After obtaining his Masters of Architecture at Yale, the
world was literally open to Abbott. He worked in Hawaii for
a while, before traveling the world to study ancient architecture. After spending time in London, he decided to settle
in Sarasota, where he had found the perfect spot to raise his
two sons, and develop his architectural philosophy.
His friends from Yale, Lord Norman Foster and Lord
Richard Roger, chose a different path, becoming Lords,
literally by title, reigning over the global architectural
empire, Foster + Partners. The behemoth architectural firm
has designed some of the most important buildings of our
time.
Abbott recounted to me one of their conversations, which
highlights the paradox of their two different worlds. Abbott
was visiting Foster in Paris when Foster asked him how he
was able leave his office for a vacation.
Abbott replied, "Well, there are 10 of us."
"How ideal," Foster observed.
To begin our interview, I started with a fundamental question.
What are some of the cornerstones of your philosophy of
architecture?
I know that architecture can shape one's life in a most
positive way. One of my favorite architectural quotes is
actually from Winston Churchill, "We shape our buildings
and afterwards our buildings shape us."
I'm very influenced by the way the ancient civilizations
placed their buildings, sighting them in the world, in nature.
That is a key to my architecture.
The typical architectural approach is that you start with a
form and you make things work around it. Our approach is
the reverse of the typical. We find out what the elements are,
and what the elements want to focus on in nature, and the
form evolves from the idea.
The way the sun enters a building became important. It is
not necessarily about the shape of the land, it is nature itself.
I always tie landscape into my work. Continued
"How many people are there in your office? " Abbott asked.
"Well let's see, there are 1,000 architects, in the six offices.
My offices are like the Early British Empire, 'the sun never
sets on the British Empire.' The sun never sets on our offices
either, they are open 24 hours a day, to be able to communicate with each other," Foster said.
"How ideal to have a 1,000 architects to carry out your
work," responded Abbott.
Turning to me Abbott says, "The grass is always greener
in theory, but my situation is truly ideal for me. I feel really
comfortable in towns that are smaller, where you feel more
a part of the community. Sarasota was the perfect place for
me to work and raise my two sons."
Right:
IN/FORMED BY
THE LAND by Carl
Abbott. Published
by ORO, available
at bookstores and
Amazon.com.
www.FloridaHomesMag.com | 21
