The Architecture Of John Lautner

by Alan Hess, Alan Weintraub (Photographer)

This splendid book offers a fascinating look at the architect who combined the principles of Frank Lloyd Wright with breathtaking technical achievements. 350 illustrations.

Genres: Architecture, Photography, Reference, Classics

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Born in California in 1952, Hess received his BA at Principia College, a Master's degree in architecture from the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, and is a licensed architect. After working with architects William Coburn, and Callister Payne and Bischoff, Hess started his own firm specializing in residential work and historic preservation. His first book, Googie: Fifties Coffee Shop Architecture (Chronicle Books 1985) focused on a neglected and popular Modern form. Following books continued to explore overlooked chapters in twentieth-century architecture and urbanism. He is responsible for qualifying several landmark buildings for the National Register of Historic Places, including the oldest operating McDonald's in Downey, Stuart Company Plant and Office Building and Bullock's Pasadena in Pasadena, and the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Reviews

[Raina Anjari · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing to see how the designs of the mid 1900's seem so contemporary even to the present day. this book captures the designs via beautiful photography and commentary. even the layman will be amazed to find that many of the buildings have been used in the media for many years. whether in movies or magazines they have been associated with the most contemporary designs of our time. Highlights this architects mastery of a typical material palette of concrete, wood, and steel.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there not to like about Lautner's designs. Great Weintraub's photos of projects that I was not aware of before. Excellent description and background by Hess.

I read the book again in April 2023 and was really moved by it. As architectural photos go.. These are one of the most impressive around. They capture Lautner's genius, his spacial design quality, the textures and a warmth that was not expected. Alan Hess wove a interesting history of the trials and innovations of the 50+ years of struggle of designing with light, space and nature. (I feel his pain).

[R.J. Gilmour · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book devoted to the work of John Lautner. The book is broken into sections which analyze his career with each section followed by a few pages showing the houses discussed in the previous section. Sadly, this format means lots of flipping back and forth between analysis and photographs of the houses. Also missing are detailed plans of the properties discussed. The book is really only an introduction to his work.