Devoted to beauty, the built environment, and architecture, our late colleague Hooman Aryan captured these values through his photographic lens as he traveled across the world. In this spirit, 4240 architecture celebrates his unique perspective on life and promotes his dedication to quality and excellence through the Hooman Aryan Memoral Traveling Scholarship. The individual awarded travels to an international destination to capture the beauty (quality, detail, essence, and excellence) of architecture through photography, and share their experience with others upon their return.
“It's truly moving to receive this scholarship and carry on the tradition of honoring Hooman’s memory by photographing international beauty in the built environment. I can't wait to fuse an artistic look at the way another culture expresses itself through architecture and place-making with what we do here at 4240 every day, and also bring back some interesting images to share.” - Leigh Bryant noted upon receiving this year’s Hooman Aryan Memorial Traveling Scholarship.
One Juror stated, "Leigh’s submission stood out with its unique approach, presenting a travel journal that beautifully melded personal photography with her 4240 work to reveal the distinct lens through which she perceives beauty and interest." Additionally, he stated the submission “showcased a range of design elements, from meticulous details to ambitious conceptual goals which illustrate the breadth of effort required to bring a project to life."
With delight, we announce Monica Mong as the 2023 Hooman Aryan Memorial Scholarship for Travel Photography recipient!
“Travel adds depth to our ability to tell stories and connect with others,” stated Monica Mong upon notification and acceptance of the 2023 Hooman Aryan Memorial Traveling Scholarship.
“Monica took us on a nearly year-long journey working on three 4240 projects,” stated one Juror upon review of her submittal. “We were enamored looking through her lens of what made each project’s story unique and special. The graphic and thematic consistency woven through-out her submittal was thoughtfully and creatively assembled. Her use of color, composition, font styles, and even humor were very much reflective of the spirit of design Hooman embodied.” Given her love of mountain environments and skiing, as well as not-so-subtle hints within her submittal, we look forward to seeing all her photos upon returning from Mont Blanc this winter.
We are pleased to announce the 2022 Hooman Aryan Memorial Scholarship for Travel Photography recipient, Kaitlyn Flick!
In the true spirit of Hooman’s dedication to quality and excellence, we are thrilled to announce that this year’s traveling scholarship was awarded to Sara Murray. Sara’s talent, intellectual curiosity, and detailed execution is apparent in her work and stands as a point of pride for the entire firm.
“During my first week working at 4240, I went out to lunch with Hooman and a few other people. We talked about travel for the better part of the hour–where we’d been, what we’d seen, what we liked, and what we didn’t like on our adventures. Hooman had the most incredible stories and I remember wondering if there was any place he hadn’t been. He had been so many places that I, in fact, can’t even recall which ones were his favorites… but what I do remember was the pride and passion evident in his stories. He had this lighthearted and funny way of talking about his adventures that was really captivating–the kind of way that made me feel like I had known him for years instead of days.” Sara reminisced. “It’s truly an honor to receive this scholarship and I hope to always bring that same sense of joy and delight to everything I do.”
In 2018, the traveling scholarship was granted to Felix Tannenbaum, an emerging professional who exemplifies excellence and shares Hooman's commitment to quality in his work in the creation of the screen facade of The Elizabeth Hotel.
"I knew Hooman as a consummate gentleman - elegant, intelligent and kind. It's an honor to be associated with him, especially for the Elizabeth screen. We were hoping to create something delicate and ephemeral yet grand and impressive; something that was definitively contemporary but undeniably classic. Hooman could also be described that way. He was someone who would fit in at any time, charming and helpful always" Felix commented, pictured here with a sample from the screen.
In memory of our beloved colleague and friend, Hooman Aryan (1952-2017), 4240 has established the Hooman Aryan Memorial Scholarship for Travel Photography. This fund embodies Hooman’s quest for architectural excellence and love for travel photography.
Hooman had over thirty-five years of experience in a variety of building typologies around the world. A creative resource in the firm for his ability to resolve technical challenges posed by complex designs, Hooman would frequently serve as an advisor for project teams working on architectural technical detailing from design development to construction documentation. From 1982 until 2017, he had been a team leader in roles as designer, technical coordinator and construction administrator for some of the firm’s most complex projects. He brought a unique perspective to architecture with innate passions well beyond design. Hooman credited his tremendous teamwork skills to his insatiable curiosity about the world’s different cultures and their people.