archives
Level of archival description:
Fonds
Bernard Cache fonds
AP169
Synopsis:
Bernard Cache, fonds, 1991-2011, document the development and design process for the Objectile firm and its decorative panels and furniture. The records focus mostly on daily activities of the firm, the collaboration of principal Bernard Cache with TopSolid software, and his parallel academic work. The records consist solely of original born-digital material.
1992-2011
Bernard Cache fonds
Actions:
AP169
Synopsis:
Bernard Cache, fonds, 1991-2011, document the development and design process for the Objectile firm and its decorative panels and furniture. The records focus mostly on daily activities of the firm, the collaboration of principal Bernard Cache with TopSolid software, and his parallel academic work. The records consist solely of original born-digital material.
archives
Level of archival description:
Fonds
1992-2011
archives
Level of archival description:
Fonds
AP051
Synopsis:
The Groupe de recherche sur Montréal fonds, 1975-1997, documents the Groupe de recherche sur Montréal’s (GRM) extensive research on the development of pre and post-industrial Montreal’s built environment. In addition to this extensive collection of research materials, the fonds also includes administrative files relating to the GRM’s everyday administration and management. Materials found in this fonds consist of approximately 40 l.m. of textual documentation, approximately 2000 maps and 1 model.
1975-1997
Groupe de recherche sur Montréal fonds
Actions:
AP051
Synopsis:
The Groupe de recherche sur Montréal fonds, 1975-1997, documents the Groupe de recherche sur Montréal’s (GRM) extensive research on the development of pre and post-industrial Montreal’s built environment. In addition to this extensive collection of research materials, the fonds also includes administrative files relating to the GRM’s everyday administration and management. Materials found in this fonds consist of approximately 40 l.m. of textual documentation, approximately 2000 maps and 1 model.
archives
Level of archival description:
Fonds
1975-1997
Series
CIAM IV, CIRPAC and London
AP112.S1
Description:
The series contains seven bands of negatives, divided into groups of two and three negatives a band. The first five bands document the 4th Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) held on board the SS Patris II from 29 July to 13 August 1933, as it travelled between Marseilles, France, and Athens, Greece, and then returned. The conference, themed "The Functional City", presented and discussed the results of an analysis of more than thirty cities, and sought to establish new principles in urban planning. Sise participated at the conference as the Canadian delegate and presented the city of Los Angeles, California. The resolutions adopted at the conference were published for the first time in November under the title "Constatations du quatrième CIAM". These findings formed the base of the Charte d'Athenès written by Le Corbusier in 1941. The negatives show some of the participants of the conference including: Le Corbusier (1887-1965), from the French delegation; László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946), from the German delegation, who was in charge of filming the presentations; Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), representing Finland; and the painter Fernand Léger (1881-1955), also from the French delegatation, who presented on the importance of colour in architecture. The two other bands of negatives provide evidence of Sise's attendance at Comité International pour la Résolution des Problèmes d'Architecture Contemporaine (CIRPAC), held in May 1934 at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, England, to establish the program for the next CIAM (1). They also show his meeting in London with Georges Braque during the summer of the same year. (1) Eric Mumford states in "The CIAM Discourse on Urbanism, 1928-1960" that Le Corbusier did not participate at this conference (p. 92). _____________________ La série contient des bandes de négatifs, qui contiennent soit deux, soit trois images, et sont au nombre de sept. Les cinq premières bandes documentent le IVe Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) tenu à bord du SS Patris II du 29 juillet au 13 août 1933, entre Marseilles, France et Athènes, Grèce, à Athènes même, et sur le même bateau de croisière durant le retour à Marseilles. Le Congrès, qui se déroulait autour du thème de "The functional city", consistait en la communication des résultats de l'analyse de plus de trente villes et l'objectif visait à établir de nouveaux principes d'urbanisme. Hazen Sise participait au Congrès à titre de délégué du Canada et présenta la ville de Los Angeles, Californie. Les résolutions prises lors du Congrès ont été publiées pour la première fois au mois de novembre suivant sous le titre de "Constatations du quatrième CIAM". Ces "Constatations" seront ensuite à la base de la Charte d'Athènes que Le Corbusier rédigea en 1941. Les clichés montrent quelques-uns des participants au Congrès, dont Le Corbusier (1887-1965), de la délégation française, alors qu'il faisait une communication; László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946), de la délégation allemande, à qui on avait confié la tâche de filmer les exposés; Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), représentant la Finlande; et le peintre Fernand Léger (1881-1955), délégué de la France, qui présenta un discours à l'attention des architectes au sujet de l'importance de la couleur en architecture. Les deux autres bandes de négatifs témoignent de la présence de Sise au (Comité International pour la Résolution des Problèmes d'Architecture Contemporaine (CIRPAC) à Londres, Angleterre, tenu en mai 1934 au Royal Institute of British Architects pour établir le programme du prochain CIAM (1) et de sa rencontre à Londres avec Georges Braque durant l'été de la même année. (1) Eric Mumford affirme cependant dans "The CIAM Discourse on Urbanism, 1928-1960" que Le Corbusier n'a pas participé à ce congrès (p. 92).
1933-1934
CIAM IV, CIRPAC and London
Actions:
AP112.S1
Description:
The series contains seven bands of negatives, divided into groups of two and three negatives a band. The first five bands document the 4th Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) held on board the SS Patris II from 29 July to 13 August 1933, as it travelled between Marseilles, France, and Athens, Greece, and then returned. The conference, themed "The Functional City", presented and discussed the results of an analysis of more than thirty cities, and sought to establish new principles in urban planning. Sise participated at the conference as the Canadian delegate and presented the city of Los Angeles, California. The resolutions adopted at the conference were published for the first time in November under the title "Constatations du quatrième CIAM". These findings formed the base of the Charte d'Athenès written by Le Corbusier in 1941. The negatives show some of the participants of the conference including: Le Corbusier (1887-1965), from the French delegation; László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946), from the German delegation, who was in charge of filming the presentations; Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), representing Finland; and the painter Fernand Léger (1881-1955), also from the French delegatation, who presented on the importance of colour in architecture. The two other bands of negatives provide evidence of Sise's attendance at Comité International pour la Résolution des Problèmes d'Architecture Contemporaine (CIRPAC), held in May 1934 at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, England, to establish the program for the next CIAM (1). They also show his meeting in London with Georges Braque during the summer of the same year. (1) Eric Mumford states in "The CIAM Discourse on Urbanism, 1928-1960" that Le Corbusier did not participate at this conference (p. 92). _____________________ La série contient des bandes de négatifs, qui contiennent soit deux, soit trois images, et sont au nombre de sept. Les cinq premières bandes documentent le IVe Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) tenu à bord du SS Patris II du 29 juillet au 13 août 1933, entre Marseilles, France et Athènes, Grèce, à Athènes même, et sur le même bateau de croisière durant le retour à Marseilles. Le Congrès, qui se déroulait autour du thème de "The functional city", consistait en la communication des résultats de l'analyse de plus de trente villes et l'objectif visait à établir de nouveaux principes d'urbanisme. Hazen Sise participait au Congrès à titre de délégué du Canada et présenta la ville de Los Angeles, Californie. Les résolutions prises lors du Congrès ont été publiées pour la première fois au mois de novembre suivant sous le titre de "Constatations du quatrième CIAM". Ces "Constatations" seront ensuite à la base de la Charte d'Athènes que Le Corbusier rédigea en 1941. Les clichés montrent quelques-uns des participants au Congrès, dont Le Corbusier (1887-1965), de la délégation française, alors qu'il faisait une communication; László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946), de la délégation allemande, à qui on avait confié la tâche de filmer les exposés; Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), représentant la Finlande; et le peintre Fernand Léger (1881-1955), délégué de la France, qui présenta un discours à l'attention des architectes au sujet de l'importance de la couleur en architecture. Les deux autres bandes de négatifs témoignent de la présence de Sise au (Comité International pour la Résolution des Problèmes d'Architecture Contemporaine (CIRPAC) à Londres, Angleterre, tenu en mai 1934 au Royal Institute of British Architects pour établir le programme du prochain CIAM (1) et de sa rencontre à Londres avec Georges Braque durant l'été de la même année. (1) Eric Mumford affirme cependant dans "The CIAM Discourse on Urbanism, 1928-1960" que Le Corbusier n'a pas participé à ce congrès (p. 92).
Series
1933-1934
textual records
DR2001:0020
Description:
Documents include Business development General files: Alteka office building correspondences, Wexner correspondences, Centre of Berlin correspondences, memorandums, capital improvements bulletin from Ohio Department of Administrative services, Aleppo telephone conversation records, drawings, maps, plans, Purpose of the project bibliotheque de France, notes, World Architecture Triennial correspondences, qualification submission package for design of Museum of science and technology for Phoenix Arizona. Business development for Museum of Contemporary Art: documentations, correspondences, memo, notes, business contracts, telephone conversation records. Business development for San Diego Convention Centre competition: documentation and correspondences. Business development for Matrix: documentation, correspondences, plans, elevations. New Business Proposals rejected: the county of Mobile, Alabama in cooperation with the City of Mobile, documentation, correspondences, clippings. UC Riverside: photographs, draft-qualification statement science library, notes, telephone conversation records, fax transmittals, correspondences, documentation report, list of articles on Peter Eisenman in books, periodicals and catalogues. American Centre for Physics: statement of interest, correspondences, documentation, notes, faxes transmittals. Business Development General for Time-Pack Museum: fax communications. The Mandell Companies, Inc: report exhibits to the business plan, memo, correspondences, documentation, business plan, report of the Rick Mandell trip to Israel, clipping, curriculum vitea of Rick Mandell. Business Development for General Lake Superior Centre: statement of interest, correspondences, notes. Cleveland State University: capital improvements bulletin (Ohio department of administrative service) request for professional design services, telephone conversation records, documentation records, documentation program and Urban Design phase, clippings. Charlestown Navy Yard: notes, clippings, telephone conversation records, competition fees, professional cards, fax transmittals, project program, Harbor Park District Zoning amendment. Case Western Reserve University macromolecular science facility: proposal of phase one, memorandum 1990, chemistry note DRCON1999:0015:087:004. Koc University: statement of interest, meeting minutes, memo, correspondences, documentation, map of Istanbul, fax transmittals. The JBSpeed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky: promotion material folder, correspondences, meeting minutes, notes. The Environmental design building, University of California: proposal for detailed project program, maps, fax transmittals, notes, and documentations. Aerospace Centre Washington DC: Album with photographs, drawings and plans.
Correspondence and other administrative records for various projects
Actions:
DR2001:0020
Description:
Documents include Business development General files: Alteka office building correspondences, Wexner correspondences, Centre of Berlin correspondences, memorandums, capital improvements bulletin from Ohio Department of Administrative services, Aleppo telephone conversation records, drawings, maps, plans, Purpose of the project bibliotheque de France, notes, World Architecture Triennial correspondences, qualification submission package for design of Museum of science and technology for Phoenix Arizona. Business development for Museum of Contemporary Art: documentations, correspondences, memo, notes, business contracts, telephone conversation records. Business development for San Diego Convention Centre competition: documentation and correspondences. Business development for Matrix: documentation, correspondences, plans, elevations. New Business Proposals rejected: the county of Mobile, Alabama in cooperation with the City of Mobile, documentation, correspondences, clippings. UC Riverside: photographs, draft-qualification statement science library, notes, telephone conversation records, fax transmittals, correspondences, documentation report, list of articles on Peter Eisenman in books, periodicals and catalogues. American Centre for Physics: statement of interest, correspondences, documentation, notes, faxes transmittals. Business Development General for Time-Pack Museum: fax communications. The Mandell Companies, Inc: report exhibits to the business plan, memo, correspondences, documentation, business plan, report of the Rick Mandell trip to Israel, clipping, curriculum vitea of Rick Mandell. Business Development for General Lake Superior Centre: statement of interest, correspondences, notes. Cleveland State University: capital improvements bulletin (Ohio department of administrative service) request for professional design services, telephone conversation records, documentation records, documentation program and Urban Design phase, clippings. Charlestown Navy Yard: notes, clippings, telephone conversation records, competition fees, professional cards, fax transmittals, project program, Harbor Park District Zoning amendment. Case Western Reserve University macromolecular science facility: proposal of phase one, memorandum 1990, chemistry note DRCON1999:0015:087:004. Koc University: statement of interest, meeting minutes, memo, correspondences, documentation, map of Istanbul, fax transmittals. The JBSpeed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky: promotion material folder, correspondences, meeting minutes, notes. The Environmental design building, University of California: proposal for detailed project program, maps, fax transmittals, notes, and documentations. Aerospace Centre Washington DC: Album with photographs, drawings and plans.
textual records
Sub-series
Domestic Commissions
CI001.S1.D2
Description:
Hubert and Charles Rohault de Fleury received domestic commissions for both urban housing -hôtel particuliers and apartment houses- and rural dwellings -châteaux, country houses and estates. Hubert also executed designs for furniture and garden pavilions. Hubert' work is characterized by restrained classical exteriors and luxurious Empire style interiors; both Charles' exteriors and interiors, especially those for Hôtels Sauvage and Soltykoff, reflect the exuberance of the Second Empire. The CCA albums include drawings from all stages of the design process but with an emphasis on design development drawings. Hubert's albums contain cost calculations and estimates, notes and letters. In general, the drawings by Charles are from a more developed phase of design than Hubert's; Hubert's commissions are more varied than Charles'. The austere classicism of Hubert's domestic work reflects the prevailing taste of the day and reveals the strong influence of his teacher, Jean Nicholas Louis Durand. The compostional effect of the houses' façades relies on the shape and rhythm of the fenestration and the geometric division by string courses and occasionally, pilasters. Columns are used infrequently as is decorative stonework. The plans are symmetrical and modular. This approach to design is especially evident in the series of proposals for a country house for comte Treilhard (DR1974:0002:034:001-082) and in a group of unidentified designs for houses (DR1974:0002:035:001-034), all of which illustrate an emphasis on plan in the design process and a distinct approach to the composition of the elevations, both derived from Durand. Hubert's domestic work was also influenced by Palladio (see especially DR1974:0002:038:001-029). The interiors and furniture designed by Hubert are typical of the Empire style (1). The drawings in the CCA collection illustrate the materials, palette and ornamental motifs of the period. The garden structures in Hubert's albums are more fanciful than his houses and are either Rustic, Chinoiserie or classical in style (2). His garden designs follow the contemporary French trend for "jardins anglais" with winding paths and naturalistic placement of the vegetation, sometimes in combination with more formal French gardens (3). One of the most comprehensively documented domestic project by Hubert is the Rohault de Fleury House (12-14 rue d'Aguesseau; 1824). The CCA collection contains an interesting series of preliminary drawings for alternate proposals for this house, a number of highly finished wash drawings (including the interior decorative scheme) for the final scheme (DR1974:0002:011:001-08) and several earlier (ca. 1806) proposals (DR1974:0002:035:001-034). The Domaine de la Vallée album (DR1974:0002:025:001-059) is notable for the range of subject matter included as well as for the insights into the character of a working country estate in the nineteenth century. The proposed modifications encompassed both functional (a bridge, a levee, granaries and stables) and aesthetic improvements, such as ornamental garden temples. The renovation of the house also exhibits both functional and aesthetic improvements. (1) Examples of Hubert's interiors and furniture can be found in albums, DR1974:0002:007:001-068, DR1974:0002:011:001-089, DR1974:0002:025:001-059, DR1974:0002:030:001-065 and DR1974:0002:035:001-034. (2) The best examples of his pavilions are found in album, DR1974:0002:038:001-029 with other examples in albums, DR1974:0002:025:001-059, DR1974:0002:030:001-065 and DR1974:0002:035:001-034. (3) Examples are found in albums, DR1974:0002:035:001-034 and DR1974:0002 :025:001-059. Also of note are drawings, DR1974:0002:007:007 and DR1974:0002:007:068.
1802-[1840]
Domestic Commissions
CI001.S1.D2
Description:
Hubert and Charles Rohault de Fleury received domestic commissions for both urban housing -hôtel particuliers and apartment houses- and rural dwellings -châteaux, country houses and estates. Hubert also executed designs for furniture and garden pavilions. Hubert' work is characterized by restrained classical exteriors and luxurious Empire style interiors; both Charles' exteriors and interiors, especially those for Hôtels Sauvage and Soltykoff, reflect the exuberance of the Second Empire. The CCA albums include drawings from all stages of the design process but with an emphasis on design development drawings. Hubert's albums contain cost calculations and estimates, notes and letters. In general, the drawings by Charles are from a more developed phase of design than Hubert's; Hubert's commissions are more varied than Charles'. The austere classicism of Hubert's domestic work reflects the prevailing taste of the day and reveals the strong influence of his teacher, Jean Nicholas Louis Durand. The compostional effect of the houses' façades relies on the shape and rhythm of the fenestration and the geometric division by string courses and occasionally, pilasters. Columns are used infrequently as is decorative stonework. The plans are symmetrical and modular. This approach to design is especially evident in the series of proposals for a country house for comte Treilhard (DR1974:0002:034:001-082) and in a group of unidentified designs for houses (DR1974:0002:035:001-034), all of which illustrate an emphasis on plan in the design process and a distinct approach to the composition of the elevations, both derived from Durand. Hubert's domestic work was also influenced by Palladio (see especially DR1974:0002:038:001-029). The interiors and furniture designed by Hubert are typical of the Empire style (1). The drawings in the CCA collection illustrate the materials, palette and ornamental motifs of the period. The garden structures in Hubert's albums are more fanciful than his houses and are either Rustic, Chinoiserie or classical in style (2). His garden designs follow the contemporary French trend for "jardins anglais" with winding paths and naturalistic placement of the vegetation, sometimes in combination with more formal French gardens (3). One of the most comprehensively documented domestic project by Hubert is the Rohault de Fleury House (12-14 rue d'Aguesseau; 1824). The CCA collection contains an interesting series of preliminary drawings for alternate proposals for this house, a number of highly finished wash drawings (including the interior decorative scheme) for the final scheme (DR1974:0002:011:001-08) and several earlier (ca. 1806) proposals (DR1974:0002:035:001-034). The Domaine de la Vallée album (DR1974:0002:025:001-059) is notable for the range of subject matter included as well as for the insights into the character of a working country estate in the nineteenth century. The proposed modifications encompassed both functional (a bridge, a levee, granaries and stables) and aesthetic improvements, such as ornamental garden temples. The renovation of the house also exhibits both functional and aesthetic improvements. (1) Examples of Hubert's interiors and furniture can be found in albums, DR1974:0002:007:001-068, DR1974:0002:011:001-089, DR1974:0002:025:001-059, DR1974:0002:030:001-065 and DR1974:0002:035:001-034. (2) The best examples of his pavilions are found in album, DR1974:0002:038:001-029 with other examples in albums, DR1974:0002:025:001-059, DR1974:0002:030:001-065 and DR1974:0002:035:001-034. (3) Examples are found in albums, DR1974:0002:035:001-034 and DR1974:0002 :025:001-059. Also of note are drawings, DR1974:0002:007:007 and DR1974:0002:007:068.
File 2
1802-[1840]
archives
Level of archival description:
Collection
CD034
Synopsis:
The SAAL Process exhibition collection consists of reproductions of several objects used in the exhibition “The SAAL Process, Housing in Portugal 1974–76.” It was created by the Museu Serralves and travelled to the Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA) in 2015. The collection contains reproductions of drawings, presentation panels and photographs dating from 1974 to 1979. Born out of the Portuguese Revolution of 25 April 1974, the Serviço Ambulatório de Apoio Local (Local Ambulatory Support Service) was a pioneering architectural and political experiment designed to address extreme housing shortages and poor living conditions in Portuguese cities.
1974-1979
The SAAL Process exhibition collection
Actions:
CD034
Synopsis:
The SAAL Process exhibition collection consists of reproductions of several objects used in the exhibition “The SAAL Process, Housing in Portugal 1974–76.” It was created by the Museu Serralves and travelled to the Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA) in 2015. The collection contains reproductions of drawings, presentation panels and photographs dating from 1974 to 1979. Born out of the Portuguese Revolution of 25 April 1974, the Serviço Ambulatório de Apoio Local (Local Ambulatory Support Service) was a pioneering architectural and political experiment designed to address extreme housing shortages and poor living conditions in Portuguese cities.
archives
Level of archival description:
collection
1974-1979
The New Spirit: Modern Architecture in Vancouver, 1938–1963 looks at key buildings and projects from an exhilarating epoch in Vancouver’s history through design drawings, period photographs, furniture, and decoration. In the years following the Second World War, Vancouver emerged as a city with a particularly vital and progressive architectural culture, adapting the(...)
Main galleries
5 March 1997 to 25 May 1997
The New Spirit: Modern Architecture in Vancouver, 1938-1963
Actions:
Description:
The New Spirit: Modern Architecture in Vancouver, 1938–1963 looks at key buildings and projects from an exhilarating epoch in Vancouver’s history through design drawings, period photographs, furniture, and decoration. In the years following the Second World War, Vancouver emerged as a city with a particularly vital and progressive architectural culture, adapting the(...)
Main galleries
Series
Architectural projects
AP178.S1
Description:
Series AP178.S1 is the largest series of the Álvaro Siza fonds and documents over 200 of Siza’s built and unbuilt architectural projects. The series is divided into project series which are arranged chronologically by project year. Presently, materials in this series range from 1958-2012. The CCA will also receive materials documenting Siza’s more recent work in future additions. Documenting the projects are conceptual, design, presentation, and working drawings, as well as photographic materials, textual documentation, and models. Although the drawings for each project have been identified, Siza often sketches or doodles on textual documentation, such as minutes of meetings or notes. When possible, folders that include textual documents with sketches or doodles have been identified. Amounts and types of materials vary from project to project. Project documentation is usually in Portuguese, with some exceptions including French, English, German, and Dutch. Most project series include sketches, studies, and working drawings. Other drawings included are site plans, floor plans, topographic surveys, elevations, sections, as well as technical and mechanical details. Also documenting the projects are photographic materials and textual documentation, such as correspondence, building programs, contracts, notes, and other working details. Photographic materials found within this archive are slides, negatives, photomontages and photographs of project sites and models.The photomontages were often used to study the function of the project site. To fully understand Siza’s methodology, sketchbooks (Series AP178.S2) should be viewed alongside the project drawings, when possible. Each project series description highlights sketchbooks in series AP178.S2 which contain related sketches. It is important to note that not all projects are represented in the sketchbooks in Series AP178.S2. Moreover, project series descriptions only list related sketchbooks when sketches have been positively identified as related to the corresponding project. The Siza fonds will be processed in four phases. The materials processed in the first, second, and third phases are architectural projects from the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s; urban planning projects; Reconstrução do Chiado; Berlin projects submitted to the IBA competition; cultural institutions; individual houses; and the Plano de urbanização Deelgebied 5 Schilderswijk-West in The Hague. Among The Hague and the Berlin projects are the Punt en Komma social housing, Bonjour Tristesse, and the Residential settlement in Schilderswijk. This series is better understood in the context of how the records for architectural projects were arranged by Siza’s office. Earlier projects were initially numbered by Siza’s office and then received new project numbers by the office archivist, who joined the office in the 1990s. Project files have been kept in the order in which they were received by the CCA, which is how they were arranged by the office archivist. The project numbers and dates assigned by Siza’s office archivist are included in the descriptions for each project and form the basis for the arrangement of this series. The office archivist numbered projects consecutively by decade, for instance, 58/80 was the 58th project during the 1980s. Numbers which were included in square brackets, ex. [14]/75, show that the project was not a ‘full’ project and contains a small amount of documentation. When projects are followed by a letter (A, B, C) this signifies a project is connected to the first. When the project number is followed by a number (1, 2, 3) this signifies a separate building within a larger project. For the purposes of arrangement, project numbers that were assigned a letter or number are arranged as sub-series of the related project series. Exceptions to this numbering convention are projects 23/60, 25/60, 28/60, 33/60, 34/60 and 35/60. These projects were not in the office’s original project list and were not officially considered projects. The office archivist assembled documentation related to these projects and assigned them numbers. In the early 2000s a large number of photographic materials were gathered together by the office archivist from various correspondence files for a digitization project initiated by the office. These materials remained housed together as a photograph collection in the office. Not all of these materials were digitized by the office. Those that were digitized were assigned numbers which have been identified in the file descriptions. It is important to note that several photographic materials were left with the textual documentation or drawings. When this is the case they are identified in the file description. There are also several panoramic photomontages which were created by either gluing or taping several photographs together to make panoramas of project sites.
1948-2012
Architectural projects
Actions:
AP178.S1
Description:
Series AP178.S1 is the largest series of the Álvaro Siza fonds and documents over 200 of Siza’s built and unbuilt architectural projects. The series is divided into project series which are arranged chronologically by project year. Presently, materials in this series range from 1958-2012. The CCA will also receive materials documenting Siza’s more recent work in future additions. Documenting the projects are conceptual, design, presentation, and working drawings, as well as photographic materials, textual documentation, and models. Although the drawings for each project have been identified, Siza often sketches or doodles on textual documentation, such as minutes of meetings or notes. When possible, folders that include textual documents with sketches or doodles have been identified. Amounts and types of materials vary from project to project. Project documentation is usually in Portuguese, with some exceptions including French, English, German, and Dutch. Most project series include sketches, studies, and working drawings. Other drawings included are site plans, floor plans, topographic surveys, elevations, sections, as well as technical and mechanical details. Also documenting the projects are photographic materials and textual documentation, such as correspondence, building programs, contracts, notes, and other working details. Photographic materials found within this archive are slides, negatives, photomontages and photographs of project sites and models.The photomontages were often used to study the function of the project site. To fully understand Siza’s methodology, sketchbooks (Series AP178.S2) should be viewed alongside the project drawings, when possible. Each project series description highlights sketchbooks in series AP178.S2 which contain related sketches. It is important to note that not all projects are represented in the sketchbooks in Series AP178.S2. Moreover, project series descriptions only list related sketchbooks when sketches have been positively identified as related to the corresponding project. The Siza fonds will be processed in four phases. The materials processed in the first, second, and third phases are architectural projects from the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s; urban planning projects; Reconstrução do Chiado; Berlin projects submitted to the IBA competition; cultural institutions; individual houses; and the Plano de urbanização Deelgebied 5 Schilderswijk-West in The Hague. Among The Hague and the Berlin projects are the Punt en Komma social housing, Bonjour Tristesse, and the Residential settlement in Schilderswijk. This series is better understood in the context of how the records for architectural projects were arranged by Siza’s office. Earlier projects were initially numbered by Siza’s office and then received new project numbers by the office archivist, who joined the office in the 1990s. Project files have been kept in the order in which they were received by the CCA, which is how they were arranged by the office archivist. The project numbers and dates assigned by Siza’s office archivist are included in the descriptions for each project and form the basis for the arrangement of this series. The office archivist numbered projects consecutively by decade, for instance, 58/80 was the 58th project during the 1980s. Numbers which were included in square brackets, ex. [14]/75, show that the project was not a ‘full’ project and contains a small amount of documentation. When projects are followed by a letter (A, B, C) this signifies a project is connected to the first. When the project number is followed by a number (1, 2, 3) this signifies a separate building within a larger project. For the purposes of arrangement, project numbers that were assigned a letter or number are arranged as sub-series of the related project series. Exceptions to this numbering convention are projects 23/60, 25/60, 28/60, 33/60, 34/60 and 35/60. These projects were not in the office’s original project list and were not officially considered projects. The office archivist assembled documentation related to these projects and assigned them numbers. In the early 2000s a large number of photographic materials were gathered together by the office archivist from various correspondence files for a digitization project initiated by the office. These materials remained housed together as a photograph collection in the office. Not all of these materials were digitized by the office. Those that were digitized were assigned numbers which have been identified in the file descriptions. It is important to note that several photographic materials were left with the textual documentation or drawings. When this is the case they are identified in the file description. There are also several panoramic photomontages which were created by either gluing or taping several photographs together to make panoramas of project sites.
Series
1948-2012
textual records
AP206.S2.005
Description:
File was originally housed in a binder along with content arranged in AP206.S2.002, AP206.S2.003 and AP206.S2.004. This file contains the following papers: "Future Urbanisation and Human Habitations" “A Lesson from Simla” "Tagore Theatre" “Planning of Office Buildings,” in Indian Construction News, January 1959 "Urbanism and Slum Clearance for Calcutta," 1961 "Primary Schools for North India," final paper at London Polytechnic, 1949
1949-1974
Published and unpublished papers (folder 4 of 4)
Actions:
AP206.S2.005
Description:
File was originally housed in a binder along with content arranged in AP206.S2.002, AP206.S2.003 and AP206.S2.004. This file contains the following papers: "Future Urbanisation and Human Habitations" “A Lesson from Simla” "Tagore Theatre" “Planning of Office Buildings,” in Indian Construction News, January 1959 "Urbanism and Slum Clearance for Calcutta," 1961 "Primary Schools for North India," final paper at London Polytechnic, 1949
textual records
1949-1974
Project
AP148.S1.1970.PR02
Description:
The project series documents Poli's work on the Interplanetary Architecture project, which was also made into a film by Superstudio directed by Alessandro Poli (the film is not included in the fonds). The project reflects Poli's deep fascination with the moon landing in 1969. Poli uses this major media event as a catalyst for thinking about a new approach to architecture and tools for design, including the idea that film and the movie camera should become part of the toolset. The project also seems to be in some way a response to Epoch magazine's challenge for a "Primo concorso di architettura nello spazio" (the first architectural competition in space), and includes much imagery and textual references to a new road or architectural links between the earth and other planets, including an earth moon highway. In his storyboard, Poli also makes reference to his earlier Piper project, and some imagery features wheels and an amusement park. The Interplanetary Architecture project was exhibited by Superstudio in Rome in 1972 and featured in "Casabella" magazine in April 1972 (no. 364). The project was also featured in the 2010 CCA exhibition "Other Space Odysseys". In the accompanying CCA publication, Poli describes this project as "a voyage off earthbound routes in quest of architecture unfettered by the urban nightmare, by induced needs or by planning as the only tool for regulating and solving the world's problems" (Poli quoted in Borasi and Zardini, 2010, 110). Poli's work on this project is deeply tied to the Zeno project, which was also featured in this exhibition and is included in this fonds (see AP148.S1.1972.PR01). For the Zeno project, Poli envisioned a dialogue between astronaut Buzz Aldrin and an Italian peasant, Zeno of Riparbella. Poli felt that these two shared a similarity in that both their homes were isolated capsules, one that provided a lens from which to see the rest of the world and understand their place in it. The material in the series includes numerous photomontages and collages of astronauts in space, as well as drawings of plantery shapes and structures. There are also texts, some of which include calculations of distances and diameters of planets, as well as notebooks and sketchbooks, many of which Poli included in a folder he entitled "Storyboard." The series also includes an unsent letter from Poli to Adolfo Natalini which describes how, after the moon landing, everything - the planet, the moon, the stars - is architecture, and that this will necessitate the need for new design tools, such as the movie camera. Some works are signed Alessandro Poli-Superstudio. Source cited: Giovanna Borasi and Mirko Zardini, eds., Other Space Odysseys, Montreal and Baden: Canadian Centre for Architecture/Lars Müller Publishers, 2010.
1969-1971
Architettura Interplanetaria [Interplanetary Architecture] (1970-1971)
Actions:
AP148.S1.1970.PR02
Description:
The project series documents Poli's work on the Interplanetary Architecture project, which was also made into a film by Superstudio directed by Alessandro Poli (the film is not included in the fonds). The project reflects Poli's deep fascination with the moon landing in 1969. Poli uses this major media event as a catalyst for thinking about a new approach to architecture and tools for design, including the idea that film and the movie camera should become part of the toolset. The project also seems to be in some way a response to Epoch magazine's challenge for a "Primo concorso di architettura nello spazio" (the first architectural competition in space), and includes much imagery and textual references to a new road or architectural links between the earth and other planets, including an earth moon highway. In his storyboard, Poli also makes reference to his earlier Piper project, and some imagery features wheels and an amusement park. The Interplanetary Architecture project was exhibited by Superstudio in Rome in 1972 and featured in "Casabella" magazine in April 1972 (no. 364). The project was also featured in the 2010 CCA exhibition "Other Space Odysseys". In the accompanying CCA publication, Poli describes this project as "a voyage off earthbound routes in quest of architecture unfettered by the urban nightmare, by induced needs or by planning as the only tool for regulating and solving the world's problems" (Poli quoted in Borasi and Zardini, 2010, 110). Poli's work on this project is deeply tied to the Zeno project, which was also featured in this exhibition and is included in this fonds (see AP148.S1.1972.PR01). For the Zeno project, Poli envisioned a dialogue between astronaut Buzz Aldrin and an Italian peasant, Zeno of Riparbella. Poli felt that these two shared a similarity in that both their homes were isolated capsules, one that provided a lens from which to see the rest of the world and understand their place in it. The material in the series includes numerous photomontages and collages of astronauts in space, as well as drawings of plantery shapes and structures. There are also texts, some of which include calculations of distances and diameters of planets, as well as notebooks and sketchbooks, many of which Poli included in a folder he entitled "Storyboard." The series also includes an unsent letter from Poli to Adolfo Natalini which describes how, after the moon landing, everything - the planet, the moon, the stars - is architecture, and that this will necessitate the need for new design tools, such as the movie camera. Some works are signed Alessandro Poli-Superstudio. Source cited: Giovanna Borasi and Mirko Zardini, eds., Other Space Odysseys, Montreal and Baden: Canadian Centre for Architecture/Lars Müller Publishers, 2010.
Project
1969-1971