Materialized Space

Materialized Space offers a reassessment of the career of architect Paul Rudolph, from his modernist Sarasota houses to his controversial Brutalist buildings and later international projects. The book features unpublished drawings, models, and furniture.

Architect Paul Rudolph (1918–1997) was renowned for his iconic modern houses and exemplary Brutalist buildings in exposed concrete. His popularity peaked during the 1950s and 1960s, when he served as the chair of Yale University's Department of Architecture. However, his work fell from favour with the advent of postmodernism in the 1970s. This compact volume provides an introduction to and long-overdue reassessment of the architect's trailblazing career, including his modernist Florida houses, public and institutional buildings, unrealised mega-structures, experimental interiors, and later mixed-use developments in Asia.

Abraham Thomas examines how Rudolph explored concepts such as functionalism, urbanism, and modular construction across decades and continents. Richly illustrated with photographs of the structures and Rudolph's own drawings, as well as models, furniture, and period press clippings, this book sheds light on the architect's process. It also addresses themes as important in his time as in ours, such as civic design, housing development, and experimental materials and methods.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

(September 30, 2024–March 16, 2025)