Robert A.M. Stern Designed NYC Like 1930s Movie

It was Robert A.M. Stern’s ambition to replace Philip Johnson as the central figure in the architectural world of New York, and he more or less did. Like Mr. Johnson, Mr. Stern was not the greatest architect, though he created plenty of fine, even distinguished, buildings. Like Mr. Johnson, he was part designer, part gadfly and part mentor. He operated out of a mix of charm and selfishness, loving the intellectual exchange of genuine friendship, and knowing how much his own intellect depended on the constant supply of fresh air that smart people, and particularly smart younger people, would provide him with. Read Full Article »