Many of the buildings Americans have built, worked and lived in during the latter half of the 20th century sprung from architectual roots established by Philip Johnson. His Glass House, "international style" office buildings and post-modern architecture changed the urban landscape--and always created controversy. Charlayne Hunter-Gault reviews the architect's major works.

Charlayne Hunter-Gault engages Philip Johnson about his influence on architecture and his controversial life.

CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT: Philip Johnson's work has been described as brilliant and breathtaking but also as gimmicky and uninspired. It's almost always controversial. One way or another Philip Johnson has dominated the world of architecture in a unique way with skyscrapers, cathedrals, malls, museums, and gardens.

At 90, he's still going strong with several new projects, including a new office complex at Check Point Charlie in Berlin.

From the very beginning of his career in the early 40's, Johnson was an immediate success, starting with the Glass House, the see-through frame structure in which he lives. By far his most famous design, the building resembled the first house Johnson built for his senior thesis at Harvard. It became a blueprint for modern architecture.

After the Glass House, Johnson's work became grander and more ambitious. Soon his handiwork can be seen at such famous buildings as the State Theater at Lincoln Center, New York City's Seagram Building, and the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California.

These projects ushered in a new generation of glass towers. Johnson became the co-founder of what he coined the "international style." The philosophy of these post-war architects was that people felt more secure behind glass walls and more connected with their surroundings. As these buildings became more commonplace, the luster of the international style began to wear off. Even Johnson, himself, became critical of the movement he had pioneered.

PHILIP JOHNSON, Architect: We all agreed, all us young architects, that our so-called modern architecture was too old and icy and flat. Frank Lloyd Wright used to call it flat-chested--no breasts--because it was all sheer and smooth with glass up to the top, and the top just cut off, and it didn't seem human.

CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT:Over time, Johnson has also come under attack for past political leanings. He was labeled a fascist and Nazi sympathizer. He later disavowed his beliefs.

But Johnson has never stayed out of the spotlight for long. In 1984, he rocked the architectural world with his AT&T Building. In a bold break from the past, Johnson combined classic elements with modern design, setting the stage for post-modern architecture.

Detractors say Johnson merely reinvents or combines the vision of others, but even his harshest critics say Johnson has been a pivotal force behind young, aspiring architects. They also say perhaps his best contribution has been his work in landscaping.

One of the most renowned landscapes is the Sculpture Garden at New York's Museum of Modern Art, where Johnson has served as architect and trustee. In honor of his 90th birthday, the museum is featuring a display of art he has donated or acquired.