Presenting

V5 I2 Florida Homes Spring 2013

Florists' Review Media Group has served the global floral in study for over 124 years.

Issue link: http://floridahomesmag.uberflip.com/i/122725

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 19 of 67

ARCHITECTURALHistory Left: Abbott in his Sarasota office the day of our interview, 2012. Below: Casa Del Ceilo, by Carl Abbott. Right: Caribbean Hilltop House, by Carl Abbott. Carl Abbott By Jules Lewis Gibson T To say that Carl Abbott is a talented architect does not begin to describe the delightful man, or the insightful artist, that I had the pleasure of meeting recently. As an art history major in college, I was particularly excited by the opportunity to discuss architecture with such a renowned professional. Eager to be on time for our appointment, I followed his directions explicitly, only to find myself going in circles. I passed his driveway twice, before noticing an obscure sign peeking out of the dense tropical foliage framing the road. After maneuvering my car through the jungle, in search of an open place to park, I embarked on my journey to find an actual door. Regretting my choice of heels for this occasion, I fought my way through the landscape, until a kind voice called to me, "it's over here, dear." It is so very fitting that Abbotts' office springs out of a jungle. The sleek modern lines and glass appear to grow directly from the earth. It is unclear what came first, the building or the landscaping, which was undoubtedly Abbotts' 20 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE intention, an idea central to his life's work. Throughout his life, Carl Abbott has forged a path uniquely his own. This path has been filled with friends and mentors, known to the rest of the world as giants of modern architecture. Abbott's own monumental architectural legacy has recently been encapsulated in a new book, IN/FORMED BY THE LAND. The book tells the unique story of Carl Abbott from his youth in the 'low-country' of Georgia. Large images give viewers a strong sense of experiencing Abbott's work and its connection to the land. Working closely with photographers and designers, Abbott carefully planned the book to ensure it conveyed the experience of moving through the highly choreographed spaces he designs. With such professional success, one might expect to meet a man made egotistical by his accomplishments. Instead, he is unassuming and charming; an intellectual with a breadth of knowledge and introspection, and yet surprisingly, without a hint of pretension or superiority.

Articles in this issue

view archives of Presenting - V5 I2 Florida Homes Spring 2013