Description
Book SynopsisBased on the recent discovery of his fully-preserved private archivemodels, photos, letters, business files, and drawingsthis book tells the story of Theodore Conrad (1910-1994), the most prominent and prolific architectural model-maker of the 20th century. Conrad's innovative models were instrumental in the design and realization of many icons of American Modernismfrom the Rockefeller Center to Lever House and the Seagram Building. He revolutionized the production of architectural models and became a model-making entrepreneur in his own right. Yet, despite his success and the well-known buildings he helped to create, until now little has been known about Conrad's work and his impact on 20th century architectural history. With exclusive access to Conrad's archive, as well as that of model photographer Louis Checkmanboth of which have lain undiscovered in private storage for decadesthis book examines Conrad's work and legacy, accompanied by case studies of his major commissions an
Trade Review[
The Architectural Models of Theodore Conrad] accentuate[s] the importance of model makers in the process of making a architecture ... and is recommended for people interested in the practice of architecture in the middle of last century. * A Daily Dose of Architecture Books *
Taking the "miniature boom" and the life’s work of the model maker Theodore Conrad as a cue, this book lucidly illuminates how the ascent of the architectural model to the dominant representational media went hand in hand with the establishment of the International Style as the new lingua franca at mid-century. Teresa Fankhänel makes a compelling argument for how fundamentally material and technological innovation on the scale of the miniature would shape the image of New York City the in the postwar period. * Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art, New York *
Fankhänel pulls back the curtain in the theater of American modernist architecture to reveal the behind the scenes contributions of the star performer of a novel career path: the professional model maker. Theodore Conrad not only made models he helped make careers with miniatures that could win over clients, dazzle exhibition goers, and sit for camera portraits that would travel the world in newspaper and magazine illustrations. A glimpse behind the scenes offers a whole new vantage point on the culture of mid-20th century architecture at nearly every scale. * Barry Bergdoll, Meyer Schapiro Professor of Art History, Columbia University *
This seminal study presents so much more than a man and his models. It captures a unique system of design methods, which produced a strong argument for the use of models based on the re-invention of their tactile and photogenic qualities. Theodore Conrad was a midwife for the architect’s ideas, not merely a craftsman. Teresa Fankhänel unlocked his Wunderkammer in a Jersey City basement. Its discovery and preservation for future research alone is a momentous accomplishment. * Oliver Elser, Curator, Deutsches Architekturmuseum *
A rare look at model-makers and their photographers who translated signature elements of modern design into models and became an integral and powerful part of the architect’s arsenal to win clients and gain exposure through publications and exhibitions. Engaging, well-illustrated, a must-read for architecture fans. * Janet Parks, retired, Curator of Drawings and Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations
Introduction The Dean of Models Objects in their Own Right The Postwar Modeling Boom Editing out
1. Architectural Model Making as a Profession From Ghostwriters to Co-Authors A New Generation of Model Makers The Introduction of Large-Scale Modeling Operations Model Makers for the War Effort Industrialization and the Division of Labor Competition, Collaboration, and Co-Authors Model Making and the Architect
2. Modeling Materials Model and Building Material Diversity in the 1920s Imitating Modern Architecture The Postwar Modeling Boom From Miniature Buildings to the Idea as Model
3. Model Drawings The Three-Dimensional Shift Translations and Gaps Drawing Models
4. Model Photography Realism Camera and Model Models, Photos, and Drawings Faking versus Honesty Photo Models The Magazine Era Model Photos in Architectural Practices
5. Model Displays Selling an Idea The Modeling Craze Architectural Exhibitions Interactive Displays List of References Index
