Exhibit honors prof with architecture display

In memory of former Engineering and Architecture Professor Robert Le Ricolais, students and faculty from across the University have developed an exhibit of architecture, poetry and engineering projects. Approximately 150 students, faculty and alumni remembered Le Ricolais yesterday at a reception in Meyerson Hall -- the current site of the exhibit. The display included 45 models made of steel tension cables, including geometric configurations, columns and panels of woven steel rods, which featured the futuristic, avant-garde style for which Le Ricolais was known. A booklet describing Le Ricolais' work and philosophy was distributed to everyone who attended yesterday's reception. According to the pamphlet, Le Ricolais' work was influenced by the many forms of nature. Many of his models resemble natural shapes such as spider webs, minerals and crystals. Le Ricolais taught at the University from 1953 until he died in 1977. Many of his former students described him as "simply brilliant" during yesterday's gathering. According to Architecture Professor Peter McCleary, who organized the exhibition, Le Ricolais was a well-rounded person who, despite his official departmental associations, also enjoyed the humanities and arts. "He was a true Renaissance man," McCleary said, noting that Le Ricolais was self-taught. Graduate School of Fine Arts alumnus Pierre Ravason, who was never taught by Le Ricolais, said he knew of the professor when he was a graduate student in the early 1970s. "He was a crazy Frenchman," Ravacon said, adding that at the time, he was unable to understand Le Ricolais' ideas fully. Only years later did he grasp the importance of Le Ricolais' work, Ravacon said. He also noted that Le Ricolais managed to "combine infinite load with minimal structure," a goal of many architects. According to Engineering and Design of the Environment Professor Eric Johansen, Le Ricolais "explored structural concepts in a manner that was never addressed before." Johansen added that the late professor's ideas about cable and compression are used today in building commercial bridges. Those who attended the reception especially enjoyed Le Ricolais's spatial structures. "He was inspiring, tall and fascinating," said Bill Strauss, a GSFA alumnus and former student of Le Ricolais. Temple University Director of Architecture Bridget Knowles noted that Le Ricolais's work is still considered futuristic and modern. Le Ricolais also appealed to students with no prior knowledge of architecture. "He had an incredible imagination," said Engineering senior Adrian Fogle. College senior Elise Ravacon, Pierre Ravacon's daughter, added that she was impressed by the artistic side of the works, which combine both form and function. According to McCleary, the exhibition will leave the University and travel to England, Switzerland, Spain and France, where it will be exhibited at the Centre Pompidou.

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