A group of early pioneers of mid-century architects working in California, became associated with a modern, cutting edge style. These folks include what have become known as mid-century architectural luminaries: Schindler, Lautner, Frank Lloyd Wright, Dankmar Adler, Pierre Koenig, Neutra, Louis Sullivan, Joseph Silsbee, Harwell and Hamilton Harris. Here are a few examples of their work.

roof framing

is one aspect of a building that is designed to hold a structural load up, including a dead load - which is its own weight and the weight of the roof covering, and any additional loads - called the environmental load due to snow or heavy winds.

This cube-like way of building became an important development in architectural history. But does it have an antecedent and if so where? 

A place where this type of architecture still exists and one can visit is the ancient Anasazi Cliff Dwellings of the Southwest. Although we can go there today, and walk around these dwellings, the place is no longer inhabited. They are thought to have been deserted almost 1,000 years ago due to draughts that occurred in the region. Archeologists can tell from tree rings in the area revealing draught activity. 

Unlike the Anasazi, the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico who's dwelling evolved from a similar structure is inhabited by Native Americans to this day and can be visited.

Both places are well worth the trip!

the light - both within and outside- is amplified by multi-faceted angles

An important feature that’s become integral to any structure, besides water and light (prior posts: illumination 2  / Illumination 4), are GREEN features – whether on a roof, a wall or integrated with the nearby wetlands. This greenery is not simply “cool” looking but it literally cools an otherwise heat absorbing black asphalt roof, helps us breath easier - increasing our oxygen supply and absorbs heavy rainfall that mitigates it's damage to our shorelines.