Modern Masters

Neutra: Complete Works

by Peter Gössel, Barbara Lamprecht, Julius Shulman  |  464 pages  |  Taschen America, LLC

Originally from Vienna, Richard Neutra came to America early in his career, settling in California. His influence on post-war architecture is undisputed—the sunny climate and rich landscape being particularly suited to his cool, sleek, modern style. Neutra had a keen appreciation for the relationship between people and nature; his trademark plate glass walls and ceilings that turn into deep overhangs have the effect of connecting the indoors with the outdoors. His ability to incorporate technology, aesthetic, science and nature into his designs brought him to the forefront of Modernist architecture. In this volume, all of Neutra’s works (nearly 300 private homes, schools and public buildings) are gathered together, illustrated by more than 1,000 photographs, including those of Julius Shulman and other prominent photographers.

California DESIGN, 1930-1965:

Living in a Modern Way by Wendy Kaplan  |  360 pages  |  MIT Press

The heart of California Design is the modern California home, famously characterized by open plans conducive to outdoor living. The layouts of modernist homes by Pierre Koenig, Craig Ellwood and Raphael Soriano, for example, were intended to blur the distinction between indoors and out. Homes were furnished with products from Heath Ceramics, Van Keppel-Green and Architectural Pottery as well as other, previously unheralded companies and designers. Many objects were designed to be multifunctional: pool and patio furniture that was equally suitable indoors, lighting that was both task and ambient, bookshelves that served as room dividers, and bathing suits that would turn into ensembles appropriate for indoor entertainment. California Design includes 350 images, most in color, of furniture, ceramics, metalwork, architecture, graphic and industrial design, film, textiles and fashion, and 10 incisive essays that trace the rise of the California design aesthetic.

Pierre Keonig

by James Steele  |  180 pages  |  Phaidon Press

Pierre Koenig was a leading figure of the Modern movement in America. As the architect of some of Los Angeles’ most admired houses, Koenig was a guiding influence on the famous Case Study House Program. This monograph, the first to compile his pioneering work, provides an insight into the evolution of Modernism on the West Coast. This book, a complete study of Koenig’s career, examines his dedicated application of specific design and structural principles, his interest in industrialization and his belief in environmentally and socially responsible design. Photographs of Koenig’s work, together with the architect’s original sketches and drawings, provide a comprehensive visual document of his refined and dramatic architecture.