Long Island Modernism 19301980

About this book

Chronicles a rich and little-known array of architecture on the island a hotbed of modernism from the thirties on. An essential reference for architecture buffs historians and everyone who lives on or visits Long Island today this unique resourcethe first illustrated history of Long Islands modern architectureis based on a survey conducted for the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (SPLIA). It highlights the work within Suffolk and Nassau counties of a roster of twenty-five internationally renowned architectsamong them Wallace Harrison Frank Lloyd Wright Marcel Breuer Edward Durell Stone Richard Neutra William Lescaze Gordon Chadwick for George Nelson Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Philip Johnson Paul Rudolph and Richard Meier. Caroline Rob Zaleskis research on the work of key figures in twentieth-century architecture; the relatively unknown aspects of their production; and their associations with clients artists and politicians is complemented by more than three hundred striking archival photographs specially commissioned new photography and plans. Zaleski documents the development of exurbia and the rise of visionary structures: residences for commuters and weekenders public housing houses of worship universities shopping centers and office complexes. In this part architectural part social history she explains why modernism was embraced by Long Islands civic cultural and business leadersas well as by those who wanted to settle away from the cityduring an epoch when open space was prime for development. An inventory of important architects with their Long Island commissions by date and location complements the main text. 200 black-and-white illustrations 20 color illustrations