Architecture Fieldtrip - MAK Center for Art and Architecture, 3 Works by R.M. Schindler
The MAK Center is a unique constellation of modern buildings designed by architect R.M. Schindler. It presents contemporary exhibitions and programs in the landmark Schindler House (1922) in West Hollywood, operates the international MAK Artists and Architects-in-Residence Program and exhibition space at the Mackey Apartments (1939), and hosts research-based artistic and scholarly residencies at Fitzpatrick-Leland House (1936) in Los Angeles.
Below, a share of my visits to each site:
Schindler House, 1922. 833 N. Kings Road
I’ve visited solo and have also brought some of my favorite architecture people here. It’s fun to get their perspective on the house.
From Wikipedia: The Schindler House, also known as the Schindler Chace House or Kings Road House, is a house in West Hollywood, CA. It was designed by architect Rudolph M. Schindler. The house serves as headquarters to the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, which operate and program three Schindler sites, and is owned and conserved by the Friends of Schindler House.
The Schindler House was a departure from existing residential architecture because of what it did not have; there is no conventional living room, dining room or bedrooms in the house. The residence was meant to be a cooperative live/work space for two young families. The concrete walls and sliding canvas panels made novel use of industrial materials, while the open floor plan integrated the external environment into the residence, setting a precedent for California architecture in particular.
Mackey Apartments, 1939 1137 South Cochran Avenue
I visited in Sept. 2022, to view the artist-in-residence work and the apartments, too! I quite enjoyed the work by Robin Duran, one of the artists-in-residence at the time, including the little LA photo books he made.
From the MAK Center website:
Located on a flat lot in a residential neighborhood, the originally four-unit (since converted to five) apartment building is one of a series of residential projects built in the 1930s. Unlike international-style architects, Schindler seldom designed identical apartment units; his apartments are as complex, individual, and innovative as his houses. The Mackey possesses typical Schindler characteristics: compact apartment layout, exceptional incorporation of natural light, built-in furniture, variable ceiling heights, and private outdoor gardens or mini-balconies.
Fitzpatrick-Leland House, 1936. Mulholland Drive and Laurel Canyon
A visit was made up the hills in Laurel Canyon to the Fitzpatrick-Leland House in Sept. 2023. You pretty much want to arrive on the dot at the appointed reservation time as there is no street parking, only the spots available behind the house gate.
From the MAK Center website:
The dramatic L-shaped home was originally commissioned by developer Clifton Fitzpatrick as a speculative house, a real estate promotion to attract buyers to the new housing tracts on the hill. Following numerous changes of proprietors and various modifications Schindler’s architecture would scarcely be recognizable today, had it not been acquired by Russ Leland in 1990 who, working with architect/contractor Jeff Fink, restored the building and recovered much of its original design. Through his efforts, Leland successfully recaptured the spirit of Schindler’s vision. In 2007, he donated the building and property to the MAK Center, insuring its legacy as a historically significant work of architecture.