The Case Study House program (1945-1966) was a unique event in the
history of American architecture. Sponsored by Arts & Architecture
magazine, the program sought to respond to the postwar building boom
with prototype modern homes that could be both easily replicated and
readily affordable to the average American.
Concentrated on the Los Angeles area, the Case Study Houses included 36
model homes commissioned from such major architects of the day as
Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Charles and Ray Eames,
Pierre Koenig, Eero Saarinen, A. Quincy Jones, and Ralph Rapson. Their
criteria included "using, as far as is practicable, many war-born
techniques and materials best suited to the expression of man's life in
the modern world."
The results of the program would redefine the modern home and extend
influence not only across the United States but around the world. This
compact guide includes all of the Case Study Houses with over 150 photos
and plans, as well as a map showing locations of all sites, including
those that no longer exist.
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 features:
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)
