A Look at Robert A. M. Stern’s Most Interesting Architectural Works

New Building at the University of Portland

Robert A. M. Stern 

Robert A. M. Stern was an American architect, urban planner, and lecturer, and one of the leading figures of contemporary classical architecture. He founded the architectural firm RAMSA, which designed many diverse buildings, particularly in the United States but also in other parts of the world. His work was characterized by strong references to historical architecture. On the occasion of his passing, we invite you to explore his most notable projects—especially since we had the pleasure of presenting some of them on the Architektoniczna Rewolta profile during his lifetime.

Robert Stern and his firm completed many building projects, mainly in the United States. These are highly diverse structures, ranging from residential buildings and cultural institutions to public buildings and university facilities, which constitute a significant portion of his work. One of the best-known buildings is the high-rise at 150 East 78th Street in New York, completed in 2022. The apartment building features intriguing architecture that is quite unusual for contemporary structures. It is worth noting that this building received a Palladio Award.

High-Rise at 150 East 78th Street

The largest portion of projects created by Robert A. M. Stern and his firm consists of university buildings. In the United States, such investments often employ architecture referencing historical styles, especially when the project concerns facilities within an existing campus. The goal is to create new buildings in the same style so that they fit into the complex and highlight its tradition.

An example of such a project led by Stern is a three-story academic building located in the heart of the University of Portland campus. It features brick façades and numerous limestone architectural details that reference the campus’s neo-Gothic architecture. Construction was completed in 2019.

New Building at the University of Portland

An even more interesting and impressive example is the Yale University campus expansion, overseen by Robert A. M. Stern. The project was completed in 2017. In this case, the architect also used neo-Gothic forms that harmonize with the existing campus buildings. As a result, new structures were created that fit the university’s historic character while simultaneously meeting contemporary student and academic needs. This project is undoubtedly worth attention.

New Buildings at Yale University

Another noteworthy project is the new building on the Villanova University campus in Pennsylvania, completed in 2019. Its façade was constructed from stone, and the facility serves as a student residence hall.

New Building on the Villanova University Campus, Pennsylvania

Attention should also be given to Postle Hall, the building housing the College of Dentistry at The Ohio State University. Completed in 2021, the structure contains lecture halls, laboratories, and offices. It was designed with large windows to ensure ample natural lighting.

Postle Hall

Another group of buildings designed by Stern consists of cultural facilities. A prominent example is the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, completed and opened in 2023. The building, which houses both contemporary and classical artworks, stands out with architecture inspired by classical style. Particularly noteworthy is the large portal leading into the museum. Next to the building, a landscaped green area was created, functioning as a park enriched with contemporary sculptures. One of them stands directly at the entrance.

Raclin Murphy Museum of Art

Not all of Stern’s projects follow a strictly historicizing style. A good example is the Villanova Performing Arts Center in Pennsylvania, completed in 2020. The facility contains a theater space as well as rehearsal rooms and technical areas. The main hall seats 400, while the smaller adjacent hall was designed for 200. 

Villanova Performing Arts Center

The buildings designed by Robert A. M. Stern and his firm undoubtedly deserve attention, and many of them stand out for their high architectural quality. Most of his projects clearly reference historical styles, yet Stern incorporated them in an original way, combining tradition with contemporary functional needs. Unfortunately, his work has not been widely presented in Polish media or within the architectural community.

Piotr Gadomski 

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All photos come from the RAMSA website

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