Roderick Robbie
15 September 1928 – 04 January 2012
Ryerson University wishes to celebrate and acknowledge the lifetime contributions of Roderick Robbie, Architect anda member of the Programme Advisory Council for the Department of Architectural Science.
Rod had a very rare combination of qualities: a practical dreamer, a believer in daring innovation built on deep tradition, with strong abilitiesin science and technology alongside talent in art, cherishing a deep respect for simple work-a-day lifewhile appreciating ‘high’ culture.He was capable of integrating opposing forces in a design: the best quality in an architect. He was fundamentally interested in the processes thatdesigned and built buildings and cities, and in the quality of the resulting built environment.
His designs for Katimavik at Expo ’67, the Skydome, and communities in the Arctic established a leading edge to architectural practice in Canada. His work on systems for the design and delivery of schools made fundamental changes in the way education buildings are procured in Ontario and beyond.
Rod’s colleagues reminisceabout his undying enthusiasm. Tom Emodicurrent Chair of our DAS Programme Advisory Council, and Affiliate with IBI Group, recalls “He enjoyed partying and storytelling, often with an edge, and was a supportive colleague when projects got tough. He was tireless. Even in his eighties, Rod put on his suit and tie every day, and went to work to make a contribution. He had a passion for the education of architects and loved to advise younger project teams.”
Associate Professor Yew-Thong Leong, who practiced alongside Rod for 20 years, spoke of his contribution to furthering the discipline of Architecture; “In an indirect manner, Rod's passing is also a Ryerson loss. He was a Ryerson Fellow and he also sat on the Program Advisory Council of our department. I know he took these two responsibilities seriously, as we - back in the practice - had frequent discussions about the state of architectural education. Sometimes these discussions were long, and extremely informative and instructional. Through these roles he was able to influence the shape and character of our architectural sciences programs, which have remained applied, relevant and real. Ryerson desperately needs more friends like Rod, and he has left large shoes for us to fill.“
Above all, Rod hadirresistible optimism and loved a challenge. He dreamed of a bright future for architecture and tried to make it happen every day.
Roderick Robbie had a long and special relationship with Ryerson University and its students, and he will be missed.