Architect and educator, Thomas Gordon Smith, known for his commitment to classical architecture and its contemporary applications, passed away on June 23 at the age of 73.
Smith was a professor emeritus and former chair at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. Born on April 23, 1948, in Oakland, California, he attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in painting in 1970 and a master’s in architecture in 1975. From 1979 to 1980, Smith worked as a Rome Prize Fellow in Architecture at the American Academy in Rome. It was here that he became fully committed to the study and practice of classical architecture. He concluded his fellowship with the participation of his design of a façade for “Strada Novissima,” an exhibition at the 1980 Venice Biennale.
Following his studies, Smith established his own architectural practice, Thomas Gordon Smith Architects, and taught at institutions including the College of Marin, UCLA, Yale University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago before going to Notre Dame in 1989. Serving as chairman until 1998, Smith applied his perspective of classical architecture to Notre Dame’s curriculum, making it a leader in higher education, at the forefront of the style’s resurgence.
“Thomas Gordon Smith brought a new vision to the architecture program at Notre Dame, and brought me and many of my colleagues to the University,” said professor and former dean, Michael Lykoudis. “We all owe much to Thomas; he was a valued colleague and a friend. He was instrumental in rebuilding a culture of classical and traditional architecture that went beyond style, to the heart of what it means to be an architect in contemporary society.”
Smith designed dozens of ecclesiastical, public, and residential projects across the country, including the Cathedral City Civic Center in Cathedral, California. He also carried out designs for several buildings across Notre Dame’s campus. Smith’s work is also reflected in various publications of his, such as “Classical Architecture: Rule and Invention” and “Vitruvius on Architecture.” He was also the subject of a 2001 book by Richard John titled “Thomas Gordon Smith: The Rebirth of Classical Architecture,” which highlights Smith’s work.
Thomas Gordon Smith is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marika, a sister and brother, six children, and 10 grandchildren.
4 Comments
A loss for architecture and architectural education. As a young student, who was not in love with classical architecture, he opened my eyes to what the true values of it were meant to be and how that could produce something very unique and meaningful. My condolences to his friends and family.
Rest in peace, TGS.
I didn't know him, but everything I've heard is that he was a truly good person who respected all. What he did at Notre Dame is nothing short of amazing. We need more like him.
I met Mr. Smith once, when he came to speak here in Los Angeles for the ICAA. He was a thoughtful speaker, and a real gentleman. I liked him immediately.
His teaching was remarkably clear and insightful. I recommend two of his books in the syllabi of all my introductory architecture classes: his edition of Vitruvius, which is beautifully illustrated, with excellent commentary by TGS, and “Architecture, Rule and Invention” which is his text introducing the elements. Both are just outstanding, and filled with his beautiful watercolor illustrations.
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