Remembering Charles Jencks

The New York School of Interior Design is sad to learn of the passing of the architectural historian and landscape designer Charles Jencks, whose writings helped define postmodern architecture and design.

At the 2014 Annual Gala, NYSID bestowed Mr. Jencks with its Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design. At the event, it was noted that in his art, design, writing, and lectures, he explored and expanded the art of our day, incorporating the concepts and creative advances of science and mathematics. He also took on issues in the contemporary dialogue of art, culture and society, including land reclamation and design to improve health and provide hope. Mr. Jencks was a powerful advocate for the power of design in addressing these issues.

Read Mr. Jencks’ New York Times obituary here.

In March 2014, the New York School of Interior Design presented an exhibition titled Maggie’s Centres: A Blueprint for Cancer Care to highlight the exceptional healing power of architecture within an organization that offers free practical, emotional, and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. Maggie’s Centres were conceived by the late Maggie Keswick Jencks, along with her husband Charles, as a direct response to her own experience with cancer. The first Maggie’s Centre opened in 1996 in Edinburgh, Scotland, a year after her death. Since then, Maggie’s has grown to 20 Centres across the United Kingdom and beyond.

While NYSID will remember Charles Jencks for his loyal friendship and support of the College, we will also remember his unwavering belief that spaces are more than the sum of their parts. Jenks taught us that landscapes, interiors, and exterior design can be combined for a wholistic approach that improves one’s outlook, raises morale, and that promotes healing of the mind, body, and soul. He will be missed.