed the course of my profes-

tecture education is perhaps the

sional life, a story that can be told by

most formative year for students and

many of his former students.

Steve was my “design” instructor that impressionable year…a spot in

I have also had the pleasure to teach

the curriculum Steve has frequently

alongside Steve, and over the years

centered his teaching influence.

have observed the countless young

In the course of that initial studio,

lives changed by his careful influ-

I went from a tentative college

ence through teaching, his support

student to a confident and curious

of the architecture faculty and its

young design student who would

educational mission, promoting the

leave the comfortable confines of

School as a center for scholarly dis-

the mid-west to study architec-

course and his unique perspective

24

to relate the study of architecture

of their lives. Whether they become

to the understanding of the human

great architects or urban planners

condition.

is not his ultimate goal for students, but rather the idea that through ex-

Great teachers do so many things

panding perspectives and engage-

well, they guide and cajole, demand

ment in their work, his students can

much but are empathetic, they

become humanists in the best sense

expand the perspective of a world

of the tradition.

view while also helping students see themselves‌all of these important

I consider it an honor to write on

impacts Steve does every day. But

Steve’s behalf. I enthusiastically

perhaps the greatest impact as a

support the recognition of Steve, for

teacher is perhaps the most im-

his contribution to teaching at KU

portant. Steve arouses his student’s

and the unique example he has set

temperament for learning, both in an

for all around him.

academic setting and for the entirety

Sincerely,

J. Todd Achelpol, AIA NCARB Founding Principal, Todd Achelpol Design, LLC Adjunct Professor, KU SADP 25

April 20, 2017 It is with great pleasure that I sup-

I was fortunate to have Prof. Grabow

port Professor Stephen Grabow’s

as an instructor on several occa-

nomination for the Chancellor’s Club

sions. Like many students, I was

Career Teaching Award. His positive

immediately enthralled with his

influence on students extends far

energetic teaching and avid curiosity

beyond the classroom and contrib-

for the arts. He encouraged our

utes to the creative culture in the

class to look outside of architecture

School of Architecture as well as the

for inspiration, organizing class trips

larger professional community. As an

to the Kansas City Symphony and

instructor, his enthusiasm for learning

newly opened Nerman Museum of

is an inspiration for students and col-

Contemporary Art. As a member of

leagues alike. Outside the studio, he

the Ewart Scholar selection com-

builds lasting relationships with stu-

mittee, he has motivated students

dents, mentoring them on their paths

to expand their education through

through the profession. Speaking on

study abroad opportunities. With his

behalf of over forty years of former

guidance, I landed at the University

students, Prof. Grabow’s passion for

of Stuttgart, and while in Germany

teaching has resulted in generations

had the opportunity to experience

of lifelong learners.

Berlin with Prof. Grabow as a guide.

26

His tours brought to life the vibrancy

Following graduation, Prof. Grabow

of this 20th Century capital and

remains invested in his students’

inspired within me a lasting appreci-

careers. These lasting relationships

ation for German culture.

benefit both current and former

Recognized as a capstone course

students. Throughout the year, he

within the School of Architecture,

invites practitioners into the studio to

Prof. Grabow’s fourth-year studio

lecture, and critique student’s work.

leads students through the com-

With each graduating class, Prof.

plexities of opera house design.

Grabow engages this wide-reaching

Overcoming what some might

network of professionals, connecting

view as a generational divide, Prof.

students and employers. These re-

Grabow is keenly aware of the

lationships exemplify Prof. Grabow’s

technological proficiency required in

commitment to student’s long term

today’s architecture firms. To ensure

success.

his students’ success, he introduces local professionals into the class-

It is with tremendous gratitude

room as technical resources. He

that I recommend Prof. Grabow for

encourages students to experiment

this award. May this letter help to

with new techniques and methods,

celebrate the career of an individual

preparing them for the workplace.

dedicated to the careers of others.

Graduates often reflect back on this studio as a defining moment in their education – I do.

27

May 1, 2017 It is an honor to recommend Steve

outside of the University through his

Grabow for the 2016 Chancellors

alumni outreach is impressive.

Club Career Teaching Award.

Through firsthand experience as a As a former student of Steve’s and

student, as well as with the many

now a professional colleague, I have

KU students and graduates I have

been fortunate to learn from him for

worked with since then, he constantly

over 20 years.

challenges us to the highest caliber of design exploration and experience

I studied under Steve at the Univer-

through innovative and progressive

sity of Kansas, where I graduated

studio assignments, dynamic and

with a Bachelors in Architecture and

constructive critiques, and real world

Environmental Studies. Twenty years

guidance.

ago, his presence at the University was formidable. Now many years

Steve activates his students’ inner

later, as a Principal at Gensler, we

passion and helps them to find their

have collaborated on several student

undiscovered talents. His dedica-

projects together, and his presence

tion to teaching results in some of

28

the highest performing students at

giving an insider tour of Millennium

the School of Architecture, Design

Park and developing a mentoring

& Planning. I have continued to

network with the students.

witness this commitment with each KU student intern we welcome to

His strong network enables him to be

our Gensler offices as a Co-Op or a

a connector of students to the world

recent graduate hire.

beyond. I know I am only one of the many lives he has impacted through-

Steve is also eager to broaden the

out his time at KU, and I am confi-

perspective of students to the world

dent there are many more stories out

beyond. This has been demonstrated

there that reflect this commitment to

year after year, particularly with the

the welfare of his students, as well as

Annual KU Chicago trip, as well as

his colleagues, alumni and friends.

his devotion to study abroad opportunities in Germany. I have been a apart of the annual Chicago trip, getting the opportunity to tour 50 KU Architecture students around Chicago, Sincerely,

David Broz Principal, Gensler 29

April 26, 2017 The tortoise and the hare. Professor

to design from day one. The end

Stephen Grabow reminded by class-

result? Burn out, all-nighters, and

mates of this race and its surprising

frustration among many students in

outcome at the start of our last

other studios. And for me – my best

architecture studio at the University

project and a wonderful experience

of Kansas in the spring of 1989. He

that launched my career as an ed-

wanted us to focus on process first

ucator and practitioner with a focus

rather than race to a conclusion that

on establishing a strong foundation

could only be partial and premature.

and not rushing too rapidly to

He expected us to make consis-

conclusions.

tent progress that could lead to a compelling solution. He spent long

While Professor Grabow’s dis-

hours inside and outside of class

tinguished teaching career and

with us critiquing our work, offer-

publication record speaks for itself, it

ing advice on methods, discussing

is important to highlight a few other

graphic techniques, and sharing very

aspects of his career that have had

helpful design precedents. At the

a profound influence outside of the

same time, other faculty members

classroom. First, his commitment

were encouraging their students

to the study and understanding of

30

global cultures is without peer. By

sion. Very few faculty anywhere are

taking students abroad, advising

as devoted to seeing their students

international programs, establishing

through to the graduation ceremony.

study abroad opportunities, and

Third, he has been able to success-

leading field visits over breaks on

fully integrate the highest quality

a regular basis, Professor Grabow

research and investigation into

demonstrates, through his own

his professional work, which adds

example, the importance of global

instant credibility in the classroom.

engagement. Second, his dedication to service at all levels is a model for

In addition to his unparalleled

faculty around the country. From

commitment to academic excellence,

his work as a Faculty Ombudsman

Professor Grabow cares about his

to his role as the Commencement

students. In my final studio at KU,

Recognition Ceremony Marshal, he

for example, he opened his home to

is committed to supporting the emis-

our rambunctious group of 5th year

sion of KU. I still remember walking

seniors – the first and only professor

down the Hill at my own graduation

at KU to do so while I was there –

and looking ahead at Professor

and he was as genuinely interested

Grabow leading the entire proces-

in our social well-being as he was

31

in our academic success. I remem-

and practice largely on his model

ber Professor Grabow’s kindness,

and this has served my students

hospitality, and genuine care for all

incredibly well.

of us. I have taken his approach at the University of Oregon where I

Professor Grabow’s teaching ac-

regularly invite my students over to

complishments, focus on education

my own home.

al excellence, and dedication to his students makes him most deserving

Lessons I learned from Professor

of this teaching award. The selection

Grabow have shaped my teaching

of Professor Grabow will, without

career and my approach to partici-

a doubt, reflect great credit on the

patory planning, sustainable design,

School of Architecture, Design and

and design processes in ways that I

Planning and on the University of

could never have imagined 27 years

Kansas.

ago. I have patterned my teaching

32

April 15, 2016 I am pleased to have the opportunity

students. We have hired hundreds of

to write a letter supporting Steve

graduates of the School of Architec-

Grabow’s nomination for a Chancel-

ture and have heard many reports

lor’s Club Career Teaching Award. I

about the quality learning experienc-

have known and worked with Steve

es that they have had while attending

in a variety of different ways during

Steve’s studios and class presenta-

the last 40 years. We taught together

tions. Several of his former students

at the School of Architecture in the

are now in key leadership roles in our

mid-1970s and he consulted with

firm.

our newly formed architectural firm (Gould Evans) in the late 1970s.

As an interested alum, I am certain that we have directly benefited from

We have stayed in close contact

his dedication to his students and

throughout all these years and I am

hope he is seriously considered for

well aware of the very positive impact

this award.

he has had on the School and his Sincerely,

Robert E. Gould, FAIA Principal Emeritus

33

April 15, 2016 I am pleased to offer this letter of enthusiastic support for the nomination

Throughout that time, Steve set the

of Dr. Steve Grabow for the 2016

standard for consummate teaching

Chancellor’s Club Career Teaching

excellence. Through collegial sharing

Award. I have had the pleasure of be-

with Steve I learned from him and I

ing acquainted with Steve for nearly

hope, and I believe, that I became a

all of the over forty plus years he has

better teacher and faculty colleague

been a faculty member of the School

thanks to his input and guidance.

of Architecture. I have also had the

That quality of sharing can be found

great good fortune of working pro-

throughout his work in all dimensions

fessionally as a faculty colleague with

of teaching, research and service.

Steve for nearly thirty of those years.

Beyond the lengthy and substantial

During those years, we’ve served on

listing that represents his work, in

numerous committees, taught studios

his curriculum vitae is the resonance

in Architecture, collaborated “across

of dedication and commitment to

the bridge” while I was Associated

the School of Architecture and the

Dean of Fine Arts, and participated in

University of Kansas. This commit-

critiques of student work.

ment and dedication shows most

34

prominently for me in two remarks he

relationship with a new junior faculty

wrote in his most recent Post Tenure

member that he summed up with “I

Review.

guess I am learning new things all the time.”

The first was a description of sharing his primary research on a project

The truest quality of an outstand-

done some years ago with a student

ing teacher. Without a doubt Steve

in Germany, for whom he had be-

Grabow has earned, and deserves,

come a thesis advisor. Steve’s sense

the prestigious Chancellor’s Club

of that sharing was the “feeling that

Career Teaching Award. I sincerely

(he) had passed the torch to another

hope that your committee will select

generation of scholarship.”

him for this recognition.

The second was his remark about a successful, and rewarding, mentoring

Sincerely,

Phil Hofstra, PhD, AIA Professor Emeritus Design SADP

35

Nomination of Dr. Stephen H. Grabow for 2016 Chancellor’s Club Career Teaching Award I have known Professor Stephen

a rigorous design field like architec-

Grabow for over 35 years. As KU’s

ture, professors can often be conde-

Chair of Architecture in 1980, he

scending and demeaning – but not

took a chance and hired me as an

Stephen Grabow! I have seen him

Assistant Professor at the school.

relate to his design studio students,

He mentored me through the transi-

at many year levels, with respect

tion into academic life. He was a role

and compassion. He asks them to

model to me as a teacher, and he

discover their own unique selves,

encouraged me to pursue a career

and not adhere to his conceptual

in academic administration. For over

framework. He made them better

three decades, he has been a good

and more confident students. They

friend and wise counsel. There were

carried this confidence into their

vast differences in our approaches

professional lives, and as KU Alumni.

to teaching and the directions of our research and practices, but he

In the late 1980s, Professor Grabow

appreciated me for who I was.

took over a course, Introduction to Urban Design, that he and I had

In many ways, that is how I view

mutually developed. Over the years,

Stephen Grabow as a professor. In

I attended many of his classes for

36

the course. I was impressed with his

than Professor Stephen Grabow. He

level of research, his understanding

is a mentor, role model, and teacher

of relevant history and theories, and

who has engendered generations of

his ability to convey content in a

reflective architectural thinkers and

large lecture class format. Simply

practitioners.

put, Stephen Grabow is one of the finest “teachers� with whom I have

I am now President at an historically

been associated. As I have encoun-

significant school of architecture and

tered KU graduates in the profes-

design in Boston. I can confidently

sion, many have reflected positively

state that I would not hold his posi-

on their experiences with Professor

tion today without my early career

Grabow. He has had a profound

and long term association with

impact on his students and, in turn,

Stephen Grabow. I wholeheartedly

on architectural profession.

support his nomination for the 2016 Chancellor’s Club Career Teaching

I can think of few professors at

Award.

KU or other schools with which I have been associated, who deserve career teaching recognition more

37

April 14, 2016 It is my great pleasure to write to

gan for me during my very first design

you on behalf of my professor and

studio with Professor Grabow as my

colleague Dr. Stephen Grabow. it is

studio critic the first semester of my

an especially gratifying opportunity to

second year at KU.

be able to repay the favor. Professor Grabow has written many letters for

Shortly into the semester after getting

me and now it is my turn!

what I was thinking was a “D” on my first project, I spoke to Professor

When I was asked to consider writing

Grabow and he suggested meeting

this letter of support, I immediate-

in his office to discuss my grade. He

ly thought of several influential

informed me that there may be a few

moments early in my architectural

people who have a genius idea and

education in which Professor Grabow

don’t have to work for it but I was not

played a key role. It is funny how

one of those people. I would have to

one’s mind can store away words of

work very hard to develop my average

wisdom that come back to you over

ideas into great ones and to develop

time and that only makes sense with

a decent project. This message was

perspective.

crushing at the time but provided cru-

The education of an architect is really a

cial information which has held its truth

lifetime endeavor where school is just

throughout my entire career. Architec-

an introduction or an opening of one’s

ture is hard – you have to put in the

eyes to start “seeing”. This journey be-

time to make it good (let alone great).

38

During the same semester, Professor

to love cities. I took a lecture class

Grabow taught me to look and to

given by Professor Grabow called the

love it. He taught us to learn from

“History of Urban Design� which was

everything we saw and to look at

really about the evolution of the city

the world as a laboratory. We were

throughout history. Professor Grabow

working on a small attached housing

is an incredible storyteller so this was

project for university professors and I

a class that no one missed as it was

remember an at length discussion of

no chore to spend an hour and a half

the importance of a vestibule in the

listening to fascinating stories exam-

ability to say goodbye to your guests.

ining the shapes of how people have

These were profound thoughts. He

lived together throughout time as an

brought us to housing examples all

intellectual investigation. I remember

over Lawrence including looking at

learning about daylight factories

the vestibules and the progression of

which I had seen as a kid growing up

spaces; examining adjacencies and

in St. Louis and had always consid-

ideas of public and private, connect-

ered them as nothing buildings. My

ing indoors to outdoors. These are

perceptions were transformed when

things I now understand as funda-

I learned of the structural break-

mental considerations of practice

through in the design of the concrete

however this way of teaching discov-

frame which allowed entire walls to

ery made the questioning exciting

become glass and to provide daylight

and inspirational as if we were the

to factory workers who spent their

first ask these questions and the first

days in otherwise oppressive environ-

to desire to solve the complexities –

ments. This learning to look at cities

in other words he inspired passion to

under a different lens and to consider

create architecture.

its history as a continuum in which we build has been a critical lesson for

The following year he taught me

me as an architect. It is important to 39

carefully look at the act of building as

troducing students to the importance

a representation of our time and as

of travel and living amongst other

an impactful act. This class was the

cultures. As architects, we practice

start of a new way of thinking for me.

in a global society with projects that take us around the world design-

As we got to know each other

ing buildings for other cultures and

better through our discussions in

collaborating with different cultures.

and around class, Professor Grabow

An experience studying abroad is a

encouraged me to pursue a study

great way to prepare oneself for work

abroad opportunity and in particular

in this environment and to develop an

the Denmark International Studies

appreciation for diversity.

(DIS) program of which he was the program advisor. This counsel

In the years since I have graduated

proved to be invaluable to me. DIS in

I have kept in touch with Professor

Copenhagen was not well known or

Grabow – initially as I needed letters

considered to be a mainstream selec-

of recommendation for graduate

tion for architecture students at the

school applications – and then later

time, but it was a perfect fit for me.

as I returned to visit Lawrence on

My study abroad experience in Den-

occasion. In the past 16 years that I

mark has had a strong influence on

have been practicing architecture at

what I value as an architect and was

Perkins + Will in Chicago, Profes-

the beginning of an insatiable interest

sor Grabow has taught me how

in traveling and learning about other

important it is to stay connected to

cultures. Professor Grabow has been

our school and to its students. I look

instrumental in encouraging and fa-

forward every September to the

cilitating similar experiences for many

annual KU architecture student trip

students throughout his tenure at

when Professor Grabow, along with

KU. He has rightfully focused on in-

two of his colleagues, host a group of

40

architecture students on a field trip to

tour of our office las tsemester and

Chicago. This trip exposes many stu-

with Professor Grabow’s facilitation

dents to their first big city experience.

had secured an internship for the

They learn the public transportation

summer. As she is a French student

system, the importance of urban

study abroad at KU, he wanted to

public places, the new and notable

make sure she had someone to

building projects and experience the

reach out to in Chicago for help and

fabric of the city. The students also

information.

connect with alumni at Chicago firms to get a sense of what its like to work

Professor Grabow is an incredible

in an architectural firm and have the

educator who is dedicated to the

opportunity to learn about projects

development of his students by

underway. This trip has also been a

providing critical exposure to the built

great way for students and alumni

world – past and present – through

to form connections for future work

his work in the architectectural studio,

opportunities. It is a pleasure for me

in his lectures and his facilitation and

to have the opportunity to share what

leadership in study abroad programs.

I am doing with the group of students

He taught me and many others

each year and to get invigorated by

fundamental lessons that have been

their enthusiasm in learning to look

essential to my understanding of

and to learn from a new place and to

architecture and to my success in my

fall in love with a city.

professional career. It is with heartfelt enthusiasm that I recommend him

Just recently, Professor Grabow

for strong consideration for this ear’s

contacted me to request permission

Chancellor’s Club Teaching Award.

to provide my contact information

Sincerely,

to a young student from KU. This young woman had participated in a

Kristin Rosebrough, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Senior Project, Associate Principal

41

March 21, 2017 It is with great esteem that I nomi-

left a lasting impression on my col-

nate Professor Stephen Grabow for

leagues and I.

the Chancellor’s Club Career Teaching Award. Throughout my time as

Through lectures, studios and studies

a student in the School of Archi-

abroad, Professor Grabow showed a

tecture at the University of Kansas,

persistence in pushing his students

Prof. Grabow was a persistent and

to not only be Architects, but Schol-

dependable source of mentorship,

ars of Architecture; that discipline

knowledge, and inspiration. Out of

in one should beget passion for the

many knowledgeable and influential

other. I have no doubt that it was this

professors during my five years as

ethos instilled in my classmates and

an architecture student, Stephen

I that played a significant part in the

Grabow stood out as a consummate

success we enjoyed in our education

educator, whose passion for archi-

and careers afterward. It was Profes-

tecture and design was contagious.

sor Grabow’s mentorship that guided

His engagement of students both

me into a career melding Architec-

inside and outside the design studio

ture and Urban Design, and for that I

42

am grateful.

I can think of no better candidate for the Chancellor’s Club Teaching Award. The legacy of Stephen’s work endures in the built work of countless architects he mentored as students over a long career he should no doubt take pride in.

Sincerely,

Arjun Bhat

43

REFLECTIONS

Notes for Professor Grabow on his Retirement

Professor Grabow,

Whether in studio or on the golf course, you instilled a level of thoughtfulness in my mind and spirit that continues to drive my passion for not only the built world, but for life itself.

Cheers to a great career and a happy retirement.

Adam Paulitsch M.Arch. 2009

I very much appreciate our brief, yet enlightening conversations.

My best wishes to you, Steve.

Alejandro Aptilon

44

45

Dear Steve....

My very good friend and colleague, it has been a great pleasure to work with you for a number of years in the architecture program. We’ve had super experiences with your studio opera house and concert hall designs, with the Chicago Trips, and working together in general. I will certainly miss these opportunities and the interaction with your studio students

who were with very fortunate you as their a great pleasure to work you forto ahave number of instructor and uper experiences with withtheyour studio operaahouse students who learned great deal from you as they , and working together in general.

I will certainly participated in our chicago Trips. Since we are retiring at the your studio students who were very fortunate to same time we need to keep our friendship alive as we leave s who learned a great deal from you as they the School and move retirement retiring at the same time we needontoto keep ourlife. e on to retirement life.

My very best to you,

My very best to you,

46

Steve,

It is rare to have profound knowledge and yet keep a good sense of humor. However, you are able to excel in both. You are a great role model for us. I have always been impressed by your dedication and passion towards educating the next generations of architects. You were the type of professor that I wish I could have had when I was a student. I will miss hearing your comments at the faculty meetings, and miss hearing all the great stories and history about our department that you kept throughout all these years. I wish you all the best for your new chapter! I am sure that you will have fun, as always.

Please come back to see us sometime.

Sincerely, Hui Cai

47

I met Stephen 37 years ago when I applied for a teaching job at the university. The school flew me out from New York in April of 1980 for my interview and I met Stephen at his house on Louisiana Street. At my very first meeting with him we discovered a few similarities; Mike Brill had been my mentor in graduate school and Steve was very familiar with his work and admired him greatly. Conversely, Mike shared with me his appreciation for Steve’s work and encouraged me to come to Kansas to work with him. In addition, Stephen’s work with Christopher Alexander, one of the most important architectural thinkers of our time was someone I was curious about.

Steve’s first book The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture revealed for me an approach to design espoused by Alexander that I did not agree with although it would eventually lead me on a tangent toward a robust interest in regional vernacular. In addition we also discovered that we were both from New York and although we grew up several years apart we were separated by only 25 miles geographically during our respective childhoods.

I accepted the job offer from Stephen and soon found myself sitting on the UGSUK committee, meeting weekly with the

48

other faculty members representing the various year levels. It was here that I began to see firsthand Steve’s belief in a comprehensive architectural education that included the humanities as well as all things urban that became the foundation for our teaching over the course of many years.

It was through these weekly meetings that I also learned the value of coordination across the year levels, something we have regrettably taken a few steps back away from. Admirably, and in contrast to Steve’s broad brush teaching approach he also recognized and respected the value of the tectonics of architecture that I was interested in; he supported me through the years and encouraged me to start the building practicum.

It was under his tenure as chair that I built the b-tech yard out behind Marvin which placed the foundation for the Studio 804 program I operate today.

I am indebted to him for his support for not only me but for the entire school. We have all prospered by his presence on our faculty.

Dan Rockhill, 17 April 2017

49

Dear Steve,

Congratulations! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you and to raise a toast in your honor. If I could I would say - in short:

You made a difference and you were my favorite. Cheers!

I hope to see you soon.

Best regards, Kristin Rosebrough

50