THE INTERNATIONAL STYLE-PART III: THE UNITED STATES, GREAT BRITAIN AND THE NETHERLANDS

Week 8

Open-Air School

* Amsterdam, Netherlands
* 1928-30
* Architects: Johannes Duiker & Bernard Bijvoet
* The school was built during a time of progressive educational reform in the Netherlands, influenced by international educational ideas
* Open-air corridors, covered walkways
* Rooftop gardens, connection with nature
* Operable windows

Rudolph Schindler

* Austrian-American architect
* Emmigrates from Austria to the US
* Worked for Frank Lloyd Wright in his early career
* Helped bringing the International Style to the US
* Emphasized open floor plans, integration with nature, and innovative use of materials
* Considered one of the pioneers of modern architecture in Southern California
* Womanizer

Schindler/Chase House (aka Kings-Road House)

* Los Angeles, CA. USA
* **Architect:** Rudolf Schindler
* Materials: Concrete, redwood, and glass
* Built for him and his wife, containing his studio as well
* Screens made out of redwood
* Influenced by Japanese designs
* An innovative split-level design with interconnected interior spaces
* Emphasis on open floor plans and functional living spaces
* Integration of indoor and outdoor areas through large windows and terraces
* Rudolf Schindler design the furniture himself

Richard Neutra

* Austria-American architect.
* Moved from Austria to California.
* Trained under Adolf Loos and worked for Frank Lloyd Wright.
* Emphasized clean lines, integration with nature, and functional design.
* Liked creating architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings and enhances the well-being of its inhabitants.

Lovell “Health” House

* Los Angeles, CA. USA.
* 1928-30
* **Architect:** Richard Neutra
* First steel framed house built in the US
* Throughtfully built on a hill using steel and a concretet foundation for stability
* Designed as a residence promoting physical and mental well-being
* Sleek and horizontal design with clean lines


* Extensive use of glass to maximize natural light and connection to nature
* Open floor plan and fluid spatial arrangement
* Integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, including rooftop gardens
* Emphasis on natural ventilation and passive cooling
* Aesthetic blending of technology, functionality, and modern materials

PSFS Building (Philadelphia Savings Fund Society Building)

* Philadelphia, PA. USA.
* 1929-1932.
* **Architect:** Howe & Lescaze
* Built as the headquarters for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society
* First International Style skyscraper in the United States with the first ever escalator and AC in Philadelphia
* Streamlined, asymmetrical and geometric design with clean lines
* Steel frame construction with a glass and limestone façade and curved glass windows
* Vertical emphasis and setbacks to create a sleek profile
* Innovative use of aluminum and stainless steel details

Dymaxion House

* 1927-1934.
* Kansas, USA.
* **Architect:** Buckminster Fuller.
* Resource conservation and sustainable living
* His idea was that the house would revolve.
* Re-countructed at a museum in Dearborn, USA.
* Geodesic dome structure with a circular floor plan
* Lightweight and strong construction using tensional integrity
* It was intended to be an affordable and mass-produced housing
* Integration of technologies such as central heating, air conditioning, and air purification
* Inclusion of modern conveniences like a dishwasher, built-in furniture, and adjustable lighting

Buckminster Fuller

* American architect and engineer
* Would combine Dynamis with other words to name his work
* Known for:
* Geodesic dome structure invention
* Pioneering work in sustainability and environmental design
* Development of the concept of "Spaceship Earth"
* Integration of technology and design to solve global problems
* Inspired by concepts of synergy, efficiency, and nature's patterns