Barbara Lamprecht Bücher

Die Verkörperung eines kalifornischen Modernen.

The quintessential California Modernist "The continual refinement of human knowledge of the body and soul came to be one and the same thing for me, and the architecture of human living space its most necessary application and valuation." - Richard Neutra Born and raised in Vienna, Richard Neutra (1872-1970) came to America early in his career, settling in California. His influence on post-war architecture is undisputed, the sunny climate and rich landscape being particularly suited to his cool, sleek modern style. Neutra had a keen appreciation for the relationship between people and nature; his trademark plate glass walls and ceilings which turn into deep overhangs have the effect of connecting the indoors with the outdoors. Neutra's ability to incorporate technology, aesthetics, science, and nature into his designs him recognition as one of Modernist architecture's greatest talents.

Richard J. Neutra (1892–1970), an Austrian-American architect, significantly influenced Californian modernism with his light-filled houses, establishing himself as a key figure in modern architecture. Unlike contemporaries such as Aalto and Breuer, Neutra's furniture designs remained largely overlooked until his son, Dion Neutra, began reviving them in collaboration with the German manufacturer VS. In this publication, Barbara Lamprecht thoroughly examines Neutra's furniture, which had faded into obscurity. She analyzes original sketches and patent drawings, detailing how these designs contributed to Neutra's vision of creating balanced living environments for his clients. Neutra aimed to integrate all elements—furniture, lighting, buildings, nature, and landscape—into a cohesive whole, termed a "Gesamtwerk." This approach culminated in what Neutra referred to as a "sensorium" or "soul anchorage," environments that foster human well-being. Lamprecht’s work sheds light on the significance of Neutra's furniture in achieving his architectural ideals, illustrating how each component worked harmoniously to enhance the overall experience of space.