Los Angeles architect Pierre Koenig is famously known for his work in modernist architecture, specifically with his steel and glass houses. One must remember that when a well-renowned architect dies, their designed building becomes priceless evidence of their genius.
For Los Angeles architect Pierre Koenig, the Stahl House, also known as Case Study House #22, was his sheer genius. The story goes that Buck Stahl, the owner of the parcel, had started to excavate and fancied himself the architect and contractor of this lavish project. But in 1957, Buck hired Koenig as the architect to bring this project to fruition.
Arts & Architecture Magazine, the sponsor of the case study program, introduced modernist principles to residential architecture, thus giving the residence the style and aesthetics showing lifestyles of the modern era. The Stahl House, or Case Study #22, is the epitome of the wow factor even today, more than 60 years later.
Completed in 1960, the Stahl House, like many other iconic buildings, went on to have a life of its own. In 2013, the National Register of Historic Places added the Stahl House to its list. Check out the family’s website dedicated to their love of the iconic house and effort to save Stahl House from possible ruin.
This Los Angeles architect always gave credit where credit was due. He said much of his inspiration came from other architects, such as Mies van der Rohe, Rudolph Schindler, and Richard Neutra. He designed homes and worked on many large commercial projects, including the Copley Square Hotel in Boston and the National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Koenig was also a professor of architecture at the University of Southern California for over 20 years and received many prestigious awards, including the American Institute of Architects Award of Merit and the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Preservation Award.
Mr. Koenig died in Los Angeles, California on April 4th, 2004. He was 78 years old and left us a remarkable legacy.
Photo Credit: Angeleno Living
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