What defines an architecture critic? These past few months, the discourse surrounding what an architecture critic is, who they have been, and why this role needs to be re-evaluated has circulated across several publications and architecture circles. While several critics come to mind, both past and present, who exemplify the very best of what this role presents for the industry, there are a few individuals outside of the profession that architecture criticism might have needed.

WBEZ Chicago published Lee Bey's piece "Roger Ebert: An architecture critic, too" back in 2013. Throughout the article, Bey recounts his past conversations and memories with the famed film critic. Ebert's consistency and dedication to the "craft of criticism" were admired by many. Even during his final years, when illness befell him and eventually leading to his passing in 2013, Bey reminds us of Ebert's writing and architecture involvement. "He sounded the alarm against civic inattention, mercantile forces or could-be-built-anywhere architectural styles that, in his view, ruined places that were authentic, historic and vibrant," wrote Bey. Back in July 2010, Archinect asked the same question in response to Ebert's critique of modern architecture.

Bey's anecdotal accounts help reinforce the idea that perhaps Ebert was not only a critic but an active observer to spaces that were overlooked or taken for granted by everyday passersby. In 2010, Ebert responded to the redevelopment of a hotel on Jermyn Street, a place he called "his second home" while in London. With several poignant notes within his essay in the Guardian, Bey pulls the following lines that reflect Ebert's nack for calling it like it is. "Some obscene ­architectural extrusion will rise upon the sacred land, some eyesore of retail and condos and trendy dining," he wrote. "Piece by piece, this is how a city dies." 

Ebert responded to architecture with a punchy yet respectful enthusiasm that was often unabated in delivery. He may not have had a background in architecture in the traditional sense, but he was someone who appreciated cities and the roles they played in film and real life. 

Was Ebert an architecture critic hiding in plain sight, or was he merely a reflection of a critic we wish architecture had? Towards the end of Bey's article, he recounts Alexandra Lange's writing in Design Observer. She explains that an architecture critic's role should go beyond the building's overall look and appearance. Yet, Bey digs a bit deeper and takes the time to point out a comment in response to Lange's piece that adds another point as to why Ebert may have belonged in architecture criticism. The comment described Ebert as "a fan but not a fan-boy. Someone who loves cities and values context more than ideology."

In remembrance of Ebert and the anniversary of his death on April 4, 2013, Bey recollects the life and contributions of a colleague, friend, but most importantly, the potential conversations and criticisms Ebert could have provided today. "I lament this in light of Roger's death yesterday at age 70—is that in all those years, we never discussed architecture. We should have."