Architectural History

Update: Development "Alternatives" Report Released for Rudolph's BOSTON GOVERNMENT SERVICE CENTER

The government-sponsored report on “development options” for the Boston Government Service Center has just been issued—and we summarize what they’re contemplating (including more-and-more demolition in every choice they’re considering).

Rudolph: The Green Architect — Part TWO

Further evidence of Paul Rudolph’s proto-“green” consciousness—as shown here by examples of his other strategies for dealing with intense sun loads.

Rudolph: The Green Architect — Part ONE

Paul Rudolph showed a “green” consciousness, in an era well before energy/environmental concerns were a priority among architects. Here we’re reminded about two of his designs, built in sun-intense Florida.

Constantino Nivola - a New Exhibit Focuses on A Modern Sculptor in the Public Realm

Constantino Nivola artistry wasn’t just for private appreciation. Over a multi-decade career, his sculptures and murals were part of the experience of our cities, and were used in all kinds of public sites: schools, government buildings, a firehouse…and at Rudolph’s Boston Government Service Center.

Kate Wagner and McMansion Hell: Deeper Into the question of Brutalism (and what it's NOT)

The popular website goes further into the question of Brutalism, in part two of their exploration of that controversial term and style.

Busting Myths about the Boston Government Service Center and Paul Rudolph: Who Really Designed It?

There are a bunch of questionable accusations (and un-truths) about Rudolph and his building. We’re out to bust them—especially the one about who really designed the Boston Government Service Center.

A Rudolph Masterpiece is Sold—but you still have a Second Chance (with the Replica)

The original Walker Guest House was just sold—but you have a second chance: a faithful replica is now up for auction!

Hollywood Nods to Urban Design (and Paul Rudolph)

Paul Rudolph’s design for a Manhattan mega-structure makes an appearance in this new film…

New Book on Paul Rudolph - focusing on his Drawings

Rudolph’s drawings, so well-known for their graphic power and inventiveness, are now seen in a beautiful new volume.

When Three Generations of a Family Have Loved a House...

Dr. Walker, his children, and his children’s children, have lived in and loved the Walker Guest House—designed by Paul Rudolph.

Beloved Rudolph Design, The Walker Guest House, To Be Auctioned

The Walker Guest House—one of Paul Rudolph’s most delightfully inventive houses—will be sold at auction in December

Paul Rudolph Centennial Catalogs Get Positive Reviews

Paul Rudolph’s 100th birthday inspired the creation of two exhibits devoted to him—and those shows’ catalogs have received good reviews.

Ernst Wagner: Fighting to Preserve the Legacy of Paul Rudolph

A man of spirit and generosity, Ernst Wagner has been working to protect and educate the world about Paul Rudolph’s creative contributions.

Happy Birthday, Paul Rudolph — it's his 101st !

Rudolph in a happy mood, at the street level of one of his most compelling buildings: his about-to-be-completed Temple Street Garage in New Haven.

Rudolph in a happy mood, at the street level of one of his most compelling buildings: his about-to-be-completed Temple Street Garage in New Haven.

It’s October 23—and we celebrate Paul Rudolph’s Birth 101 years ago today (and invite you to do so too!)

This past year—Rudolph’s centenary—has been a year of “Rudolph-ian” accomplishment: in preservation, research, education, scholarship, and—perhaps most important—in creating a growing awareness and appreciation of the legacy of this great architect. But—

But rather than review the achievements of the last year (you can read of many examples in past articles on this blog) we thought it would be nice to just share some images of him—and different ones than you normally see.

Portraits of architects usually show them in a serious mode, with solemn expressions suitable for a person embarking on a great artistic or constructional task. Paul Rudolph was no exception: most pictures of him show a deeply thoughtful figure, or one engaged in disciplined, critical work.

But today we offer a couple of pictures of another, sunnier side of Rudolph—ones where the architect was clearly in a smiling, happy state.

Paul Rudolph in formal attire—with more than a hint of a smile. By-the-way: that’s not smoke in the background (as we had first thought—but Rudolph was never a smoker.) What’s [visually] suggesting smoke is light catching the curving edges of a topo…

Paul Rudolph in formal attire—with more than a hint of a smile. By-the-way: that’s not smoke in the background (as we had first thought—but Rudolph was never a smoker.) What’s [visually] suggesting smoke is light catching the curving edges of a topographic model., shown here tipped vertically to hang on a wall. Such models are part of the architectural design and presentation processand this one might have been made, in Rudolph’s office, for one of his projects.

So Happy Birthday, Mr. Rudolph — and we look forward to your next century !