Robert A.M. Stern, the celebrated American architect who designed buildings with pre-war grandeur for modern billionaires, has died at age 86. His death was confirmed by his son, Nicholas Stern, who cited a brief pulmonary illness.

For Kenyans witnessing the rapid rise of glass-clad skyscrapers in Nairobi, Stern’s legacy poses a critical question: what is the true price of progress? His work stands as a powerful counter-narrative to the global trend of generic glass towers, a debate that resonates deeply as Nairobi shapes its architectural identity for the future.

Stern’s philosophy was rooted in what he called “New Traditionalism,” a belief that buildings should honour history while serving modern needs. He famously rejected the dominant trend of minimalist glass boxes, which he felt were often disconnected from their environment. Instead, he championed the use of classic, durable materials like limestone, creating structures that felt both new and timeless. “You have to go back to go forward,” he often noted.

The KES 260 Billion Masterpiece

Stern’s breakthrough project was 15 Central Park West in New York, a limestone-clad condominium that opened in 2008. With initial sales topping $2 billion (approx. KES 260 billion), it became one of the most lucrative and exclusive apartment buildings in the world. Its success proved that a market existed for a new kind of luxury—one that valued substance and tradition over fleeting trends.

The building became a magnet for the global elite, attracting residents from finance, technology, and entertainment, including Denzel Washington and Sting. Its appeal lay in combining classic design elements with modern amenities, featuring:

• A private, residents-only restaurant with an in-house chef.
• A state-of-the-art fitness centre with a skylit swimming pool.
• A library, private theatre, and billiards room.
• A grand, cobblestone motor court leading to an elliptical entrance pavilion.

A Mirror to Nairobi's Skyline

Stern’s approach offers a compelling perspective for Nairobi, a city currently at a developmental crossroads. Urban planners and architects in Kenya have increasingly warned against simply “copying the West” by erecting energy-intensive glass towers unsuited to the tropical climate. Musau Kimeu, a leading academic at the University of Nairobi, has argued that such buildings create a serious drain on scarce energy for cooling and are not sustainable.

While Nairobi's luxury real estate market increasingly features contemporary designs with expansive glass facades, there is also a growing demand for sustainable and locally resonant architecture. Stern’s work demonstrates that looking to historical context and prioritising craftsmanship is not a step backward, but a strategy for creating lasting economic and cultural value.

As Nairobi continues its vertical ascent, the enduring legacy of Robert A.M. Stern serves as a vital reminder from across the globe: the most valuable buildings are not just built for the moment, but are designed to belong for generations.