A Rare Gem: Pierre Koenig (1966)

Pierre Koenig, famed architect who created such architectural gems as the Stahl House (Case Study House #22), has many masterpieces scattered throughout Southern California. Among them is this beauty in Rancho Palos Verdes, located near the Pacific Coast just south of the city of Los Angeles. Built in 1966, the four bedroom, 2.5 bath home recently sold. Let's hope the new owners keep the architecture in tact, including the beautiful walnut paneling, built-ins, and terrazo floors!

All images courtesy of SoCal Modern

Visual Acoustics

Everyone has a unique answer to that infamous question about who you would invite, dead or alive, to your dream dinner party.  I confess that I am a total design nerd (shocking, right?) and my guest list includes mostly mid-20th century architects and designers.  One of the exceptions is a photographer, Julius Shulman.  He never designed a building or interior, but he did capture wonderful photographs of those that did.  From Frank Lloyd Wright to Frank Gehry, Shulman's images introduced the world to the iconic buildings that defined the modernist movement in Southern California. 

Even if you don't recognize his name, you may recognize this image used for the movie poster for Eric Bricker's new documentary film, Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman.  It's Pierre Koenig's Stahl House and is just one of the many, many photographs Julius gifted to the world.

I've been so anxious to see this film, which chronicles Shulman's life and career and is narrated by Dustin Hoffman, and I will get my chance tonight at the OC Museum of Art.  Want to see it, but can't make it tonight?  No worries.  The theatrical opening will be in Los Angeles at the Nuart Theatre on October 16th.  For a full list of screenings in the U.S. (next up SF, NYC, and Pittsburgh) and around the globe, check out the film's website.