Archinect - News

High School Students Interpret Neutra's VDL House with Art

2017-05-19T19:31:00-04:00

Tomorrow evening the Neutra VDL House will host an exhibition of work by high school students (age 16-18) from the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, curated by VAPA high school student Avery Wilcox. Each artwork offers new interpretations of the Neutra VDL House expressed in a variety of mediums - film, ceramic, painting and photography. More importantly these artistic expressions, given the age of the makers, will allow all of us to see this historic house with fresh eyes.

The exhibition will take place tomorrow, May 20, from 5-8pm.

The Neutra VDL House Celebrates its National Historic Landmark Status

2017-04-26T13:13:00-04:00

Built in 1932, the VDL Research House designed by Richard Neutra is one of Southern California’s modernist gems. Now it has been named a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior following the tireless work of its owners, the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation and, in particular, the VDL House director and chair of the architecture department at Cal Poly, Sarah Lorenzen. The effort was assisted by Los Angeles Congressman Adam Schiff, who helped celebrate the designation last Sunday.

Neutra’s third building in the United States, and his own private home, the House is said to encapsulate his ideas. For the famed Austrian-American architect, the role of contemporary architecture was to shape life in the modern world, marked by new technologies and new lifestyles. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, the House is “the only property where one can see the progression of his style over a period of years and is among the key properties to understanding the nation...

Archinect presents Next Up: Floating Worlds at the Neutra VDL on Saturday, March 4!

2017-02-16T12:15:00-05:00

We don’t draft designs in a void and cities don’t spring straight from our imaginations. Architecture is itself a designed object, circumscribed and delimited by the social, political, and economic conditions of the era. But, likewise, these conditions aren’t exactly natural—they’re designed by a host of actors and forces. For a new generation of architects, the most-pressing design challenge of the twentieth century isn’t to create new forms, but to re-design the architecture of architecture, itself. And, the first step in this process, like with any project, is visualization.

For the fourth iteration of Archinect’s live podcasting series Next Up, we’re taking a look at potential roles for architecture in the contemporary neoliberal political economy, with a focus on issues pertaining to gender and identity. In a sense, what we’re looking at is how architecture is itself designed—and, specifically, how we can redesign the systems in which it is enmeshed. In what ways are people cha...

The Department of Interior announces 24 new National Historic Landmarks

2017-01-12T21:02:00-05:00

Earlier today, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced 24 new National Historic Landmarks. Defined as “historic properties of exceptional value to the nation [that promote] the preservation efforts of federal, state, and local agencies and Native American tribes, as well as those of private organizations and individuals,” the designation comes with technical assistance, recognition, and funding. Notably, the Neutra Studio and Residence (VDL House) in Los Angeles, which has hosted several Archinect events in the past, was added to the list.

“These 24 new designations depict different threads of the American story that have been told through activism, architecture, music, and religious observance,” said Secretary Jewell. “Their designation ensures future generations have the ability to learn from the past as we preserve and protect the historic value of these properties and the more than 2,500 other landmarks nationwide.”

Here are the new historical landmarks, with des...

Listen to highlights from Enrique Norten's interview, winner of the 2015 Neutra Award

2015-11-03T14:55:00-05:00

Somewhere along the lines of recent years, I became the unofficial interviewer for the semiannual Neutra Award, offered by Cal Poly Pomona to highly regarded master architects in Neutra's vein. In the past, it has been awarded to Tadao Ando, Michael Rotondi and now, Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos.

The minute I decided to talk to Enrique Norten about modern times and its architecture vis a vis Neutra’s VDL House, the conversation unfolded by itself and modernism in presence. I should add, of course, Mr. Norten, staying in the house as Cal Poly Pomona’s guest, feeling its energy, its humble experimental brilliance, its importance to architecture and, as an anecdotal moment, not missing a second of the much stuffier Green & Green House where he has also stayed in the past.

We became friends and agreed what started as modern architecture still continues globally in its many iterations. How can it not? We agreed, we are all moderns, even if we deny, our ancestors lived differently.

...

Get Lectured: Cal Poly Pomona, 2015 Neutra Award lecture

2015-10-23T16:53:00-04:00

Archinect's Architecture School Lecture Guide for Fall 2015

Archinect's Get Lectured is ready for another school year. Get Lectured is an ongoing series where we feature a school's lecture series—and their snazzy posters—for the current term. Check back frequently to keep track of any upcoming lectures you don't want to miss.

Want to share your school's lecture series? Send us your school's lecture series poster and details to connect@archinect.com.

Our next featured poster is a special event from Cal Poly Pomona's Fall '15 architecture lecture series. Next Monday, Enrique Norten of TEN arquitectos will deliver the Neutra Award lecture in honor of receiving the 2015 Neutra Award for Professional Excellence.

Rutgers Business School by TEN arquitectos.

Established in 1980, the award is presented to distinguished architects, landscape architects, and individuals outside of the field who have made lasting contributions to environmental design and public policy.

The lecture takes place at the ...

Archinect to host party & book launch for "Treatise: Why Write Alone?" at the Neutra VDL Saturday, May 2nd!

2015-04-24T12:48:00-04:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday evening, May 2! Archinect is heading out to the Neutra VDL House in Los Angeles for the "Treatise: Why Write Alone?" West Coast book launch. Archinect, Neutra VDL House, and The Graham Foundation will be co-hosting the event.

The Neutra VDL House in Silver Lake, Los Angeles will be hosting the event. (Photo: David Hartwell)

Organized by Jimenez Lai of Bureau Spectacular, "Treatise" is a publication project featuring the collective works of 14 young design offices, who each explore the concept: "Why Write? And why write alone?" "Treatise" originates from Lai's Graham Foundation grant to pursue non-conformist approaches to architecture, and it made its debut as an exhibition in Chicago's Graham Foundation in January.

Cognoscenti Coffee will be serving espresso and espresso-based drinks -- including espresso-based cocktails! Special guests will soon be announced.

RSVP now. (The event is free!)

View of “Treatise: Why Write Alone?”, 2015, Graham Foundation, Ch...

Upcoming Cal Poly Pomona events at the historic Neutra VDL House in L.A.

2013-11-27T15:14:00-05:00

In need of weekend plans for December? Some fun Saturday events are happening at the Neutra VDL House in Los Angeles. If you're around the area, be sure to check 'em out!

Event details are right below:

RELIER Fundraiser & Cocktail Party | December 14, Doors open 4 p.m.

The RELIER team -- an alumni group from the Cal Poly Pomona architecture program -- would like to invite you to our Fundraiser & Cocktail Party hosted at the historical VDL House.

Join RELIER for cocktails as we provide our vision and plans for the exhibition ahead. We will be hosting a silent auction, with items designed by various Cal Poly Alumni and faculty. All donations will go toward the production of RELIER 2014.

Featured Artists include:

Manny Torres
Ando Pndlian
Bryony Roberts
Andy Wilcox
MIA Studio
Axel Schmitzberger
and many more!

For event tickets and additional information, visit http://www.relierexhibit.com.

Opening of Non-Mechanical Repetition Installations | December 7, 6 to 8 p.m.

Come to the opening of the Non-Mec...

Sarah Lorenzen is the New Chair of Cal Poly Pomona Arch.

2013-01-10T20:06:00-05:00

Cal Poly Pomona Architecture Department gets a new energetic chairperson to take the school to a new and better direction.

Dean Michael Woo of College of Environmental Design breaks the news:

"I am happy to announce that Associate Professor Sarah Lorenzen is the new Chair of the Architecture Department. Many of you know Sarah from her teaching and her role as Director of the Neutra VDL Research House. Now she will have the opportunity to lead the Architecture Department into a new era."

In a personal note, I want to publicly congratulate my colleague Sarah Lorenzen for a job well earned. I have all the faith in her that she has the talent to lead and give the school a new breath of fresh air and dynamism.

Next Archinect Sessions: Saturday, November 19

2011-11-10T18:46:00-05:00

Archinect and Cal Poly Pomona are pleased to present Part 3 of the series Archinect Sessions @ the VDL. Saturday, November 19th @ 3:00 pm @ the Neutra VDL Research House. This discussion will be on the production of public space with USC's Stefano de Martino and UC Berkeley Geographer, Javier Arbona in conversation with Orhan Ayyuce. The session is free and open to the public although seating is limited so please reserve your seats today, donations for the ongoing restoration of the house are welcome.

Next Archinect Sessions this Saturday, November 5

2011-11-01T14:54:17-04:00

We're excited to announce the next round of Archinect Sessions, to kick off on Saturday, November 5th, at the Neutra VDL House, in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, in collaboration with Cal Poly Pomona.

Archinect Sessions is a series of discussions with architects, academics and other interesting individuals from the tangents of architecture, in and around Southern California, moderated by Archinect's Orhan Ayyuce.

For our second event this year we're very honored to host Sci Arc's Marcelo Spina and Cal Poly Pomona's Axel Prichard-Schmitzberger, to talk about architecture's potential future in both the academic setting and in practice.

Tickets can be purchased @ http://archinectsessions2.eventbrite.com

Archinect Sessions kicks off with Ray Kappe on Oct. 22

2011-10-14T01:35:00-04:00

We're excited to announce the next round of Archinect Sessions, to kick off on Saturday, October 22nd, at the Neutra VDL House, in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, collaborating with Cal Poly Pomona.

For our first event we're very honored to host Ray Kappe, to talk about his impressive career as a practicing architect and academic.

Click here to reserve your seats.

For those of you who can attend, and for those of you who can't we'll be posting videos on Archinect shortly following each event.

Oh Nooo! Neutra Photograph of the Day

2011-10-07T18:20:24-04:00

Recenly erected traffic signal in front of historically significant Neutra VDL House in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. No notification was ever sent to institutions, individuals and organizations in charge of the house which is open to public.

As architects we struggle to add public value in architecture so that our profession survives and makes us worthwhile, the people who are in charge of infrastructure, as in this case, the traffic engineers, don't see any value in something like the historic home of the modern architecture master Richard Neutra. Apparently outside of the property lines, the cultural value of an architectural space might as well be a traffic signal light on the smack dead center...

Please write to LADOT if this bothers you.

Neutra VDL now has an iPad app

2011-10-07T14:16:20-04:00

The Plasmatic Concepts / iPad app includes never seen before photography of the house along with photographs of famed architectural photographer Julius Shulman, courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Trust. An interactive timeline, rotating 3D models, plans and sections, are some of the features that make this beautifully designed 260 page app (130 pages, 2 orientations) a must have for anyone passionate about this fascinating period in architecture.

You also can test ride it here iTunes Preview.

Neutra VDL House is also the address for 'Archinect VDL Sessions', sponsored by Cal Poly, Pomona. First session with Ray Kappe on Friday 21st Oct. A live video conversation between the renowned architect and yours truly, featured in Archinect. Watch for details to come shortly.

Introducing Archinect Sessions at the Neutra VDL House!

2010-08-31T18:27:00-04:00

For those of you in Los Angeles on September 11, mark your calendars and RSVP now to get a seat. Archinect Sessions kicks off in Silver Lake's Neutra VDL House with Debate #1: The Future of Urbanism, featuring moderator Orhan Ayyuce, and guests Bryan Finoki (Subtopia) and Geoff Manaugh (BLDGBLOG.) Click here for the full details

Neutra VDL House Good News

2010-06-29T19:37:00-04:00

With the great efforts of resident director Sarah Lorenzen and the greater architectural community of Los Angeles, the leaky roofs of Richard Neutra's VDL House is being fixed. This is the first step to preserve this important house.
With the great efforts of resident director Sarah Lorenzen and the greater architectural community of Los Angeles, the leaky roofs of Richard Neutra's VDL House is being fixed. This is the first step to preserve this important house. start work | VDL House Website | Related Archinect Feature

More on the efforts to save Neutra VDL House

2008-04-20T22:33:00-04:00

IT has been a tough year for the Neutra VDL Research House II, the fabled glass box overlooking Silver Lake reservoir. Already in need of costly repairs, the house where Richard Neutra lived and worked was damaged further by winter storms that overwhelmed its flat roof, poured rain into the walls and flooded the floors. Then a steady $10,000-a-year revenue stream used to pay for basic expenses dried up. LAT | Archinect Feature

New Feature: Neutra's VDL House; v. Hard Times

2008-03-17T17:47:00-04:00

While Neutra's Palm Springs Kaufman house is expected to fetch up to $25 million, the architect's own personal residence in Silver Lake is falling apart. Archinect's Orhan Ayyüce takes us along for a brief tour of the house, and shares his concern for the well being of this important piece of modernism. Read