Philip Johnson

Full Name and Common Aliases

Philip Cortelyou Johnson was an American architect, critic, and educator.

Birth and Death Dates

July 14, 1906 – May 25, 2005

Nationality and Profession(s)

American, Architect, Critic, Educator

Early Life and Background

Philip Johnson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a wealthy family. His father, Charles E. Johnson, was a successful businessman who owned a chain of department stores. Philip's mother, Louise Cortelyou Johnson, came from a prominent family in New York City. Growing up, Johnson spent summers at his grandparents' estate in Michigan, where he developed an interest in architecture and design.

Johnson attended Harvard University, where he studied English literature and philosophy. However, it was during his time at Harvard that he became fascinated with modernist architecture, particularly the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1927, Johnson graduated from Harvard and moved to Paris, where he spent several years studying art and architecture under the tutelage of Henri Matisse.

Major Accomplishments

Philip Johnson's architectural career spanned over six decades. He is perhaps best known for his development of the "postmodern" style in the 1970s and 1980s. Johnson was a prolific architect, designing over 100 buildings throughout his career. Some of his most notable works include:

The Glass House (1949), his personal residence in New Canaan, Connecticut
The AT&T Headquarters Building (1984) in New York City
* The Four Seasons Restaurant (1959) in the Seagram Building, Manhattan

Johnson was also a renowned art critic and educator. He wrote several books on modernist architecture and served as an editor for _Prairie School Review_. Johnson taught at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design from 1958 to 1960 and later became the dean of Yale University's School of Architecture.

Notable Works or Actions

Johnson was a key figure in the development of postmodernism, which emerged in response to modernist architecture. He believed that buildings should be designed to reflect their cultural and historical context, rather than adhering to strict formalist principles. Johnson's own work often incorporated elements of historical styles, such as Gothic and Classical architecture.

One of Johnson's most notable works is the _AIA Gold Medal_, which he received in 1978 for his contributions to American architecture. Johnson was also a member of the National Council on the Arts and served on the advisory board of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Impact and Legacy

Philip Johnson's impact on modernist architecture cannot be overstated. His development of postmodernism paved the way for a new generation of architects who sought to engage with cultural and historical context in their designs. Johnson's work has been widely celebrated, and his buildings continue to be studied by architects and designers around the world.

Johnson's legacy extends beyond his own architectural career. He was a passionate advocate for modern art and architecture, serving as a curator and advisor for numerous exhibitions and projects throughout his life. Johnson's writing on architecture and design continues to influence contemporary discourse in these fields.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Philip Johnson is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on modernist architecture and his pioneering work in postmodernism. His buildings, such as the Glass House, have become iconic symbols of American architecture. As a critic and educator, Johnson played a significant role in shaping the way we think about design and its relationship to culture and history.

Today, Johnson's legacy continues to inspire architects, designers, and art enthusiasts around the world. His commitment to innovation, experimentation, and engagement with cultural context remains an important aspect of modernist architecture.