Pierre Koenig

Description

This monograph provides a complete study of Pierre Koenig's architecture, and illustrates his consistent application of certain design principles and his interest in industrialization, structure and environmentally responsible architecture. Photographs taken by Julius Shulman of Koenig's work, together with the architect's original sketches and drawings, provide a comprehensive visual document of the architecture of this highly respected designer. One of the major figures of the Modern Movement in America, his work provides an unparalleled insight into the evolution of Modernism on the West Coast and the scope of its influence internationally. Koenig is the architect of some of Los Angeles's most admired houses, and a pioneer of what became known as the "Case Study House Programme". In 1950 he was chosen by the magazine "Arts and Architecture" to design two of the highly innovative buildings in this programme. Koenig's case study house #21 and case study house #22 have since become iconic, and capture the excitement of the period and the optimism of the Case Study House Programme as a whole.

James Steele is Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He has previously taught at Texas Tech University, the University of London and the Prince of Wales Institute of Architecture. His many publications include Architecture Today, Los Angeles Architecture: the Contemporary Condition, and the Architecture in Detail monographs Eames House, Barnsdall House and Lawson-Weston House (all published by Phaidon Press). David Jenkins qualified as an architect at Kingston School of Architecture in London. He worked extensively in private practice before embarking on a career as a teacher, writer and editor. He was previously Commissioning Editor for the Phaidon Architecture list and Buildings Editor of the Architects' Journal and is currently a Project Director with Foster and Partners in London. He is the author of several titles in the Architecture in Detail Series, including Unite d'Habitation; Clore Gallery, Tate Gallery, Liverpool; and Financial Times Print Works (all published by Phaidon Press). Authors' Residences: Venice, Los Angeles/Maida Vale, London

'Gives the architect his full due.' (Elle Decor US) 'Being from Phaidon, the book is well produced, and the text by James Steele (of USC) and David Jenkins is clear and methodical.' (The Architect's Journal) 'Panoramic scenes of LA, wraparound glass walls and pools with a view are abundant in this, the first comprehensive monograph of Pierre Koenig's work.' (Wallpaper*) 'This book is as much about the rediscovery of a 'lost' era as about the unearthing of a 'forgotten' architect. Those unfamiliar with the story of the Case Study Houses will find it useful in setting Koenig's work in context. Those interested in a more detailed analysis of the architect's early work and intrigued to discover 'what happened next' are rewarded by detailed commentaries on all the main projects of his long, but spasmodic, career.' (Building Design) 'The book is extremely good value.' (The Architectural Review) 'A book on Pierre Koenig is long overdue and we should be grateful to James Steele, David Jenkins and their publisher for this beautifully produced volume.' (RIBA Journal) 'Lavishly illustrated.' (Christie's Magazine) 'A book on Pierre Koenig was long overdue; credits to James Steele, David Jenkins and the publishers for the handsome volume ... This monograph documents Koenig's career with the advancements of every project. Unfamiliar readers are completely put to the context of the period ... The monograph is timely and makes Koenig's work accessible to a wider audience.' (Indian Architect and Builder)