Richard Neutra

Richard Neutra (1892-1970) was an American architect of Austrian descent, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. Richard Neutra was instrumental in the rise of modernism in Southern California and around the world. His influence on post-war architecture is undeniable. California’s sunny climate and rich landscape is particularly suited to its cool, balanced and understated contemporary style. Neutra highly valued the relationship between humans and nature; its signature glass walls and ceilings, which turn into deep ledges, have the effect of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Neutra’s ability to combine technology, aesthetics, science and nature into his designs earned him recognition as one of the greatest talents of modernist architecture.

Main features:

1) Interest in the relationship between the environment of a person and their psychological health;

2) Combination of clear geometric proportions with lightness and airiness of designs;

3) Clear straight lines;

4) Raising the structure above the ground;

5) Full wall glazing;

6) Refusal to decorate;

7) Construction of houses for people who are not wealthy;

8) Subordination of architecture to the character and habits of the owner’s lifestyle.

Main structures:

1) Apartments Jardinette (1927);

2) Lovell House

3) Neutra Experimental House (1932)

4) Von Sternberg’s House (1935) San Fernando Valley, California;

5) Landfair Apartments, 1937, Westwood, Los Angeles;

6) Miller House (1937), Palm Springs, California;

7) School “Emerson Middle School”, 1938, Los Angeles;

8) Kaufmann House (1946), Palm Springs, California;

9) Staller House (1955), Westside, Los Angeles;

10) O’Hara House (1962), Silver Lake District, Los Angeles;

11) Perscher House (1965), Wuppertal, Germany;

12) Downtown Los Angeles (1961 – 1962, 13);

13) The Painted Desert Community Complex (1961 – 1965).