From Robert Nagata Zingg

I am still in shock over the sudden death of my friend. Doug Michels was, and continues to be one of the biggest influences on me personally and professionally, and definitely responsible for where I am today. In 1991 I was a 3rd year student of architecture at Virginia Tech in Joe Mashburn's studio, and Doug came and spoke. I was completely blown away; captivated by the designs and the way he communicated. Although sitting in the back of the audience, it seemed he was speaking directly to me, and when he quipped "and some of you are probably wearing a Hard Rock Café t-shirt right now" he was absolutely right…. I was. In this presentation, he showed images of the Hyperion Project for Japan.Wiping the drool off my chin, I was subsequently awed by his unforgettable video clip of his appearance on Japanese TV, which was so bizarre and funny.

Everyday of the last 6 years of my life have been exactly like that strange video clip. That's because that lecture sparked the idea to plot a course for Japan. In the meantime, Professor Joe Mashburn allowed me to correspond with Doug as an advisor to my school projects, including a seminar credit class on Ant Farm and contemporary "renegade" designers. I was able to meet with Doug again when I traveled to see the Peter Bollinger and Michael Sorkin lectures, and visited him during the summers in D.C..

After I graduated Doug got me onboard at the Michael Sorkin Studio in NYC, where I learned so very, very much. After several years in NY, I finally made the move to Japan where I continue to live. Though halfway around the world, Doug was never, ever far away. My mailbox is still chock-full of his e-mail, and my desk is strewn with his postal mail. I often dwell on his projects and delight in explaining them to Japanese artists and architects. It has also been fun imparting his knowledge on my young daughter, whom I had taken to see the dolphins at Marine World here a week before Doug's death.

Within the architectural community and more recent NPO work, I had sincerely hoped to get Doug another speaking opportunity in Japan. Moreover, I was really looking forward to seeing my friend again. A few days after hearing the tragic news of his death, I went to my favorite beach to "think & swim" as he so often reminded everyone to do. Treading water I was thinking about the way he lived, the way he worked, and the way he died, wondering if I will truly ever achieve that level of synthesis. Then, incredibly, I noticed about 50m from my regular sandy patch of beach, in the middle of nowhere, stood a brand new restaurant called "Cadillac Ranch." Absolutely chilling.

Halfway around the world from Amarillo, Doug is beaming reminders to me still, in surround sound. I will miss him. I took it for granted that he would be around forever. I sure hope to pay homage to him by exercising some of the knowledge and inspiration he so generously instilled in me. He will always be a hero.

Robert Zingg
Fukuoka, Japan