25 Most Stylish Bostonians of 2008 -- Larry Sass, Ph.D.
Larry Sass, Ph.D.
Age: 44
Job: MIT architecture professor
Residence: Brookline
How would you describe your style? My style is a mix of architecture and science; I'm an architect with science envy. I love the laboratory environment. I love the precision of science, the culture and tools of scientists, how organized it appears.
Which architectural styles appeal to you most? I love modernist architecture. I love the modernist aesthetic, even though I don't practice it.
What is the biggest factor you consider in designing a building? The way it's made and the way that people deliver them. I'm trying to figure out how to deliver a building through the Internet.
Literally? Yes. I'm trying to figure out how to print a house. I send the data for the house and someone prints it with a machine. I'm coming out with a book called "The Printed House" that explains why it's important.
What sorts of details do you most like on houses? I love classical components, classical architecture like columns, details like fancy doorknobs and doorknockers. I love ornamentation.
Where would you look for these sorts of things? Olde Bostonian [in Dorchester] has old ornaments and components and doorknobs. When somebody has an old door or old window, they sell it to the store. It's a great place.
What kind of clothing do you like, and where do you shop? I love wearing suits because my father and grandfather wore suits. I love Brooks Brothers and Calvin Klein. I like classic and sleek suits, but I don't like shiny preacher suits. I also love hats, though I didn't wear one in the photograph.
