"Symmetry" exhibit explores a design concept that's the basis of Schindler House

February 16, 2006 11:08 AM

"Symmetry":the basis of Schindler House. (BugMeNot)
posted by matteo (6 comments total)

The Schindler studio-residence was built between February and June 1922 on Kings Road in Hollywood, California. The houses design addressed and even resolved architectural problems involved with new methods of construction, a low budget, organization of living space, aesthetics, and a new life philosophy in a revolutionary manner. In many respects, the Schindler house marks the beginning of modern architecture in California.

The house was built according to the life philosophy of Pauline Schindler and a rather optimistic appreciation of the usually mild Southern Californian climate.

Few materials were used: concrete, wood, glass, and canvas. It was important to Schindler to integrate the natural properties of the materials into the design of the building. Architectural functions remained visible, and the natural color and texture of the materials were not covered by layers of paint.

The house was designed for 3 households consisting of 2 couples and one bachelor without children. The floor plan consists of three L shapes spinning out from a central fireplace.

posted by matteo at 11:09 AM on February 16, 2006

RM Schindler : Composition and Construction
posted by matteo at 11:10 AM on February 16, 2006

Thanks, matteo. SoCal has some amazing home architecture.
posted by shoepal at 11:24 AM on February 16, 2006

>>"The domestic idyll that Schindler envisioned at Kings Road didn't last long. The Chaces moved out two years later and were succeeded by the Neutras, but the working relationship between Richard and Rudolf, the two iconic Austrian-born architects, soured. Schindler and his wife, Pauline, divorced."
posted by naxosaxur at 1:17 PM on February 16, 2006

naxosaxur writes ">>'The domestic idyll that Schindler envisioned at Kings Road didn't last long. The Chaces moved out two years later and were succeeded by the Neutras, but the working relationship between Richard and Rudolf, the two iconic Austrian-born architects, soured. Schindler and his wife, Pauline, divorced.'"

Given the location, this sounds like some seriously bad Feng Shui in the design.
posted by Araucaria at 4:22 PM on February 16, 2006

Symmetry doesn't look cozy at all.
posted by gordie at 2:07 AM on February 19, 2006