John Lautner is another architect who's work I really admire and find myself gravitating towards. He studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and his early designed followed many of his taught principles. As Lautener went on his own in the 50's and 60's he made more of a name for himself by creating contemporary designs with opens, spacious floor plans, and a strong connections between interior and exterior. The gestures contained within his work are truly miraculous. Sweeping curves that compliments stark horizontal planes. Glazing that strecthes 10 or 15 feet high and is balanced delicately between concrete slab and concrete roof above. This is architecture that I find very spatial and free flowing in nature. When you look at a portion of the work, it is view as a whole, however, it can be broken down into many sub-shapes and forms, eaching working together in harmony. I imagine the design process as each of his works went through the design phase; it seems as though modeling these ideas would be infinitely exciting.
This is the Stevens Residence in Malibu California, 1968.
The linear elements are very simple, yet when combined, they create a striking yet harmonious balance. The sweeping arc dominated the elevation, but it is supported by the more linear geometry of the facade and glazing below. Linear forms radiating out from the counter arc present the image of a fan. There are an infinite number of geometrical forms you can draw from this facade. You can just imagine how many different radiuses were experimented with. Even the reflection in the glass and the patterns in the sand give definition to the design; as though it is constantly moving and in flux, though stationary. Lautner's spaces are what I love about architecture - spaces that make you say wow and are undeniably cool.
Also, fun fact, Lautner's homes have been used in many hollywood movies and television shows...if you're a Big Lebowshi fan, Jackie Treehorn's house was a Lautner.
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