Charles Gordon - in memoriam
Today we mark the passing of Charles Gordon, a pioneer of society-environment relations, the sociology of architectural professions and interdisciplinary research. For years, he held a cross-appointment in the School of Architecture and in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University, Ottawa. Much of his energy focused on teaching, often by anecdote. He mentored and rescued many students, nurturing the university’s Directed Interdisciplinary Studies program for over two decades with only belated recognition. He made undergraduate education at Carleton University not just interesting but an exquisite encounter with possibility and opportunity.
His research on the impact of building codes on design decisions, the development of caligraphy and the technologies of the book, and more recently on changes in product design brought about by miniaturization, rested on voracious reading habits and mastery of the interlibrary loan. I hope to publish a memorial issue on themes that were of interest to Charlie.
Above all, Charlie was a personable, smiling and accessible friend, who spent every day in his office; someone who wanted you to stop and chat, a caligrapher of maxims, lover of cats, collector of pipes, frying pans - an excellent cook who took the secret of his carrot soup with him to the grave.