Posts in History
A Brief History of The Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright

The Fredrick Robie House, located in the Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park, is one of the most iconic examples of modernist architecture. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909, the house has been called "the most important building of the twentieth century" and "the greatest work of architecture America has produced."

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The Story of the Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore

Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo of Florence, is an iconic architectural landmark in the Tuscan capital. It is a stunning masterpiece of architecture and stands as one of the most recognizable buildings in Europe. The great dome that covers the structure was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1436 – making it one of the oldest domes still standing today.

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A Brief Architectural History of The Roman Pantheon

No other building has been referred to or echoed in architecture more than the Pantheon. Architects worldwide have extracted principles from this building throughout the course of history. It is one of the most used precedents in architecture. Check out our article to learn more about the Pantheon in Rome.

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The Story of the Farnsworth House

The Farnsworth House (1945 - 1951) is an iconic work of modern American architecture. It was designed by renowned modern architect Mies van der Rohe in 1937 and was the first home he designed in America. The house sits in Plano, Illinois, about 1.5 hours southwest of Chicago. 

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The Story Behind the Architecture and Construction of The Louvre Museum

I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre is a masterpiece of modern architecture. I was fortunate to travel to the Louvre in 2012 and spent multiple days at the museum. Learn more about the story behind the design and construction of the Louvre Museum.

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Ten Things You Should Know About the Case Study House Program

The case study house program was an experimental program set up by John Entenza through Arts and Architecture Magazine, that facilitated the design, construction and publishing of modern single-family homes. The goal was to highlight modern homes constructed with industrial materials and techniques that could help solve the housing needs after WWII.

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Five Things You Should Know About Architect Paul R. Williams

Paul R. Williams was an extraordinary man and a prolific Architect practicing during Hollywood’s Golden age. He worked on a wide variety of projects including churches, airports, public housing, courthouses, and offices; however, he is best known for his luxury custom homes. He produced over 3,000 projects spanning nearly 6 decades.

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A Brief History of the Hearst Castle and Architect Julia Morgan

On the California coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, high up on the hill, sits a true masterpiece of California architecture, the Hearst Castle. The Hearst Castle was brought into fruition through Julia Morgan, an unassuming, shy and passionate architect and William Randolph Hearst, a wealthy media tycoon who shared Morgan’s passion and interest in art and architecture. Through the collaboration of these two individuals, the Hearst Castle emerged out of the hill and would become a landmark for California history and culture of the 20th century.

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Eight Things You Should Know About The Barcelona Pavilion

The German Pavilion, also known as the Barcelona Pavilion, was originally presented at the Barcelona International Exposition on May 26, 1929 by King Alfonso the 13th and Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain. The pavilion was intended to represent Germany's new identity as a peaceful and prosperous nation signifying a fresh start following World War I. Check out our article to learn more about the Barcelona Pavilion

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Six Things You Should Know About Southern California Architect Rudolph Schindler

Why is Rudolph Schindler an important figure in the history of California modern architecture? What were the forces that influenced the development of his architectural aesthetic? Why is his legacy and impact important to the profession today? We will attempt to answer these questions and more in this article on modern architect Rudolph Schindler.

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Five Things to Learn From Palm Springs Architect William Krisel

William Krisel is one of Palm Springs most notable mid century architects. He is best known for his tract developments in Palm Springs. Throughout his career, Krisel produced fantastic modern architecture while maintaining a “down to earth” approach. He never forgot that architecture was ultimately for people and must respect economy, constructability and the market.

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Brief History of Modern Architecture In Palm Springs

Around the mid 1900’s, many notable architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, Bill Cody, E. Stewart Williams, William Krisel and Donald Wexler established their careers in Palm Springs. These architects and their buildings have undoubtably contributed to making Palm Springs a major destination point. Their impact on the city continues to attract people from all over the world to this day.

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Albert Frey and the Frey House II

I recently had the privilege of touring the Frey House II in Palm Springs California. The experience was educational, inspiring, and transformative. It challenged my definition of a home. Learn more about the Frey House II.

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The Architecture of William F. Cody

William F. Cody stands out as one of the most impressive California mid century modern architects due to his vast portfolio of built work in the Palm Springs area. Through hundreds of built projects, Cody was able to experiment, refine, and master desert modern architecture by creating buildings that were fit for the local environment and suited the lifestyle of post war America. Check out the article to learn more about mid century modern architect, William F. Cody.

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The Story of Mid-Century-Modern Architect Richard Neutra

Richard Neutra was a notable mid century modern architect know for designing homes such as the Kauffman Desert House, Llovel Health House, VDL house, and many others. His work is widely published and the photographs often define mid century modern architecture. Read the article to learn more about one of the most influential mid century modern architects.

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Nine Things You Should Know About The Stahl House – Case Study House 22

What makes this house so special and iconic? The significance of this home is the product of the site, the materials, the design, the location, the photographs and the zeitgeist of the time period that it was built. Click to read more about the Stahl House.

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Seven Things You Should Know About Craig Ellwood: The California Mies van der Rohe.

Craig Ellwood is often referred to as the California Mies van der Rohe because of his crisp, finely detailed minimalist buildings. One of the most well known “architects” of California mid century modernism was not really an architect. Learn seven things you should know about Craig Ellwood.

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Eight Things You Should Know About the Architect John Lautner

John Lautner was one of the most influential architects in Southern California. Learn about his early career studying under Frank Lloyd Wright, his budding career in Los Angeles and his seminal works that stand out as icons of an era.

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Ten Things You Should Know About Eichler Homes

In 2018 Rost Architects had the opportunity to work on the restoration of an original Eichler home in Orange County California. Learn the ten things you need to know about the history of Joseph Eichler and his homes.

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