The
Case Study House
program (1945–1966) was a unique event in the history of American architecture. Sponsored by
Arts & Architecture
magazine, the program sought to respond to the postwar building boom with
prototype modern homes
that could be both easily replicated and readily affordable to the average American.
Concentrated on the Los Angeles area, the Case Study Houses included
36 model homes
commissioned from such major architects of the day as
Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Charles and Ray Eames, Pierre Koenig, Eero Saarinen, A. Quincy Jones,
and
Ralph Rapson
. Their criteria included “using, as far as is practicable, many war-born techniques and materials best suited to the expression of man’s life in the modern world.”
The results of the program would
redefine the modern home
and extend influence not only across the United States but around the world. This compact guide includes all of the Case Study Houses
with over 150 photos and plans
, as well as a map showing locations of all sites, including those that no longer exist.