Matta-Clark was best known for artfully dissecting buildings that were slated for demolition. He studied architecture at Cornell but never went on to work at a traditional practice. His art brought attention to a world where buildings (and their histories) were being erased at an alarming rate. It’s believed that his efforts brought further attention to the Historic Preservation movement of the 70s, which would see buildings such as Grand Central Station, several of Louis Sullivan projects and many others, saved.