Case Study Houses: 1945-1966: The California Impetus (Taschen Basic Architecture) | 
 enlarge | Author: Elizabeth A T Smith
Publisher: Taschen
Category: Book
List Price: $9.99
Buy New: $5.77
You Save: $4.22 (42%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 12293
Format: Illustrated
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 96
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 7.1 x 0.4
ISBN: 3822846171
Dewey Decimal Number: 720
EAN: 9783822846179
ASIN: 3822846171
Publication Date: May 1, 2006
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Amazon.com
The first thing you notice about Case Study Houses: The Complete CSH Program, 1945-1966 is its size: it's big. Contained within its 16-inch frame is the history of Arts & Architecture magazine's famed program created to inspire the building of low-cost modern homes in America. The brainchild of magazine editor John Entenza, the program drew well-known architects including Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Richard Neutra. Throughout the book are spectacular photographs of modernist glass- and patio-filled homes. Most of the homes were built in the Los Angeles area and make wonderful use of the surrounding scenery. A 17-foot-tall front door opens up onto a canal; streamlined Herman Miller furniture fills out a living room that overlooks a breathtaking panorama. While not all the projects were built, each received a detailed spread in the magazine, including drawings and models. Some of the architectural drawings are lovely, drawn with the movement and fluidity of a master. Included are short biographies of each architect, a provocative epilogue by photographer Julius Shulman, and the reprinted original magazine pages that announce the birth of the Case Study idea. This book is a true gem, and considering its size it's the Hope diamond. --J.P. Cohen
Book Description
The pioneering project that sought to bring modernism to the masses... The Case Study House program (1945-1966) was an exceptional, innovative event in the history of American architecture and remains to this day unique. The program, which concentrated on the Los Angeles area and oversaw the design of 36 prototype homes, sought to make available plans for modern residences that could be easily and cheaply constructed during the postwar building boom. Highly experimental, the program generated houses that were designed to redefine the modern home, and thus had a pronounced influence on architecture—American and international—both during the program's existence and even to this day. This compact guide includes all projects featured in our XL version, with over 150 photos and plans and a map of where all houses are (or were) located.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Great Value for Introduction to Case Study Houses June 30, 2008
I think this book is an incredible value. Wonderfully satisfying photos for the price. The designs are still very inspirational for Mid-Century Modern fans. I love the series and intend to buy the other editions in the near future.
JUMBO BOOK OF CASE STUDY HOMES IS A WINNER May 25, 2008
The Case Study Houses -- The Complete CSH Program 1945 - 1966 by Taschen is a wonderful, comprehensive study of some of the best of the archetectural projects created from this time period. The principal photography by Julius Shulman is breathtaking and some of the original, vintage photos are presented on two pages within the huge book. When open, this jumbo edition is almost a yard across and at 34" is nearly overwhelming...and by some, too large to handle.
The text is well written, informative and easy to comprehend. It describes, in detail, the development of these ultra modern homes located in the Los Angeles area of California which mostly use metal, concrete and glass. All of the materials were derived from various industrial usages and were considered new in the home building area, and innovative to say the least.
Combined with the text and the extraordinary photographs, this book is destined to become a collector's item in the future and well worth the investment.
please--give me a break June 20, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Ok, Ok, there's a beautiful, gigantic, definitive book on the Case Study Houses at $136. Then there's this small, slick little book, presenting each and every case study house, in order, editorially excellent through and through. An outstanding summary of an under-documented era of modern architecture, one with a crucially democratic agenda. $9.99. The book itself represents the case study ethic--great design at a price VERY within reach.
Not a difficult choice. Highly recommended.
Great Buy for the Price May 15, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is visually interesting as well as informative. Those interested in mid-century architecture will enjoy this concise book.
Classic American Style March 14, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Optimism is the prevailing theme of the Case Study Houses. The unerring faith that the future is the brightest it can possibly be. Each house profiled in this book shouts this theme loudly and proudly! Taschen has put together a loving yet compact introduction to the Case Study Houses. If you love architecture, design or mid-century modern style, this book is a must have for your collection.
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