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Michael Graves (MArch ’59) dies at 80

Michael Graves, one of the most important American architects of the 20th century, died yesterday at the age of 80. Graves, known for his postmodern design and commitment to designing for health, was a member of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s class of ’59.

The New York Times obituary recalls a review of the health care headquarters in Louisville Graves designed: “Writing about the Humana building in 1985, Paul Goldberger of The New York Times called the tower, sheathed in pink granite with a solid glass shaft up the center, ‘a remarkable achievement — in every way Mr. Graves’s finest building, a tower that proves his ability not only to work at large scale, but to create interior and exterior details as well wrought as those of any architect now practicing.'”

Graves’s impact on both design and pedagogy is remarkable, and his influence and importance will be felt by all future generations.