Renowned Canadian architect, scholar, and educator, George Baird, passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 84. While the immediate cause of his death remains unknown, it is known that he had been in ill health.
Baird’s influence in the fields of architecture and education was extensive. He began his teaching career at the University of Toronto, where he had earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1967. He later served as a Professor of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design from 1993 to 2004. In 2004, he returned to the University of Toronto as the dean of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, a position he held until 2009. His contributions to both practice and theory in architecture were highly regarded.
RIP George Baird . . . an immeasurable loss of a dear friend and colleague who gave so much of himself to so many . . . a wonderful teacher, mentor, and role model . . . a singular thinker with a warm and generous sense of humor . . . sadly we will not see his likes again. pic.twitter.com/VMdvLyJXc6
— charles waldheim (@charleswaldheim) October 18, 2023
George Baird was known for his early writings that applied semiotics to architecture, contributing to the foundation of the Postmodernism movement. His notable works included “Meaning in Architecture” (1969), which he co-edited with Charles Jencks. The book featured essays by prominent theorists like Reyner Banham, Kenneth Frampton, and others. His own work, “‘La Dimension Amoureuse’ in Architecture,” was significantly influenced by the literary theorist Roland Barthes.
Baird was a prolific writer, contributing to various architectural publications and authoring and editing several books, including “Alvar Aalto” (1971) and “The Space of Appearance” (1995). His contributions spanned theory, history, biography, and urbanism.
As an architect, George Baird founded George Baird Architects in 1972, later becoming Baird Sampson Neuert Architects. The firm was responsible for significant public projects and urban design guidelines for the City of Toronto. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Baird received the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Gold Medal in 2010, the institute’s highest honor.
Throughout his career, Baird remained dedicated to education and served in various capacities at the University of Toronto, Harvard University, and as Dean of the John H. Daniels Faculty. His impact on architectural discourse, scholarship, and practice was far-reaching.
The Daniels Faculty expressed deep sadness over the loss of Professor Emeritus George Baird, highlighting his role as a leader, teacher, and guiding influence within the faculty. The George Baird Lecture, established in his honor, continues to bring scholars and practitioners from around the world to speak at the Faculty.
George Baird, 1939-2023.
The architect, theorist, and critic died this morning in Toronto. A great loss to the profession, the city and the country. pic.twitter.com/kfET9ddbXJ
— Alex Bozikovic (@alexbozikovic) October 17, 2023
George Baird’s contributions to the field of architecture, urbanism, and education will leave a lasting legacy. He will be remembered as an influential figure, mentor, and friend to many in the architectural community.
A major commemorative event hosted by the Daniels’ Faculty is being planned in George’s honor.
George Baird will be deeply missed by all those who knew him, and his legacy in the world of architecture will endure.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
