Architect and urbanist Jaquelin T. Robertson, 2007 recipient of the Richard H. Driehaus Prize at the University of Notre Dame, died on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at his home in East Hampton, N.Y. at age 88.
“Jaque Robertson made immeasurable contributions to the built environment over his long and varied career. His recognition of the integral connection between architecture and urbanism renewed the creation of vibrant communities, and provided inspiration to generations of architects,” said Michael Lykoudis, Francis and Kathleen Rooney Dean of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
“His respect for the culture that results from quality architecture, and his concern for the human experience of the built environment, made the work of Jaque Robertson legendary,” stated Richard H. Driehaus, patron of the Driehaus Prize. “His contributions to communities around the world have demonstrated the universality of classical architecture and traditional urbanism, creating an enduring legacy.”
A partner in the firm Cooper, Robertson & Partners, Mr. Robertson founded the New York City Urban Design Group. He served under John Lindsay as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Midtown Planning and Development and worked as a New York City Planning Commissioner. Robertson served as dean of the architecture school at the University of Virginia from 1980 to 1988, bringing a new level of dialogue to the architectural academy as well as the profession.