Koenig: Leben mit Stahl - Pierre Koenig 1925-2004

Taschen Basic Architecture

by Neil Jackson

A leading proponent of the Case Study House program There are few images of 20th century architecture more iconic than the nighttime view of Case Study House #22 set on its eagle?s-nest site high above the lights of Los Angeles. With his two innovative houses for the famous project of the Arts and Architecture magazine, American architect Pierre Koenig (1925-2004) became one of the leading figures of the Modern movement in America. While still a student of architecture, he designed and built his first exposed steel house in 1950, proving that the use of prefabricated materials could allow for spatial freedom in affordable houses. Koenig's houses, like the Johnson House (1962) or the Oberman House (1962), are a direct response to Southern California's extremely warm and dry climate. His work is deeply marked by his commitment to environmentally and socially responsible design. His houses have thus become characteristic of the spirit of a whole generation: they perfectly capture the excitement and optimism of the American postwar society.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Design, Art

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Carolina Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mais um bom livro desta pequena colecção, no entanto, não o achei tão encantador como outros volumes!

[Bert Huisman]

7.50

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

For the general public, architect Pierre Koenig became famous for an image rather than his homes (the iconic photo of a mid century modern living room overlooking a brightly lit Los Angeles nightline in the 1950s). But for those passionate about architecture, he is best known for his steel construction homes. In this retrospective of his work, author Neil Jackson is given full access to the Getty Museum's archives (to which Koenig donated all his drawings/drafts/notes upon his death) from which we have this beautifully realized and informative book. The tone is conversational and respectful without being slavish or worshipful - a fitting look at one of Los Angeles' great architects.

The book is intelligently presented, with an emphasis on chronological order to best showcase Koenig's development over the years but also with sub categories within those decades. It starts with a brief background/beginnings/education and then proceeds to the architect's first project: his own home in a northern hillside ravine in Glendale, California. From there, his early career/office-home location in Santa Monica and San Vicente is covered before the next chapter on the career defining case-house studies. Steel pavilions, hillside houses, the rarer timber houses, and then mid career steel houses headline the next chapters. After that, attempts at production houses (most notably for a Native American tribe in Lake Havasu), a focus on production houses (near to his heart), and then the later years where he taught at USC while often doing commissions to upgrade/renovate/make additions/restore his original designs. Finally, the revival of mid century modern in the late 1980s and a short perspective on his work and influence. A chunk of the book is a section of plates of his drawings for various projects and this is a nice chronological list of his works as well, with info on all of them.

The first question I think most readers will have: "Is the book only for architects or architecture purists?" The answer is a very surprising, "Not at all!" The tone is conversational, the author doesn't go deep diving into architectural theory, and I especially appreciated that he discussed the strengths and shortcomings of the buildings in terms that were easy to follow and made sense to a layman. The writing is not dry or boring, doesn't meander, and creates a very nicely realized picture of the architect as a person rather than an icon. What non-architectural readers will find of interest is that Koenig designed steel homes, not wood (which had been the hallmark of California architecture to that time). The iconic rectangular or L-shaped 'open floor plan' glass box (often cantilevered on a hillside) became his hallmark in the 1960s.

The heart of Koenig's work is likely the Case Study houses - part of a series of commissions to major architects by Art and Architecture Magazine. The houses received some accolade at the time that led to Koenig getting more work. But it wasn't until a 1989 mid century modern architecture retrospective by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles that he experienced a renewed interest in his (and other) era architects. He achieved fame twice in his life from those Case Houses.

Perhaps the one accession to the architect by the author is that the iconic image by photographer Shulman of Case Study House 22 was not included anywhere in the book. Rather, there are some interesting quotes from Koenig on how photographers and homeowners made so much money out of rights to his design but he received only recognition. It's an interesting thought considering the pervasive rights issues now affecting so many businesses in the modern digital age.

In all, this book is a great read - informative, interesting, intriguing, and visually appealing. It's also a great snapshot of Los Angeles when the City went through a huge growth period after World War II. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Topaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be first noted that this book is not a monograph or complete survey/catalog of Pierre Koenig’s works. This book is a review/analysis of the archive of documents from Koenig’s office spanning his entire career. If you are seeking a book that covers all of Koenig’s built works with many photographs in more of a coffee table book format, you should read the book by James Steele.

This book covers all of Koenig’s projects to some degree. Many of the projects covered were never realized and those that were are also not covered in great detail. The content of each project covers many technical details such as construction dimensions or changes in design plan. The text reads more like a textbook and is very well-written and heavily cited with a thorough bibliography. There are many chapters and passages detailing construction dimensions, vendor invoices, and client correspondences.

The text is complemented by Koenig’s drawings, renderings, and a few photos that have probably not been published elsewhere. In addition, a full third of the book is a collection of plates from the Koenig archive consisting of reproductions of detailed architectural drawings, plans, and elevations. The text references these plates throughout so you will be flipping back and forth to view them. In most cases, the plans are reproduced in such a small size that they are very difficult to read or extract much value.

The layout of the book is very well executed as well. The size and font of the text is very easy to read, and the layout of the figures and photos are usually located on the same page as referenced. The book is hefty and has high quality paper and cover stock.

This book provides a different insight into Koenig that may not be covered in other publications. It is intended for a more technical reader who wants a more in-depth and detailed knowledge of Koenig’s work, philosophy, and process.

For the causal reader looking for a general reference book of Pierre Koenig’s iconic modernist houses, this is not the book for you. However, for the more engaged student/enthusiast of modernist architecture and design this is a valuable addition to your library.

You should be able to find a good copy of this book for about $30.

[January Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about Los Angelas Architecture. Breathtaking and sweeping. I highly recommend. Would make a great gift for someone.