KOENIG

There are few images of 20th century architecture more iconic than thenighttime view of Case Study House #22 set on its eagle's-nest site highabove the lights of Los Angeles. With his two innovative houses for thefamous project of the Arts and Architecture magazine, American architectPierre Koenig (1925-2004) became one of the leading figures of the Modernmovement in America. While still a student of architecture, he designedand built his first exposed steel house in 1950, proving that the use ofprefabricated materials could allow for spatial freedom in affordablehouses. Koenig's houses, like the Johnson House (1962) or the ObermanHouse (1962), are a direct response to Southern California's extremelywarm and dry climate. His work is deeply marked by his commitment toenvironmentally and socially responsible design. His houses have thusbecome characteristic of the spirit of a whole generation: they perfectlycapture the excitement and optimism of the American postwar society.