Travel's Enduring Role in Shaping Architectural Thought

In the 18th and 19th centuries, travel through European cities like Rome, Paris, Venice, and Florence was considered essential to the education of newly graduated architects. With limited access to photographs and publications, these journeys were the primary means of experiencing architecture firsthand. In the early 20th century, Le Corbusier reinterpreted this tradition at age 23, embarking on his 'Voyage d'Orient' through the Balkans, Istanbul, and Athens, producing travel notebooks he revisited throughout his life. The article, written by Eduardo Souza and published on ArchDaily on August 13, 2026, reflects on how travel continues to shape architects' thinking, using historical precedents to underscore the enduring value of direct architectural experience.