EDWARD KNOWLES

KNOWLES--Edward.

"We are in an era that is a tornado of ideas. Our architecture should be no less." - EFK. Edward F. Knowles, an architect whose work in early partnerships included Boston City Hall and the original Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center outside the Washington DC area, died October 31st at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was 89. A third generation New Yorker, Knowles attended Brooklyn Technical High School and Pratt Institute where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree and met his wife, book designer Barbara DuPree Knowles. Knowles opened his architectural office in New York City at the age of 28. Early professional work included assisting Abraham Geller, Philip Johnson, and Edward Larrabee Barnes. Subsequently, Knowles' work included Boston City Hall (Kallmann, McKinnell and Knowles) internationally recognized as one of the foremost examples of the Brutalist (or Monumental) style. His work for arts institutions included projects for the Brooklyn Academy of Music during its 1970s renaissance. Knowles' design for the original Filene Center at Wolf Trap Farm Park (MacFadyen and Knowles) was heralded for its sensitive use of wood which integrated the structure into the landscape with minimal environmental impact while providing exceptional acoustics. Knowles' international portfolio included a Swiss chalet in Gstaad, commercial work in Toronto, residences in Puerto Rico, and furniture crafted in Thailand. New York City work included townhouses and apartments and several artist studios and residences. A lover of the beach, Knowles and family spent summers in Fire Island where he created a series of boldly minimalist beach houses sensitively sited within the natural terrain. Knowles' designs incorporated greenhouses, gardens, and a fluid interplay with the outdoors. His last decades of work were in partnership with daughter Mary Knowles, who continues as principal architect of Knowles Architecture, PC. Throughout his life Knowles was passionate about opening opportunities and providing mentorship to individuals young and old. In addition to teaching at Pratt Institute, Cooper Union, and Columbia University his support extended to many in and out of the field of architecture. In a singular fashion he was a lifelong champion of the musical, visual and performing arts. Knowles and his wife Barbara of 65 years raised their family in Brooklyn Heights before moving to Manhattan. They ultimately moved to Bellport, LI where Knowles gave generously of his time to local institutions such as the Bellport-Brook- haven Historical Society and Old South Haven Presbyterian Church. He was an avid gardener and beloved by a wide circle of friends. Edward Knowles' vibrancy, wry humor and warm heart will be missed. Those he leaves behind include his sister, Irene Knowles, wife, Barbara Knowles and their children artist-poet Christopher Knowles and wife, Sylvia Netzer, film production designer Sarah Knowles, architect Mary Knowles and husband, Chris Joinnides, and youth development specialist Emily Knowles-Kellett and husband, Bill Knowles-Kellett. He also leaves six grandchildren and his dear friend, Craig Morrison. (Maintaining his unique sense of humor until the end, it was not lost on family that he passed on Halloween).