Lautner

by Barbara-Ann Campbell-Lange

With his geometric structures perched upon the hillsides, beaches, and deserts of California, John Lautner (1911–1994) was behind some of the most striking and innovative architectural designs in mid-20th-century America. This introductory book brings together the most important of Lautner’s projects to explore his his ingenious use of modern building materials and his bold stylistic repertoire of sweeping rooflines, glass-paneled walls, and steel beams. From commercial buildings to such iconic homes as the Chemosphere, we look at Lautner’s sensitivity to a building’s surroundings and his unique capacity to integrate structures into the Californian landscape. With several of Lautner’s houses now labeled Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments, we’ll also consider the architect’s cultural legacy, as much as his pioneering of a visual paradigm of 1950s optimism, economic growth, and space-age adventure. About the series Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Architecture series an introduction to the life and work of the architect the major works in chronological order information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts, and plans)

Genres: Architecture, Art

96 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2005

Reviews

[Niya N · Rating 5 out of 5]

My love affair with Lautner's designs began on a trip to Palm Springs for a business conference. On one of the nights, the other delegates and I were taken on a trip to the Desert Springs Motel, one of the earlier works of the innovative architect. The space fit so amazingly well in its setting, and fit the lifestyle I associated with it so perfectly, that I was instantly taken with the creative genius of Lautner.

The book is a stunning collection of his iconic works, which capture the architect's love of the outdoors, and translate it into a beautiful interior capable of inciting an infatuation with space for any visitor. The evolution of his designs is painted through comparisons between fragments of the striking architecture of his houses over the years, and some of the sources of his inspiration dating back to his early life in Michigan.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an evil mastermind and looking for an ultra-stylish, yet earthy and unpretentious lair, you will definitely want to check out this work.