Judging Becket with Stone
Noting what seems like a missing t, this cover editorial piece is not going to be about Samuel Beckett, author of Waiting for Godot. It is, rather, about the very pressing question of what to preserve of the work of large commercial firms. Nowadays, two maligned past practitioners, Welton Becket and Edward Durell Stone, serve as illuminating exem- plars–along with other examples too numerous to list–of the sorts of dilemmas facing modernist preservation. These figures and their proj- ects shaped our domestic skyline and set standards for professional values and aspirations. They even projected, in what seems today like far more optimistic and potentially peaceable times, an image of America abroad, as seen in the Istanbul Hilton by Gordon Bunshaft, the US Embassy in Havana by Harrison and Abramowitz, or the US Embassy in New Delhi by Edward Durell Stone. While the phenomenon of the com- mercial firm is not new, given the significance of McKim, Mead and White or D. H. Burnham and Co., the sheer volume of work by such firms as Becket’s or Stone’s (or of Eero Saarinen’s, SOM and John F. Kennedy Center for the HOK) presents us with serious challenges and a looming responsibility. Performing Arts, Washington DC, Edward Durell Stone: begun in (For comments regarding how this relates specifically to the work of early 1960s, completed in 1971 Saarinen, see page 7 for a review of two new books on that modernist (photo: Theo Prudon) master.) The preservation dialogue, frequently seen as being about per- sonal preference–thought, therefore, to be largely subjective–needs to be redirected not only to the larger subject of architectural design; it also has to include a broader discussion of the historical, cultural and contex- tual significance of the full spectrum of international, national, regional and local buildings and their architects, elite geniuses and innovative professionals alike. cont’d on p. 8
NATIONAL NEWS |winter 2004 ARTICLES DOCOMOMO NEWS EXHIBITS
1 Judging Becket with Stone, 2 Welcome Mori on Wright: Designs for F. L. by Theodore Prudon Wright’s Martin House Visitor Center 3 Chapter News Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY 2 Modernism in Argentina: “The Through March 14 Paris (and Berlin and New York 3 Regional Updates and London) of the South,” The Undiscovered Richard Meier: by Serianne Worden The Architect as Designer and Artist UPCOMING CONFERENCES High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA 5 Building Obituaries: Introduction, Through April 4 by Jeanne Lambin; Geddes Brecher Society of Architectural Historians Cunningham’s Harold Pender 56th Annual Meeting Design-Recline: Modern Architecture Laboratory; Mies’s Farnsworth Providence, RI April 14 - 28 and the Mid-Century Chaise Lounge House; Smith and Williams’s Busch-Reisinger Museum, Design Office; Goldberg’s Harriet 29th Annual California Preservation Cambridge, MA March 20 - July 11 Higgenson House Foundation Conference San Francisco, CA April 28 - May 1 6 2004 International DOCOMOMO Conference Update, “Learn/Celebrate/Dream”: AIA 2004 by Hélène Lipstadt National Convention and Exposition Chicago, IL June 10 - 12 7 Book Review: Two New Books on Eero Saarinen Pose Important Questions for Modernist Preservation, by Brendan D. Moran DOCOMOMO-US 9 DOCOMOMO Workshop on Modern Architecture Surveys, Email: [email protected] by Nina Rappaport Mail: PO Box 230977 New York, NY 10023 9 DOCOMOMO-US Board Holds Annual Meeting, www.docomomo-us.org by Laura Culberson Welcome Modernism in
Over the past eight years, DOCO- Argentina: “The Paris MOMO has become the national advocate for the preservation of (and Berlin and New modern architecture, evidenced by our testimony in support of many York and London) of preservation causes. Over the same the South” period, several new chapters have been established, with others still forming across the country. Argentina evokes tango, soccer and financial crisis Through our newsletters, organizing –not to mention the architectural epithet ”Paris of meetings, tours and lectures, we the South.” Francophile tendencies in Argentina provide information and support on during the 19th and early 20th centuries, though, advocacy issues; our expanding were just one of many imported and reworked archi- website, www.docomomo- tectural styles at play. Modern Movement architec- us.org, continues to provide easy ture in Argentina has a similar hybrid history, but the access to this information and earliest inklings of Modernism in Argentina coincid- more. ed with an illustrious visit. In 1929, the Sociedad In 2004 DOCOMOMO-US has Amigos del Arte (Friends of the Arts Society) invited committed to two new coordinated Le Corbusier to Buenos Aires to give nine lectures. initiatives. First, in September of this Via these lectures–and, of course, imported year, New York City will be the site European magazines–Modernism began to be of the VIIIth International DOCOMO- explored locally. Kavanagh Apartment Building, Buenos Aires, 1935 MO Conference, following in the In anticipation of Le Corbusier’s arrival, writer footsteps of seven earlier confer- and socialite Victoria Ocampo, founder of the cul- remained mostly a style for the elite. A noteworthy ences (held in Paris, Brasilia, tural journal SUR, sought to commission a house in example is the Kavanagh Apartment Building, Stockholm, Barcelona, Sliac, Dessau Buenos Aires employing Modernism’s aesthetics; completed in 1935 by Sanchez, Lagos & de la and Eindhoven). Hosted by DOCO- well-known academic architect Alejandro Bustillo Torre in Buenos Aires. At 33 stories, it was the MOMO-US, an added component received the commission. The house shows a great largest reinforced concrete structure in South of the conference will be the initia- tension between the modern ideals the client America, remaining the tallest for many years. Initial tion of a series of technological sought to express and the hesitancy of the archi- cost regulations were set up in order to assure quali- seminars dealing specifically with tect, with the resulting design more an application ty of result, and apartments were aimed at middle nuts and bolts issues affecting post- of Modernism as a style than an embodiment of its class individual owners. It was also the first apart- war modern architecture in the US principles. However, the Ocampo house is consid- ment building in the world to have a central air con- and throughout the world. Infor- ered the first building in Argentina built in the spirit ditioning system. Mixing the forms of an Art Deco mation about these sessions can be of Modernism, typical of much hybrid Argentine American skyscraper with that of expressionism found at the conference website architectural production. In 1997, a destructive reno- while employing German construction standards www.docomomo2004.org. vation project was proposed for the house by the (DIN regulations), the building remains today a major Our second initiative is to play Argentine government and accepted by UNESCO. city landmark. a more active role in establishing Outcry from citizens and preservationists halted the Classicism fully emerged as the primary mode liaisons with other organizations, so project and the site is now the home of El Fondo and style in which to build by the 1940s. However, as to play a leading role in provid- Nacional de las Artes (National Endowment for significant Modern works were still realized despite ing technical information to our the Arts). the historicist trend. This was in part due to a lack members. One such venture is the Despite Le Corbusier’s visit and Ocampo’s of strong influence, either at the universities or in establishment of an interactive data- pioneering house, accepted modes of taste during architecture journals, on the early generation of base for the register of modern the 1930s remained classically inspired, with a move Modernists. Exemplary projects were realized, buildings. Following in the footsteps towards nationalistic colonial architecture. However, though, such as Casa del Puente. An elegant sin- of DOCOMOMO International, we an early wave of Modernism did manage to emerge; gle-story exposed concrete house in the seaside have begun to survey and record its practitioners generally remained outsiders, and it town of Mar del Plata, it was built in 1942 by many modern buildings across the Amancio Williams for his country in order to provide more father. Supported by a documentation for our members sweeping arch over a and other interested parties. Since stream, the house was inno- the success of advocacy is based on vative for its free plan, knowing what exists and what has fenestration and daring use been done regionally, nationally and of materials. Now a national even internationally, our efforts are landmark, it is currently in not intended to duplicate existing very poor condition; the city surveys but rather to supplement of Mar del Plata is hoping to them, thus serving preservation raise funds and purchase the efforts more effectively. property for restoration as a This is a very ambitious agen- museum and cultural center. da for what is still very much an Probably the most well all-volunteer organization, but with known piece of Modern your help we know we can do it. architecture from this period We hope you will continue to in all of South America, the support DOCOMOMO. Casa Curutchet in La Plata —Theodore Prudon was designed by President, Le Corbusier in the late DOCOMOMO-US Casa del Puente, Mar del Plata, 1942 cont’d on p. 11
DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 2 Regional Updates DOCOMOMO-US | Chapter News
Georgia New York/Tri-State Kahn (son of Louis Kahn) was also co-sponsored by the AIA. In mid-November, the chapter DOCOMOMO Georgia has a DOCOMOMO New York/ Tri-State holds regular launched its official list serve to bring local news threefold mission: to educate monthly meetings and continues ongoing work in via e-mail to members and friends of modern ourselves about extant and lost outreach, education, and advocacy for modern architecture in the Tri-State area. Sign up at modern movement resources in architecture. The TWA Terminal and 2 Colum- www.docomomo-us.org on the Tri-State chap- Georgia, to enhance public bus Circle have received a great deal of attention ter page where you will also find the latest issue awareness about these resources, in the past couple of months, as the owners of of our chapter newsletter. In February, a tour of E. –and to comprehensively docu- each building are continuing with their plans for D. Stone’s A. Conger Goodyear House was co- ment them. Our application alterations. Regarding the TWA Terminal at sponsored by the chapter, the World Monument process to become a chapter has JFK Airport, New York/Tri-State members testified Fund, and the Society for the Preservation of Long been completed after several at a Port Authority hearing in mid-July to support Island Antiquities. In March, a panel discussion on organizational meetings, and the preservation of the terminal. Our summer Modern Open Space in New York will be co-spon- plans have been made to newsletter featured an article about another sored with the Van Alen Institute, featuring MoMA announce the chapter at a num- endangered JFK Airport modern masterpiece, curator Peter Reed and landscape architect ber of upcoming conventions the innovative National Airlines Terminal, The Ken Smith as panelists. throughout the state. Recently, a Sundrome (I. M. Pei, 1970). Concerning —Nina Rappaport/Kathleen Randall roster of officers has also been 2 Columbus Circle, New York/Tri-State is assist- elected (Tom Little, President; ing in research and advocacy with Landmark West Western Washington Amie A. Spinks, Vice President; in order to better understand and communicate Jon Buono, Secretary; and the building’s significance, as well as to convince On September 13th, DOCOMOMO WeWa hosted Richard Laub, Treasurer). We the Museum of Arts and Design of the merit of over 100 participants for a lecture and tour of have had great attendance and preserving Durell Stone’s façade and noteworthy Modernism in Bellevue. Incorporated 50 years enthusiasm at our start-up meet- architectural features. ago, this post-war Seattle suburb’s growth paral- ings, and are excited about intro- In New Jersey, several members completed leled the growth of the automobile and presents ducing the chapter statewide. extensive historical research and written testimo- many good examples of how architecture reflect- The first part of our mission– ny to help in the fight to save the Hoboken ed the new mobility. After hearing a lecture by to increase public and profession- Maxwell House Coffee Factory (Ferguson, Guy Besner at the Puget Power Building, partici- al awareness–will be achieved 1939), slated for demolition. In New Haven, pants took advantage of the only sunny day of through lectures, publications, Nina Rappaport presented the work of DOCOMO- that week by touring a selection of commercial, events, a chapter website and MO at a June forum on alternative uses for the residential and religious buildings. While walking documentation efforts, as well as New Haven Coliseum (Kevin Roche & John around the Hilltop community, participants were ongoing outreach to other profes- Dinkeloo, 1972), which is slated for demolition able to talk with homeowners and with Wendell sional groups and cultural institu- next year by the city. Lovett, architect of one of the houses. tions. Creating an inventory of Following in the footsteps of New Canaan, Two WeWa members were involved in the Georgia’s 20th century architec- numerous suburban towns in Connecticut and Landmark nomination of the 1962 World’s Fair tural heritage is a major aspect of Westchester County are finding their modern Monorail. Despite getting a unanimous vote for our goal, and is already under- roots in spite of MacMansion fanaticism. The designation by the Seattle Landmark’s Board, the way. A database for the invento- Litchfield Historical Society mounted an exhibi- Seattle City Council chose to strip the Monorail of ry has been started, including the tion, “In Our Own Time,” during October and most of its protections. Currently, its demolition following information regarding November; it was curated by Rachel Carley and (to be replace by a new monorail) is, unfortunate- particular 20th century resources: designed by Craig Konyk. In April in conjunction ly, almost certain. —Andrew Phillips styles/movements, contributing with this exhibition, DOCOMOMO New York/Tri- creators, influences, photographic State held the first full-day architectural tour of documentation and a bibliogra- Litchfield, visiting modern buildings by Marcel Northern California phy. Buildings, sites, landscapes, Breuer and John Johansen, among others. The and other structures will be tour emphasized for us all how a small interest in Fall 2003 activities of the DOCOMOMO-US/ classified according to type and Modernism can explode to influence numerous Northern California Chapter have included an location, with nationally signifi- homeowners in their selection of modern archi- exhibit of photographs of the Madeleine Isom cant sites being nominated for tects. The Historical Society in Rye, New York Building held at the new Gensler exhibition space the DOCOMOMO national regis- hosted a similar series of events in October 2003. in San Francisco, with an opening reception in ter. We also intend to establish a This fall the chapter co-sponsored (with the August. In September, the Frank Lloyd Wright register of properties of local, New York Chapter of the AIA) a series of educa- Building Conservancy Conference was held in San state, national, and international tional events, including a lecture in October by Francisco; our chapter led a Modern Bus Tour of importance; to date, over fifty Australian architect Harry Seidler. A November the City that was well received. We have also con- Atlanta properties have been film showing of My Architect by Nathaniel tinued to update our modern register, “San identified and entered into this Francisco Modern,” and hope to publish a selec- growing database. Additionally, tion from the register in early 2004. the chapter has started collecting Our annual holiday party was held in articles, books, publications, ren- December; in May, as part of the 2004 California derings, photographs, and other Preservation Foundation Annual Conference at the visual media regarding the Presidio in San Francisco, we will sponsor a modern movement in Georgia. DOCOMOMO session called “Forgotten Masters To achieve its goals, of the 2nd Bay Region,” as well as a modern land- DOCOMOMO-GA is collaborating scape tour of San Francisco environs. with several statewide agencies, DOCOMOMO-US/Northern California Chapter among them the State Historic meets regularly on the second Tuesday of each Preservation Office, the Atlanta Edward Durell Stone’s A. Conger Goodyear House, month. Recent publications that have highlighted site of New York/Tri-State Chapter Winter Tour cont’d on next page cont’d on next page DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 3 Regional Updates DOCOMOMO-US | Chapter News (cont’d) (cont’d) Urban Design Commission, the Chapter include the last issue of arcCA, the original TAC (The Architect’s Collaborative) part- Georgia State University, The AIA California Council’s quarterly journal. This ners as well as other prominent architects, should National Park Service Southeast past May, the Diablo Magazine issue dedicated to be underway before the end of this year. Regional Office, and the Georgia modernist homes printed an article about our —David Fixler Institute of Technology. Collabo- advocacy work for little known and threatened ration with these agencies will residential buildings. —Laura Culberson Midwest facilitate identification and preser- vation of 20th century resources New England The Midwest Chapter sponsored two presentations amd increase our information this past years, the first an entertaining and repository. The New England Chapter is steadily consolidat- provocative lecture at the Chicago Architecture A variety of additional activi- ing its position as the leading source of informa- Foundation given by Jeanne Lambin, entitled: ties are currently underway in tion on and advocacy for the work of the Modern “Recent Past or Piece of @#*! : The Problem of our area. The 1957 Douglas Movement in this region. We have recently com- Preserving ’Underage’ Architecture.” The second, County Courthouse, by the pleted, along with SPNEA (the Society for the this time at the AIA Chicago Chapter, further Atlanta firm of Southern Engi- Preservation of New England Antiquities), a series addressed unique topics of recent past architecture neering, was recently nominated of six tours of modern houses and modern hous- with multi-media presentations by recent gradu- to the National Register of ing developments around the Boston area, includ- ates of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Historic Places. Of particular note ing tours to: Six Moon Hill, Peacock Farm, and Historic Preservation program. Chrissy Barr dis- are several recent modern move- Five Fields in Lexington; Snake Hill in Belmont; cussed the benefits and successes of split-level ment documentation efforts: Conantum in Concord; and a tour of houses homes, and Marilyn Lehman presented the Dr. Robert Craig, architectural from the early 1930’s to 1970 in Lincoln. More underappreciated yet intriguing graphics, paint col- historian, has written several tours, including a tour of modern houses in ors, and unique pattern names of postwar garage books and publications regarding Western Massachusetts, and a second tour of door designs. the Modern Movement in Modern houses in Cambridge, MA (in conjunction DOCOMOMO members participated in the Georgia; and the Atlanta Urban with the Cambridge Historical Society), are 40th anniversary celebration of Bertrand Design Commission has complet- planned for the near future. Goldberg’s Marina Towers on a weekend in May, ed an extensive study of modern In June, the chapter sponsored a tour of staffing a PR table to increase awareness of our housing in Atlanta. Additionally, Paul Rudolph’s Jewett Art Center that also regional chapter. Members also promoted our the Georgia State Special featured a lecture by Wellesley College Senior international and national organizations as well as Collections and Archives photo- Lecturer John Rhoads about the history, evolu- the upcoming 2004 conference by representing graphic collection has gone tion and significance of the complex. September DOCOMOMO-US in the Restoration & Renovation online. This extensive collection saw strong DOCOMOMO-NE participation in the Chicago exhibit in September. We had great inter- annual Massachusetts State Historic Preservation est, with approximately 80-100 people stopping by Conference, which featured a tour of Modern the booth to pick up information. buildings in Boston led by Henry Moss, as In anticipation of our chapter’s Autumn House well as a panel on Modern houses and house Tour, the chapter viewed a video on architect districts chaired by David Fixler and featuring Paul Schweikher. The video was originally Bill Barlow as a panelist. broadcast as part of an HGTV series on Historic The ”Invisible Modernist” house exhibit Homes. Gunny Harboe, DOCOMOMO-US Vice noted in the last newsletter, which featured 10 President, participated with other noted historians Modern houses of the interwar period that pre- and preservationists in the November Chicago date the arrival of Walter Gropius in New England Architecture Foundation panel discussion, “The (and Sigfried Giedion’s pronouncements on that Farnsworth House: A Look at Its Past and Future.” arrival) was shown during December at the The presentation was standing-room-only and Boston Society of Architects Building. Among the helped to increase awareness of the plight of the houses featured in the exhibition was Edwin Farnsworth House. In December, Chicago area “Ned” Goodell’s 1933 Field House in Weston, preservationists celebrated the success of the MA; it has been the subject of an internationally- National Trust for Historic Preservation’s and the recognized advocacy program mounted by mem- Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois’s (LPCI) Dinkler Towers bers Hélène Lipstadt, the architect’s grandson bid at Sotheby’s for the Mies van der Rohe’s includes photographs and images Ned Goodell, Gary Wolf, Moss and Fixler. We Farnsworth House. of Georgia from 1898 through are pleased to report that these efforts have —Lynette Stuhlmacher 1985. proved successful and that a sympathetic new If you are interested in owner has been found for the property. DOCOMOMO-GA and have infor- The Boston Globe ran a feature article mation you would like to share, describing Gina Coyle’s efforts on behalf of sav- please email info@docomomoga. ing the Kuhn House in Wellfleet, MA, as well as org or [email protected]. So her advocacy for the creation of a Modernist his- far, local reception has been great toric district on the outer reaches of Cape Cod. and we look forward to future DOCOMOMO-NE was prominently featured and projects and efforts. cited in this article. Paperwork on establishing —Amie A. Spinks such a district has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, with the Southern California Northeast Chapter as well as the Boston Society of Architects acting as sponsors on its behalf. The opening of Frank Gehry’s Finally, DOCOMOMO-NE will soon undertake Disney Concert Hall this past fall an Oral History project to document the rich histo- has had an electrifying effect on ry of the Modern Movement in this region. This Buckminster Fuller Dome, Nautilaus Hotel, effort, scheduled to include interviews with many Wood’s Hole, MA, site of the New England Winter Tour cont’d on next page
DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 4 David Bahlman, along with John Bryan, chairman of Regional Updates Building Obituaries the Friends of the Farnsworth House, shared in this (cont’d) Modern preservation victory; Moe and Bahlman the city of Los Angeles, punctuat- Introduction: Building Obituaries expressed their appreciation to the many people who ing a growing awareness and showed exemplary leadership and generosity in making appreciation for architecture and and Threatened Resources this possible (especially those preservation members of urban design in Southern the Friends and other related organizations). California. Yet concepts like Although modernism had made its appearance in Rather than concentrate completely on the suc- “history” and “heritage” have the United States prior to World War II, the birth cess of these efforts (which could have easily turned always been fluid in a city that and maturation of the Modern Movement in the out differently, as bidding for the house was extremely embraces its own clichés. Recent United States was due to the great postwar building competitive, ending at a $7.5 million purchase price!!), trends both in the city and within boom. Today, many masterworks of Modernism the editors are running the previously slated article, to the greater metropolitan area (a from this era and earlier face uncertain futures; stress the precarious nature of numerous other such region of about 3600 square currently, numerous resources have been inade- valuable resources nationwide. miles) underscore increased quately maintained, dramatically and unsympatheti- appreciation by Angelenos of the cally altered, or–even worse–simply demolished. For many, Mies van der Rohe’s 1951 Farnsworth built environment in general, as Since DOcumentation of the MOdern MOvement is House is not just a house; rather, it is an embodi- well as specific attentions to the a primary aim of DOCOMOMO, the column ment of Modern Movement ideals. The home’s legacy of Modernist architecture. Building Obituaries will do precisely that, feature current owner, Lord Peter Palumbo, art collector, Increased redevelopment is lost, altered or threatened Modernist works. If you philanthropist and former Chairman of the Arts occurring in cities to the east of have a resource you would like included, please Council of Great Britain, acquired the house from its Los Angeles, in areas such as contact the editors (at newsletter@docomomo- namesake, Dr. Edith Farnsworth, in 1972. After Covina, Colton, and Fontana that us.org) or representatives from your area at the careful stewardship of the house for over three enjoyed their initial building e-mail address listed under “Chapters/Regional” on decades, Lord Palumbo is now selling the house at boom from the late 1940s the back of the newsletter. —Jeanne Lambin a Sotheby’s auction on December 12, 2003 in New through the early 1960s. Many York City. It is estimated to sell for $4.5 to 6.0 mil- extant resources in these areas lion. In a recent article in have local if not regional archi- the UK Telegraph, tectural significance. DOCOMO- James Zemaitis, Senior MO’s advocacy brings an Vice President and attention that would go a long Director of Sotheby’s 20th way toward helping to preserve Century Design some of the best of these build- Department, describes it ings, in the face of communities as “one of the seven generally sympathetic but devel- wonders of the Modern opment-oriented. architectural world. It was While suburbs to the east the most staggering devel- grapple with replacing their opment in 20th century Modernist buildings, developers domestic architecture, and within the city have embraced set on pastoral grounds of older office buildings from the breathtaking beauty.” ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. Buildings Despite its acknowl- along the Wilshire Boulevard edged significance, one of Corridor and in West Los Angeles the great wonders of the from these years are seeing revi- modern movement could talization, while Downtown there be lost if the house is sold is an aggressive renovation push to an unsympathetic involving everything from early buyer. Such was the case Beaux-Arts piles to rough Art Farnsworth House, Mies van der Rohe, 1951: saved by with Eero Saarinen’s Deco concrete warehouses. In the the National Trust for Historic Preservation/the Landmarks Rancho Mirage, sold at a Sotheby’s auction for Preservation Council of Illinois $2.45 million and subsequently demolished by its new owners. The fate of the Farnsworth house is particularly precarious, as there are currently no THREATENED (AND SAVED!!): local, state or federal landmark laws in place that Mies van der Rohe’s could prevent the Farnsworth House from being Edith Farnsworth House altered, moved or even demolished. In an attempt to stop the potential desecration of this landmark, the National Trust for Historic As this newsletter was going to press–and against Preservation and the Landmarks Preservation incredible odds–the National Trust for Historic Council of Illinois have launched a major campaign Preservation, with help from the Landmarks to purchase the Farnsworth House to ensure the Preservation Council of Illinois and Friends of the home’s preservation on its original site and maintain Farnsworth House, successfully purchased what is The Pegasus public access to this world-class monument. To arguably one of architect Mies van der Rohe’s most later case, adaptive re-use pre- learn more about the Trust’s campaign or to make a important American works, only one of three residential dominates; noteworthy projects contribution, visit the Trust’s Web site at: works built in this country. In a press release circulated involving signature Modernist http://member.nationaltrust.org/farnsworth or by the National Trust, it was stated that the building buildings in the Financial District call 1-800-315-6847 and ask about the Farnsworth was turned over to their possession on the afternoon of include the Pegasus and The campaign. All contributors will receive a one-year Wednesday, December 17th, 2003, just five days after Standard Hotel. membership to the Trust when they support the the Sotheby’s auction described below. National Trust The Pegasus, once the campaign. —Doug Gilbert for Historic Preservation president Richard Moe, General Petroleum Building, Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois president cont’d on next page Building Obituaries cont’d on next page DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 5 We look forward to hearing papers at the conference Regional Updates 2004 International that treat new topics, document overlooked (cont’d) DOCOMOMO Modernist designs in countries often studied, or take was designed by Welton Becket new looks at familiar places and persons of the archi- and completed in 1949. In the Conference Update tecture of 1945-1975. There will be a UN-like diversi- conversion to high-end apart- ty in both the national origin of the speakers and the ments, details such as the accor- subjects of the papers and posters. The latter cover dion bi-fold windows (pictured) The VIIIth International DOCOMOMO Conference, postwar architecture, landscape and planning and its have been preserved, as has the Import/Export: Postwar Modernism in an preservation in: all of the Americas and the original lobby; the exterior was Expanding World, 1945-1975, will be held on the Caribbean; Eastern and Western Europe; Asia (India, restored, and street-level retail is campus of Columbia University in New York City Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nepal, North and being re-introduced. The from Sunday, September 26th to Tuesday, South Vietnam, and Australia); and North Africa and Standard Hotel began life as September 28th, with workshops and local tours on the Middle East. In accordance with the theme of the headquarters for Superior Oil September 29th/30th and October 1st/2nd, and import-export, the largest group of accepted submis- in 1956. Designed by Claud regional tours thereafter. (This represents a slight sions is concerned not with a single country, but Beelman, the building is clad in modification of the originally announced dates.) rather with designers, users, ideas, technologies, white and black Carrara marble A 17-member international Program Committee and ideologies and their migration across borders. with stainless steel spandrels; the selected the approximately 100 papers and posters A NYC-based group of volunteers will organize lobby is currently a historic land- from among the almost 300 abstracts submitted. the social events and local tours that will supplement mark. The renovation was led by Committee members came from three of the pres- the paper and poster sessions and debates. Finally, Konig Eizenberg Architecture ent five subchapters of DOCOMOMO-US (NE, Tri- thanks to a grant from the Graham Foundation, the and completed in 2002. State, and NoCA), as well as 11 countries (or conference website www.docomomo2004.org will While an image of High Working Parties): Canada, England, France, Italy, provide background information on postwar architec- Modernism is just as important Israel, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Netherlands, Puerto ture and its preservation across the world. For to these conversions as is the Rico, and Spain. Tri-State member Jo Goldberger updated information, visit the conference website at actual architecture, other iconic and Columbia Presevation program student www.docomomo2004.org. —Hélène Lipstadt Modern structures are not enjoy- Flora Chou administered the blind review process. ing such respectful attention. The 1949 Eames House (Case Study House #8) is now battling devel- opment next door: a 22,000 sq. ft. Building Obituaries (cont’d) Tuscan villa, roughly ten times the size of the historic home and office. Development hinges on a THREATENED: Smith and permit from the Coastal Williams’s Design Office Commission, as well as the com- munity of Pacific Palisades. The A Modernist building in South Pasadena, designed Cultural Heritage Commission by the firm of Smith and Williams in 1958, is now has defended the Eames House. threatened. An amazing structure that served as the Despite a 36-foot retaining wall, offices for a group of associated businesses includ- the project will likely be built; ing the Smith and Williams architectural office, the current compromise consists of landscape office of Garret Eckbo, Dean and shifting the new house away Williams, as well as other design firms. It is an unique landmark structure, consisting of from the much smaller home. Front of Smith and Williams’s Design Office Other threats to signature four separate buildings with a common courtyard Modernist homes in Los Angeles and a connecting roof of expanded metal mesh arch- DEMOLISHED: Bertrand Goldberg’s have not been as benign. Last es. Its current state suggests a very high degree of year, Richard Neutra’s Maslon integrity; and it includes original globe fixtures, an Harriet Higginson House House, built in Rancho Mirage in open, winding stairway in extremely good shape, 1962, was torn down after a and much of the original landscaping. The Harriet Higginson House, designed by Chicago Minnesota couple paid $2.45 The building’s architects, Smith and Williams, native and Harvard/Bauhaus/IIT-trained Bertrand million to acquire the land. They designed two unrealized houses for the Case Study Goldberg (1913-1997), was arguably not the most cleared the site a month later, House program; designer Garret Eckbo was per- beguiling building. It was, after all, his first commis- without comment (and with per- haps the leading modernist landcape architect in sion. The client, who Goldberg described as an mission) from the city, which was mid-century California. The building won many signif- “early feminist spirit,” wanted a house she could apparently not aware of the sig- icant awards and was featured in the September “keep clean with a garden hose, inside and out!” In nificance of the structure. This is 1959 issue of Architectural Forum; it was also the pre-aluminum siding era, this was a bit of a chal- a common story, unfortunately; recently featured, through original Julius Schulman lenge. Undaunted, Goldberg looked to the industrial RM Schindler’s 1928 Wolfe photographs, in the Taschen book, Modernism world for a model, coming up with a solution: a can- House, on Catalina Island, was Rediscovered. vas-covered house that was innovative, economical also demolished last year when The South Pasadena Unified School District and more than a bit startling to observers. new owners declared it too much wants to demolish the structure to expand an adja- The unique design recalled the spirit of the 1922 of a fixer-upper. They committed, cent middle school. The local AIA is preparing a “experimental house” designed by Walter Gropius, ironically, to build a new home in State Landmark Nomination and the Cultural Fred Fobard and their Bauhaus students; it also hints the same “spirit.” Heritage Commission in South Pasadena has com- at Goldberg’s later work with prefabricated struc- Schindler’s own house in pleted a nomination for local landmark status and tures. Although the house was somewhat awkward West Hollywood has come under has designated the building. The School Board in composition, it was decidedly forward looking unique development pressure. seems intent on demolition regardless, and the City when compared to its Tudor and Colonial Revival The property to the south was Council plans to cite overriding considerations as jus- contemporaries. sold recently, demolished to tification for ignoring any potential landmark status in Goldberg’s spirit of innovation would character- make way for a lot line-to-lot line the development process. —Alan Leib ize his later designs, ranging from small-scale mobile ice cream stores and prefabricated bathroom units to cont’d on next page cont’d on p. 10 DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 6 large-scale complexes or office buildings for a Regional Updates Two New Books on veritable cavalcade of leading American companies, (cont’d) including IBM, CBS, General Motors, Bell condominium complex that Eero Saarinen Pose Telephone, and John Deere & Co. In addition, he potentially sandwiches the his- Important Questions designed structures for a number of educational toric home between two impos- institutions–Yale University, MIT, University of ing stucco boxes. The developer for Modernist Michigan and others–as well as a bank building and publicly pledged to build a proj- church in Columbus, Indiana, the city of Mid-centu- ect “sensitive” to the historic Preservation ry Modernism sponsored by the Cummins Engine structure (and selflessly sacrific- Foundation. His tragic, untimely death in 1961 of a ing unit sales in the process). brain tumor, at only 51 years of age and perhaps Responding to the development Past preservation struggles such as the unsuccess- the height of his skills, arguably robbed Modern threat in a novel way, the MAK ful effort to save Pennsylvania Station in the early architecture of a practice that was one of its more Center, the Viennese art and 1960s make clear that the most important question vibrant, eclectic, and innovative. Inheriting a architecture center that uses the for those of us interested in keeping such significant European-style, design-intensive office from his Schindler house as its offices in buildings from disappearing is how–as activists–to father Eliel, under who he was mentored and with LA. An international design com- do so. However, important secondary questions whom he collaborated from 1937 until the elder’s petition was sponsored, in order regarding modernist preservation loom as well, such death in 1950, Eero Saarinen took advantage of to envision alternatives to the as how to determine what to select from among the postwar American developments and ran, for a brief proposed development. Called gradually increasing number of threatened buildings. period, an exemplary and pioneering Modernist firm: “A Tribute to Schindler’s Take, for example, the case of Eero Saarinen: while small, productive, efficient, and innovative. Paradise” (http://www.makcen- it seems obvious that arguably most of his projects Efforts to preserve Saarinen’s work, though, ter.com/tribute.html), the sub- are worth preserving, the plight of the TWA Terminal face two distinct problems: the status of his reputa- missions featured proposals by Zaha Hadid, Mark Mack, COOP HIMMELB(L)AU, and other local and international architects. Public discussion has taken on higher stakes as a result of this ideas competition, but whether these units go forward is not clear at this point. What is clear, though, is that architecture is becoming a more serious topic in Los Angeles now, when many mid-century Modernist buildings are reaching the end of their useful life, in communities that often are under serious pressure to reinvent themselves. DOCOMOMO’s proj- ect in Los Angeles comes at an opportune time. It is a time to build on the public’s general awareness of local architectural and urban heritage, ensuring that future development includes the best mid-century Modern archi- tecture and design, revitalized and able to contribute to new generations. —Noam Maitlass Eero Saarinen: An Architecture of Multiplicity The Organizational Complex: Architecture, Media, and North Texas Antonio Ramon Corporate Space, Reinhold Martin at John F. Kennedy International Airport suggests tion and the flexibility of his realized design projects. For the past six months, a nine that even the fate of works by such a master as Regarding Saarinen’s reputation, Antonio Ramon’s member, ad hoc Steering Saarinen are all but secure. His Dulles Airport ter- Eero Saarinen: An Architecture of Mulitiplicity Committee has been guiding the minal was, indeed, one of the first Modern buildings argues that he was an eclectic designer producing initial development of a North to be put on the National Register, yet other corpo- buildings that defy any typological or stylistic Texas Chapter, known formally as rate works are not landmarked and thus subject to pigeon-holing. Decidedly an old-fashioned mono- docomomo.ntx. Consisting of the whims of their corporate owners. Two new graph, it catalogs Saarinen’s production in a very architects, developers, and books on Saarinen propose interesting perspectives loose and not particularly sympathetic taxonomy preservationists, this committee on his work, in turn raising questions that 20th cen- based on programmatic generalizations (among is now pleased to announce that tury preservation efforts currently should or eventu- them dwelling, building and socializing). While an application for formal chapter ally, will have to ask–and answer–especially if efforts Ramon’s text comments on how Saarinen’s reputa- recognition has been submitted to marshal munificent attitudes regarding the his- tion has “languished in critical purgatory,” in part for approval. The mission state- toric built environment wish to take a proactive because both “jealous colleagues” and “a dogmatic ment, short and sweet, for the rather than a reactive role toward achieving concrete press” “dismissed him as a showman,” it does lit- new chapter is as follows: the ends. tle to challenge these perceptions, save claiming North Texas Chapter of DOCO- During the 1950s, the era of the man in the that he was extremely serious about his firm’s work MOMO-US advocates the explo- gray flannel suit, Saarinen’s firm realized numerous and that each individual commission received the ration, documentation, conserva- cont’d on next page cont’d on p. 10
DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 7 Regional Updates Becket/Stone (cont’d) (cont’d) tion, and sustained use of the The dilemmas and controversies surrounding region’s manifestations of the modernist preservation of work by predominantly Modern Movement. commercial firms are poignantly illustrated by two Centered around Dallas/Fort current examples: Stone’s 2 Columbus Circle, a.k.a. Worth, the chapter, due to a rich the Huntington Hartford Gallery (1958) in New heritage of modern architecture York City, and the Parker Building, a.k.a. Police in many smaller Texas towns, Administration Building (1959) in Los Angeles, stretches north to Oklahoma, designed by Becket. Stone and Becket are by all south to Hillsboro, east to measures significant architects, of a piece with Louisiana, and west to Wichita those 19th and early 20th century architects whose Falls. After much discussion, the lives, milieues, and designs are fodder for scholarly Steering Committee opted not to monographs that teach us valuable lessons of how affiliate with other professional practice worked in the past and might (or might not) or preservation organizations, as still work today. Furthermore, it is overwhelmingly those existing in North Texas the building production of non-canonical figures that have specific geographic areas today are regularly dealt with by preservation archi- (i.e. Dallas or Forth Worth), and tects. Decidedly, it is not just unavowed master- thus do not address the wider pieces that have taken the wear and tear of time; a geographical region we intend wide spectrum of work demands attention in order to serve. Early feedback from to retain its place in world heritage. No style is eter- several of these organizations, nal; early and late phases need to be examined, including AIA and Preservation understood and yes saved, so that architecture’s Dallas, has been enthusiastic and melding of form and use is correctly seen as a con- supportive. stantly constructed fit rather than god-like acts of An initial kick-off event took isolated lightning bolts. Welton Becket’s Parker Building of 1959 in Los Angeles place October 31 in Fort Worth, It is certainly true–-but not a diminishing embar- ment is in some ways the exact opposite of the during the Annual Meeting of rassment–that Stone’s early residential work shows New York example, where the works exceptionality the Texas Society of Architects. an outspoken modernism while his postwar portfo- dovetails with its historical aura, suggesting to some Beginning with this informal lio, as seen in 2 Columbus Circle, is thought to have the need for updating. mixer, the Steering Committee “softened,” thus becoming the subject of much Although both buildings are good examples of plans to recruit a larger member- ridicule but also increased fascination. Wallace the period and designed by major architects, this is ship and will hold formal elec- Harrison, in contrast, shows a similar development, not about architecture. The resultant negative evalu- tions of Board and Officers and yet since the 1960s he has not been subjected to ations are, on the one hand, products of limited approval of bylaws at an upcom- such severe criticism as that heaped on Stone. This scholarship, thereby making good-versus-bad judge- ing meeting. Future events play of reputations has a history of its own: while ment much harder to separate and put into context, include a tour of early modern Robert Venturi criticized Stone’s work in his 1972 and on the other by prejudicial perception of the architecture in April 2004 as part Learning from Las Vegas, later in that decade prior/current users or occupants. 2 Columbus Circle, of Dallas’ annual Architecture Rem Koolhaas produced an exhibit and catalogue in while designed as a museum, served mostly for Month and an October 2004 sym- praise of Harrison’s work and professional efficacy. other inappropriate functions; it suffered, as well, posium on Paul Rudolph and Such cases should not to be taken, however, as any from an appalling lack of maintenance. The LA his work (D/FW has three sort of final word. The current difference between Police Department as an institution in recent years Rudolph office towers). Stone and Harrison’s reputation may partly be can hardly be described as open and inviting, and it A preliminary listing of sig- explained by the lack of any serious scholarship on is silly to blame the building’s appearance alone for nificant modern buildings and Stone, whereas a very significant monograph on the organization’s need for a makeover, or to think places has been developed, with Wallace Harrison does exist: Victoria Newhouse’s that such cosmetic improvements alone will readily the goal of documenting at least 1989 Wallace K. Harrison, Architect. To presume get to the heart of such complex social matters. ten during 2004. This list that today’s fashions should alone dictate the While there is no simple answer to the problem includes, of course, the work of deploying of an architect’s reputation in order to of modernist preservation, like many other dilem- internationally recognized practi- determine the worthiness of a building’s continued mas we must continue to evaluate buildings on their tioners such as Paul Rudolph, existence is to deny objects the benefit of consider- merits, the same way we do other sorts of historical Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard ing the rich social forces that produce and effect artifacts and items inherited from other historic peri- Neutra, and Philip Johnson; in them. In truth, such judgements takes a myopic and ods. We should be less influenced, as well, by addition, though, the docomo- rather bleak attitude toward the future unfolding of merely subjective discussions, which some ten mo.ntx listing includes a number the fields of architecture, building and design. years from now will seem dated, out of fashion, and of lesser-known but nevertheless Becket’s modernist contribution in general and less of an intelligent or compelling issue. Current important works by regional to Los Angeles in particular was recognized this year efforts to turn the McKim Mead & White designed modernists such as O’Neil Ford, on his 100th birthday with a major public event, a neo-classical 1911 James Farley Post Office E. G. Hamilton, Enslie catalogue of his work, and guided tours, much of Building into a suitably grandiose train shed for Oglesby, and George Dahl. It is this effort being the work of the Modern Committee Penn Station, as a form of penance for undervaluing anticipated that the documenta- of the Los Angeles Conservancy, (For more the former station’s cultural value can easily be tion process will reveal the thoughts on this subject, see the Southern reversed, suggesting that tearing down a modernist unique forms that the Modern California Regional Update, starting on page 4.) gem in anticipation of hoped-for efficiencies and Movement took when filtered The Police Administration Building was originally ever newer newnesses yet to come would merely through the culture, climate, and designed on the premise that as the home of a repeat past errors. In the meantime, taking a cue conditions of the region, whether modern police department, the building should be from both Becket and Beckett, we have to stop practiced by native Texans or by efficient and inviting, not intimidating. The resulting waiting for Godot. And we have to choose but “out-of-towners.” modernist building is now called plain and ineffi- wisely. —Theodore Prudon —Robert Meckfessel cient, and thought not to be worth saving. This argu-
DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 8 DOCOMOMO-US of the Boston area and the work with the local DOCOMOMO landmarks commission. Su Tamsett showed how a Newsletter Staff: Workshop on Modern local suburban community is completing an invento- ry of modern houses with DOCOMOMO New Editor: Brendan D. Moran Architecture Surveys York/Tri-state and volunteers that is leading to the Graphic Designer: Unjoo Noh discovery of more Modern houses than expected in Copy Editor: Amy Diehl New Canaan, Connecticut. Rappaport presented the On Friday, June 13 Nina Rappaport and survey of over 200 Midtown Manhattan buildings Contributors: Gary Koll organized a workshop on surveys of that the New York/Tri-state chapter is undertaking, Laura Culberson Modern architecture and criteria at The Preservation which includes compilation of the history, resources, David Fixler Center in New York. The day-long event served as and photographs into a database using the interna- Robert Geddes an exchange of common issues in identification of tional register fiche forms. Doug Gilbert significant buildings, survey methods, data bases, While many of the surveys are still in their Jeanne Lambin and issues as they relate to local governmental identification stages, the common interests included Alan Leib agencies for advocacy work and outreach. developing a standard computerized database Hélène Lipstadt The event included presentations of work format that could be used in conjunction with Noam Maitlass from around the country; beginning with a presenta- DOCOMOMO’s register criteria and fiches. Of inter- Robert Meckfessel tion by recent Columbia Preservation graduate est is that these surveys of Modern buildings are Brendan D. Moran Amy Diehl, an assistant with the DOCOMOMO being conducted with thoroughly modern technolo- Andrew Phillips New York/Tri-State chapter’s Midtown Modern gy and could lead to the National Register’s growth Theodore Prudon Survey. She spoke about her thesis, which evaluat- as well as web-based forms to encourage easy Kathleen Randall ed the use of modern architecture surveys and access to writing register entries. Nina Rappaport showed how various processes around the country Joe Asteinza, a New York DOCOMOMO mem- Annie A. Spinks each served to be a proactive way to safeguard ber and city planner, presented various configura- Lynette Stuchlmacher modern architecture. tions with GIS survey work indicating that combined Serianne Worden Historian Randy Mason of Maryland explained efforts in a flexible systems could then be made the extensive work he and his colleagues at the specific to the needs of each survey and region. The University of Maryland have been commissioned to participants engaged in general discussions covering do for the Maryland State Preservation office in their such topics as how to: reach local landmarks com- exemplary survey of a suburban region and its missions; coordinate with the international body; key modern architecture, identifying significant buildings, in the standardization of a database system; as well and providing a context for the modern work. Koll as plans to hold a forum in the fall in conjunction presented the work in the San Francisco region and with the 2004 International Conference on modern Colleen Meager of Boston, with David Fixler of the surveys for both government officials and a broader international register committee, presented surveys audience. —Nina Rappaport
Board Members at CCA DOCOMOMO-US Board California College of Arts San Francisco Campus, (from l to r): housed in the 1952 Skidmore Owings & Merrill- Andrew Phillips, Holds Annual Meeting designed Greyhound Bus Building. David Meckel, Assistant to the CCAC President, led a tour of the DOCOMOMO WeWa facilities. Saturday evening board members were Jorge Otero-Paillos, Secretary Board Members from around the US converged in treated to a reception prior to viewing the evocative David Meckel, CCA San Francisco the weekend of February 6-8 to hold film documentary, My Architect, at the Castro Robert Meckfessel, their annual board meeting. The theme for the Theatre. On Sunday, SOM opened their offices for DOCOMOMO NTx retreat, Expansion, Consolidation, and Communi- the final meeting and provided the group with an Hélène Lipstadt, cation provided focus for the meetings and discus- inside view of the office’s ongoing projects and a DOCOMOMO-NE sions. The group worked through administrative spectacular view of the Bay Area. A downtown board issues, prioritized committee activities and Theo Prudon, President Modern San Francisco tour concluded the weekend tasks for the upcoming term, and spent time coordi- and highlighted buildings ranging from early DOCOMOMO-US nating logistics for the September 2004 International Modernism, such as Willis Polk’s 1917 Hallidie Nina Rappaport, DOCOMOMO Conference to be held in New York Building, to Postwar high-rise design and redevel- DOCOMOMO NY/Tr-State City. The Board voted in new members opment. Mark Lee, Treasurer Bob Bruegmann (Chicago), Mark Wai Tak Lee Special thanks goes to the Northern California Laura Culberson, (Los Angeles), Nancy Levinson (Boston), Chapter for hosting and arranging the weekend DOCOMOMO NoCA Robert Meckfessel (Dallas), and commended out- event schedule and to the following firms and Jon Buono, going board members for their dedicated service. organizations for providing support in making this DOCOMOMO-GA (guest) Jon Buono, member of the newly forming Georgia retreat a success: Architectural Resources Group, Chapter, sat in on the weekend meetings. Paul Adamson, David Meckel and the California College of Arts, and The Saturday meetings were held at the Skidmore Owings & Merrill. —Laura Culberson DOCOMOMO NoCA (guest) Gary Koll, DOCOMOMO NoCA Gunny Harboe, Vice-President Not Shown: Robert Bruegmann, DOCOMOMO Mid-West Nancy Levinson, DOCOMOMO-NE Brendan D. Moran, DOCOMOMO-NE
DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 9 Building Saarinen (cont’d) Obituaries (cont’d) utmost attention. Quoting the phrase “style for the job”–used by both Phillip Johnson and Reyner Banham to describe the architect in the first years of the 1960s, apparently more widely and pejoratively applied to a certain strain of work in general at this time–Ramon reverses it, in Saarinen’s case render- ing it a positive attribute. The phrase, however, suggests that for any architect working carefully and intelligently, explicit differences from job to job Higgenson House would guarantee singularity in each individual work. While Ramon’s argument makes sense, it doesn’t begin to clarify why within the profession, the archi- giant mixed-use complexes like tecture office of this particular American figure Marina City in Chicago. might be of special singularity, or how the advanced Unfortunately, this seminal work industrial/ aesthetic production techniques employed of Goldberg’s is long gone; so, by it can be understood in light of activity occurring too, is the spirit of innovation it elsewhere, either nationally or internationally, at this embodied - lost in a landscape time. now pockmarked with character- Importantly, assessing modern architecture also less commercial strips, homoge- entails investigating the flexibility of structures, both Thomas J. Watson Research Laboratory, nous housing and acres of Yorktown Heights, New York, 1961 (photo: Theo Prudon) those designed and realized as well as the organiza- asphalt. —Jeanne Lambin tions that produced them. As structures are out- the work of the architect in a higher plane of knowl- grown and superceded by the needs (and some- edge, one implicated in the totalizing threat of DESTROYED: Geddes times the very existence) of clients who instigated wholesale postwar social reconfiguration. Although their creation, any sort of continued existence in Brecher Cunningham’s his analysis might be seen as beginning and ending determinate form becomes threatened. Reinhold with “the case of Saarinen,” it is by no means Pender Labratory Martin’s The Organizational Complex: Architecture, Media, and Corporate Space evokes restricted to a narrow definition of the category Reprinted from the September 2003 these dilemmas by taking a more sustained look at “architecture.” A fascinating read, it does not wear issue of The Philadelphia Architect. its theory lightly; it is, thankfully, so lucidly articulat- We thank Charles Evers for bringing the myths surrounding mid-century modernism’s this building to our attention, and supposed flexibility, particularly the network of fig- ed as to be of high interest and pertinence to more Robert Geddes for allowing us to ures and connections surrounding Saarinen. For than just the architectural historian or mid-century reprint it. Martin, this architect was the central figure in a modernist aficionado among contemporary (and complex set of developments connecting aesthetic future) readers. Importantly, as well, it pinpoints If there was a Philadelphia ongoing changes to the status of the architectural School, then the Pender experimentation, developing media technologies, and large, multi-national corporations. The object that began to occur during the period in Laboratory was one of its earliest question. This inquiry points to an emerging new buildings-and the first on the Organizational Complex is far less a monograph than a synthesis of an extremely knotty set of diverse network of client, public relations, government- and Penn campus. Urbanistically, it corporate-funded research and development depart- was an infill along 33rd Street. It types of evidence, involving the activities, writings, and thought of architects, artists, graphic designers, ments, professional design agents, and media ven- sat between the Moore School, a ues. Furthermore, Martin makes the very significant converted industrial building, and media theorists, scientists, and corporate executives –much of it new, extremely interesting, and breath- point that the primary manner through which “build- the Towne School, a fine Penn ings” evolved around this time was by their being collegiate building. Functionally, takingly vivid. Together this evidence is harnessed toward the mapping of a singular confluence sur- integrated into the literal and figural environment, the Pender Laboratory was a new an environment more and more determined by wing for the Moore School of rounding certain of Saarinen’s more high-profile cor- porate designs. Proposing that it is not organization, franchises, branding, marketing and–ultimately– Electrical Engineering, providing other than architecture, fields such as complexity, or architecture alone that made for the professions open loft floors for electronic those encompassing the work of engineers, signage greatest transformations to architecture practice and research labs, offices and class- designers, HVAC experts and other related yet production during the 1950s, Martin locates what he rooms. It was a utopian venture - distinct categories of consultants. names the “organizational complex” as the most structurally and compositionally. In this sense, the two books together provide significant post-war development encompassing yet Structurally, it was an ideal an additional lesson that is not part of the argu- extending beyond architecture–toward other media, concrete frame. Each floor was a ments of either author, although it is quite closely the military industrial complex (for which Saarinen clear-span, two-way grid network related to the central thread of Martin’s investiga- most assuredly worked), as well as a controlling and accommodating mechanical and tions. The ESTO images we associate with this era equally controlled social order. electrical services within the are indeed beautiful images, always making the structure. Internally, to achieve The Organizational Complex, published by MIT Press, is the more interesting of the two books; environment depicted uncharacteristically unified; the hollow grid network, remov- at one and the same time, though, the forces acting able cardboard boxes were used however, I fear it will not reach as sizable an audi- ence as Princeton Architectural Press’s physically on such environments, on individual buildings– as formwork. Externally, pre-cast masterpieces or everyday artifacts alike–as well as concrete formwork was used to larger monograph, despite both books being beauti- fully designed. The Ramon book is abundantly the cultural landscape in general, virtually escapes achieve the structural frame; for easy figuration, or any figuration at all. These envi- example, the horizontal channels stocked chock full of gorgeous, full-bleed black and white spreads, including over 20 classic ESTO pho- ronmental influences must instead be fleshed out were authentically the restraining The tographs, almost all by Ezra Stoller himself. Yet behind the images. And one thing that edge of the grid network. Form- Organizational Complex makes abundantly clear is despite a reference to Foucault’s (in)famous claim of work was the key to the structure. that images of a few projects located geographically a “death of the author,” it steers clear of any com- (Good word, “formwork.”) far apart and making up only a fraction of the many plicated–or even detailed–theoretical argument as to Compositionally, it fit. It was versions of a ubiquitous program (say, in the case why Saarinen’s reputation is open to reinvestigation. calibrated to fit with its neigh- of Saarinen, office and laboratory spaces), once Martin’s book rectifies this oversight: it resituates cont’d on next page cont’d on next page DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 10 Building Argentina (cont’d) Obituaries (cont’d) forties. Commissioned by a surgeon, Pedro Curutchet, it is the only residential building erected bors, not by stylistic imitation or in the Americas by Le Corbusier, despite his having eclectic pastiche, but by match- never visited the site nor even met the client. A ing their scale and rhythm. It was wonderful example of the principles of Modernism, intentionally constructivist as a complete with pilotis, ribbon windows, roof garden, structure and classicist as a com- free ground plan and free façades, the house is still position. It sought clarity and owned by the Curutchet family. Listed as a National coherence. Landmark, its care and preservation are guaranteed, It was a product of the ’50s– for it currently contains offices for Colegio de what historians might call the Arquitectos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires “long decade” in Philadelphia (CAPBA). architecture and urbanism. The Heavily influenced by Brutalism and the decade started in 1947 at a civic International Style, post-1950 Modern architecture in exhibition in Gimbels Depart- Argentina finally came into its own. The Hipotecario ment Store in Center City. Design Nacional Bank, formerly the Bank of London and and planning, housing and South America, is a sign of this, and one of the neighborhoods, politics and most poignant and recognized examples of professions–together. It was an Argentine Modern architecture. Designed by authentic “new urbanism” in the Clorindo Testa and the architecture firm SEPRA context of a “new politics.” Casa Curuchet, La Plata, late 1940s (1959-66), this Brutalist masterpiece is a box within (photo: Serianne Worden) At that time, while studying a box; the outer layer is of rough concrete, with tel- architecture at the Harvard evision-like punched holes, and hovers around an Only when work was finished did the National Graduate School of Design, I inner glass box. The concrete façade is supported Commission of Museums, Monuments and Sites would often visit Lou Kahn in independently from the glazing on the exterior, cre- decide to award the building National Landmark list- his office and report back to the ating a curtained effect of layering. The concrete is ing, which ironically awards the owner an exemp- other students. Subsequently, a absent at the building’s entrance; only glass and tion on all taxes. group including Ian McHarg and I large overhanging concrete slabs mark the portal to Modern buildings in Argentina have generally did a collaborative thesis–a the interior. The building was included in the exhibi- aged well, due largely to the time lag that delayed downtown plan for Providence– tion 20th Century Architecture, held at the Museum importation of practices from Germany, France and stimulated by what was happen- of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles in 2000, as the U.S. until after they had been extensively devel- ing in Philadelphia. I came to the century’s most important work of Latin oped. As a result, many Modern Movement build- Philadelphia in 1951, in the first American architecture. ings were built by European construction firms, squad of G. Holmes Perkins’s Although the bank has changed ownership over employing tried and tested materials. In addition, new faculty at Penn. the last decades, little alteration had occurred until many of these pioneering approaches to Modern Teaching at Penn was pro- 1998, when an aggressive renovation project was architecture have retained their original use. foundly connected with practice. undertaken, in part by none other than the original However, insensitive interventions have For example, the structural focus architect. The proposed renovations sought to great- occurred often in more recent years. Preservation in of our second-year design studio ly alter the bank’s interior as well as change signifi- Argentina is, unfortunately, not at the forefront of was a forecast of the Pender cant aspects of the exterior; the bank at that time legislative concern, despite laws both at the national Laboratory; and the collaborative was not listed as a protected work by the Municipal and municipal level. According to a preservation method of our graduate studios or National government. Despite little objection to architect in Buenos Aires, “the system is perverse,” used Philadelphia as a laboratory. the renovations from the press or media, Testa’s with listing a slow process and controls “nonexist- We often worked together, for intervention was greeted with anything but gratitude ent or too light.” In addition, the moderate laws do example, on a “new house from the preservation community. But with no legal not affect privately owned buildings, which are study” for the Redevelopment protection and given the cooperation of the original instead only subject to a more lax “urban code.” Authority. We were engaged by architect in the redesign, there was little to do to However, local authorities in Buenos Aires are cur- the Planning Commission as prevent the renovations. Sadly, major aspects of the rently working on a proposal to modify this code to design consultants for neighbor- bank’s original layout as well as interior and exterior include more than forty historical areas, with specif- hoods and districts. The finishes were altered by Testa’s interventions, and ic legislation for each area that will include protec- “Citizens Council on City the main entrance was significantly transformed. tion for some Modern Movement buildings. Planning” was our forum of —Serianne Worden ideas. Two historic documents, the Comprehensive Plan (1960) tionists cannot go back in time to resuscitate lost and the Center City Plan (1963), Saarinen (cont’d) buildings–although the Barcelona Pavilion recon- were created during the “long struction challenges even this limitation–thinking decade.” And many of us started extensively circulated, warp the physical reality of ahead before struggles shape up as struggles must our architectural firms. realized buildings to the extent that our perception eventually become a prudent step. The Pender Laboratory was of excellence and normality is entirely dependent Both of these books, then, suggest very differ- our first building. When it was upon the systems of circulation that control these ent futures for the role of the architect in culture; being demolished this year. images. The compelling lesson of Saarinen, then, is they also invest vastly different values in questions Barney Cunningham wrote me that this is true not only in reputations but also in of how the architect’s work is to be understood. that he “reveled in the fact that futures. Ultimately, thinking about the issues they raise, of they are having a hard time tear- Such a “lesson” suggests that how we view what (we value) and why (others should too), will ing it down…it was a strong threatened and cherished traces of the past within affect how we preserve artifacts of the built envi- building.” —Robert Geddes emergent understandings of the man-made environ- ronment, those of Eero Saarinen as well as many ment become important questions, helping to frame other varieties, canonical works by exceptional what actions we take regarding preservation and architects as well as generic instances of everyday how we go about them. While Modernist preserva- design and construction practices. —Brendan D. Moran DOCOMOMO-US/WINTER 2004 11
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