  philip cortelyou johnson (july 8, 1906 â january 25, 2005) was an influential american architect. he is especially known for his postmodern work since the 1980s. in 1930, he founded the department of architecture and design at the museum of modern art in new york city. in 1978 he was awarded an american institute of architects gold medal and in 1979 the first pritzker architecture prize.goldberger, paul (may 23, 1979). "philip johnson awarded $100.000 pritzker prize: he is called the 'dean' recent work more controversial." new york times, p. c26. retrieved august 1, 2011. he was a student at the harvard graduate school of design. johnson was gay, and has been called "the best-known openly gay architect in america." in 1961, he was elected into the national academy of design as an associate member and became a full academician in 1963. he came out publicly in 1993. johnson died in his sleep while at his glass house retreat in 2005. he was survived by his partner of 45 years, david whitney,pierce, lisa, "through the looking glass", august 1, 2010, pp 1, a4, the advocate of stamford, connecticutgutoff, bija, "philip johnson: a glass house opens", at apple website, no date given, retrieved august 8, 2010 {{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/14/arts/design/14whitney.html|title=david whitney, 66, renowned art collector, dies|work=the new york times|accessdate=may 11, 2009|first=randy|last=kennedy|date=june 14
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