Charles Jencks

Date of Birth: June 21, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: October 13, 2019

Biography

Charles Alexander Jencks was a renowned American architectural theorist, landscape architect, and designer. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Jencks made significant contributions to the field of architecture, particularly through his writings which explored and critiqued modern architectural movements. He is best known for his work on postmodern architecture and for coining many of the terms and concepts that define the movement. Jencks studied English literature at Harvard University, where he earned his BA in 1961 and MA in 1965, before moving on to architecture studies at the Graduate School of Design. He later completed his PhD in architectural history at the University of London. Jencks authored over thirty books on the history and criticism of modern architecture, most notably “The Language of Post-Modern Architecture,” which has been translated into multiple languages and is a seminal text in the field. He also co-founded the Maggie’s Centres, a network of cancer care centers named after his late wife, Maggie Keswick Jencks. Beyond his theoretical work, Jencks was a passionate landscape designer, known for his cosmic landscapes that blend elements of art, science, and spirituality.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Jencks

1. Charles Jencks co-founded the Maggie’s Centres, which are known for their architecturally significant cancer care centers.

2. His seminal book, “The Language of Post-Modern Architecture,” is considered a cornerstone in the study of postmodern architecture.

3. Jencks’ landscape designs often incorporated themes of cosmology and the universe, exemplified by his work at the Garden of Cosmic Speculation in Scotland.

4. He was awarded the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Honorary Fellowship in 2008 for his contributions to architecture.

5. Jencks’ designs and theories have been influential in both academic and practical fields, impacting architects, students, and practitioners worldwide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Jencks

1. “Architecture is not a private language; it is a public art.”

2. “Modern architecture needed to be purified and perfected, not discarded.”

3. “Postmodernism is not a style, but a cultural condition.”

4. “The best art and architecture should be able to speak to people on multiple levels.”

5. “Each new generation must re-create architecture anew; otherwise, it becomes stagnant.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Jencks’ highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, largely derived from his successful career as an author, theorist, and landscape architect.