Modernism to the masses: Pioneering designs for affordable postwar homes

The

Case Study House

program (1945–1966) was a unique event in the history of American architecture. Sponsored by

Arts & Architecture

magazine, the program sought to respond to the postwar building boom with

prototype modern homes

that could be both easily replicated and readily affordable to the average American.

Concentrated on the Los Angeles area, the Case Study Houses included

36 model homes

commissioned from such major architects of the day as

Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Charles and Ray Eames, Pierre Koenig, Eero Saarinen, A. Quincy Jones,

and

Ralph Rapson

. Their criteria included “using, as far as is practicable, many war-born techniques and materials best suited to the expression of man’s life in the modern world.”

The results of the program would

redefine the modern home

and extend influence not only across the United States but around the world. This compact guide includes all of the Case Study Houses

with over 150 photos and plans

, as well as a map showing locations of all sites, including those that no longer exist.

About the series:

Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Architecture series features:

an introduction to the life and work of the architect

the major works in chronological order

information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions

a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings

approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts and plans)