The Plan

We have compiled a good amount of research on the history surrounding the Schindler house: it's context within the larger architectural story of modernism as well as of L.A's development.

We have also looked into the narrative that more directly surrounds the house itself, that being the biography of Schindler himself as well as the considerable influence that Frank Lloyd Wright had on his work. We have also compiled notes on the history of the house in terms of it's occupancy and historical status.

Of course, we have also compiled notes on the house's design, construction and architectural story.

From here, we plan on creating a presentation that situates the Schindler house in it's multiple histories and taking a look at how they come together within the house's design and construction.

First we take a step into the largest story: of Western & European architecture of the late 19th century and early 20th century, then moving into the urban history of Los Angeles' development during the 1920s. An overview of these two histories leads naturally towards Schindler's own biography: his study of the tilt up slab work of Irving Gill, vacationing in Yosemite, the teachings of Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos, as well as work under Frank Lloyd Wright.

Schindler's history clearly influences the design of his Schindler house, and it offers the perfect segway into a discussion the design of the house itself - in Plan, Section and Diagram. Why does the house work, what is the program, and how was it built? Design consumes a large part of the discussion of the house, and also connects to its place in the larger context of modern architecture.

In conclusion we will discuss how the house connects to all three of it's narratives: of Architecture as a whole, L.A's development, and Schindler's own history. In summing up these connections, we move to conclude with the history of the house's occupancy and status as a historical place.

As far as execution is concerned, we are brainstorming ways to display histories graphically. For example, a map of America with circles of modern architecture colour coded into a timeline (1890-1950). This style diagram (time & space) will constitute the histories, as well as photo references to specific styles i.e. Frank Lloyd Wright, Loos ect... to contrast against Schindler's own style. Of course Plan, Sections and Elevations will be drafted along with diagrams of circulation, materiality & construction - made concise and elegantly either by hand or with vector software.

We will focus heavily on conveying information spatially and visually in a cohesive manner with a low amount of ornament. How can we correlate types of information that aren't always explained graphically? Some ideas:

-   Display the Schindler House's influence on the erection of modern homes throughout North America over time.

-   Compare differences between the program of a standard 1920's era home against that of the Schindler House.

-   Exhibit the historical development through a timeline showing pre-construction West Hollywood through to today, when the Schindler House has become a museum.

-   Compare tent lifestyle in Yosemite park to Schindler House & specifically sleeping baskets.

Jake Read & Fysal Amirizada

November 10th, 2011