Photo by Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash
The dismal reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has hit with the first death of a colleague and hero.  I write this just after learning that Vittorio Gregotti has died of the virus in Milan at age 92.  Gregotti was a fine architect, but excelled in our ephemeral calling of architectural criticism, and as curator and cultural entrepreneur, being a crucial spark plug in bringing the Venice Biennale of Architecture up to speed.  A few years ago he was guest of honour at a London dinner I organized at ?Critical Juncture,? a global gathering of architecture critics celebrating Joseph Rykwert?s receipt of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, the first scholar-critic to be so honoured.  As always, Vittorio was warm, radiant and gracious that night. Many more intellectual and design pioneers of his generation will pass in weeks to come, and not just in Italy.  Rather than eulogize him and the others we?ll lose too soon, it is more in his spirit to direct my writing to shape some speculations?a few unexpected connections?something the Italian architect-critic was very good at. In determining the impact on architectural culture and practice of COVID-19 and a simultaneous melt-down in oil prices, the law of un-intended effect kicks in brutally.  It is beyond doubt that there will be a recession which will diminish the range and ambition of our buildings, and will close many of our businesses.  Except here in Vancouver?which because of the in...