What's Happening?
Robert A.M. Stern, a renowned New York-based architect, passed away at the age of 86. Known for his extensive work in architecture, Stern's legacy includes a six-volume, nearly 7,000-page series documenting the history of New York's architecture and urbanism.
This series, released over several decades, covers significant periods from 1880 to 2020, including the aftermath of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Stern's work in Chicago includes notable designs such as the One Bennett Park residential tower and contributions to the Chicago Tribune Tower competition. His influence extends beyond architecture to urban planning and historical documentation, prompting discussions on the need for a similar comprehensive architectural history for Chicago.
Why It's Important?
Stern's work highlights the importance of documenting architectural history as a means of preserving cultural and urban heritage. His comprehensive series on New York serves as a model for other cities, emphasizing the role of architecture in shaping urban identity. The call for a similar project in Chicago underscores the city's rich architectural legacy and the need to document its evolution. Such a project could enhance public understanding of Chicago's architectural contributions and influence future urban planning and preservation efforts. It also raises questions about who will undertake this task and how it will be executed, potentially involving collaboration among architects, historians, and cultural institutions.
What's Next?
The discussion around creating a comprehensive architectural history for Chicago suggests potential collaboration among local architects, historians, and cultural organizations. Figures like Tim Samuelson and Iker Gil have been suggested as possible leaders for such a project. The Chicago Architecture Center and the Society for Architectural Historians may play pivotal roles in organizing and executing this initiative. The project could involve updating existing works or creating a new series that reflects Chicago's architectural developments from the late 20th century to the present. This endeavor would require significant resources and coordination but could result in a valuable cultural and educational resource for the city.
