New School of Architecture dean provokes controversy

In a ceremony marked by controversy, President Richard Levin,GRD '74, named Robert A.M. Stern, ARCH '65, the new dean of the School of Architecture on Thurs., Sept. 3.

COURTESY OPA New Dean of the School of Architecture Robert A.M. Stern, ARCH '65.

At Stern's induction ceremony, several members of the audience exited the room in silent protest of his appointment. The dissention among students and faculty of the School of Architecture can be attributed to disagreement over Stern's selection for the position. It appeared to those involved that many of the selection committee's recommendations were not respected.

"Whether they were protesting me or the complex hiring process, I cannot say," Stern said. He believes the protesters to have been primarily "concerned about the process."

Although the school has historically been run by practicing architects, Stern's limited schedule may also have been a factor in the protest. Stern is and will continue to be a practicing architect for his firm, Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York. The new dean will only work at Yale about three days per week, or, in his words, "as much as I'm needed."

Stern conceded that he will be "sometimes here, sometimes there," but said that his main commitment lies with Yale at this time.

"I think it's kind of neat that we got someone high-profile, despite the criticism that he has `sold out,'" architecture major Al St. Germain, BK '99, said. "But I haven't been involved too much in the controversy. I don't think [Stern will] have much to say about the undergraduate program."

Gila Reinstein, spokeswoman for the Office of Public Affairs at Yale, supported Stern, saying that the University "deliberately, consciously, and carefully made the decision to hire a practicing architect." Stern believes that his commercial work gives him a "measure of distance and perspective as to what is going on in the school."

Levin also announced a large allocation of money to the School of Architecture upon Stern's appointment to the position. Stern said that the sum will go toward scholarship aid, faculty preservation, acquisition of exhibitions, technology and renovation of the Art and Architecture Building.

Stern's resumé is impressive. He has designed and constructed distinguished universities, businesses, and private residences around the country and the world. In addition, he has published eight books, had his designs displayed at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, and served on the architecture faculty of Princeton University.

Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Stern said he aims to "reinvigorate the sense of the school as a crossroads of architectural debate."

Back to News...