Schindler

Taschen Basic Architecture

by James M. Steele, Peter Gossel (Editor)

Hailing from Vienna, Rudolph Michael Schindler (1887–1953) emigrated to Chicago in 1914, like his lifelong friend and rival Richard Neutra. Eventually hired by Frank Lloyd Wright to work in Los Angeles, Schindler took cues from notions found in Cubism and the International Style to shape his unique a style he called “space architecture,” combining geometrical shapes, bold lines, and materials such as wood and concrete, with space as a medium in its own right, one to be controlled just like color or mass.This radical approach earned Schindler little recognition in his lifetime—but today, he is hailed as one of America’s most important Modernist pioneers. Discover such key projects as the Wolfe House, nestled in a steep hillside; the tree house-like Falk Apartment Building; the Lovell Beach House, recognized as one of the foremost examples of the Modernist canon in America; the Schindler/Chace House, Schindler’s most crucial work and his personal practice and home, which he shared with his family and that of Neutra.From private homes to small commercial buildings, Schindler’s groundbreaking designs heralded a new era of contemporary construction. This collection is complete with a map locating all of the architect’s most renowned projects, detailed entries, floor plans, as well as crisp photography of each structure and its interiors.

Genres: Architecture, Art, Design

96 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. James McLeod Steele Jr. is a Professor of History and Theory of Architecture at the University of Southern California School of Architecture. His work focuses on the key issues that effect architecture and urban planning.

Reviews

[Alberto Segovia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introductory essay, but too much projects crammed into its 96 pages, which makes feel there are projects that should have more introspective elements such as pictures or plans.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came at this book knowing nothing about Schindler, but I knew I wanted to learn more about the architectural pictures in the book. And I've always got a soft spot for local architecture, and this book abounds with superb photos of mid-century buildings in the Los Angeles/Hollywood/Studio City areas. These homes are nothing but space and windows. Straight, clean lines everywhere. Natural materials, wood, cement, glass. Lots of sharp angles, which I can easily see morphing into the smaller cramped apartment houses of the 1970s which litter the landscape here. There's a lot of "bringing in the outdoors" with floor to ceiling windows, walls of windows, and skylights galore. Tons of niches and small bump-outs on the walls for texture. Multi-levels and terraces outside on the carport, inside on the stairs, open lofts, and everything is built in. Truly the modern house of the future... As seen in the 40s and 50s.

[Tarin · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting take on Modern Architecture