Architect's Corner - The International Style and The Sarasota School of Architecture 1930-1970

The International Style became the dominant commercial building style in the United States between 1930 and the mid-1970s. Originally conceived by post-WWI European architects as a design for worker housing, the style found a theme in the exploration of contemporary building materials and technologies. Designers discarded the ornamentation of existing or traditional styles and exposed the structural elements of their buildings to produce a starkly functional design.

The style took its name from a book entitled "The International Style Since 1922", published in 1932 by Henry Russell Hitchcock and Philip Johnson, who also organized an exhibit that same year at which they introduced the style to an American audience. Later in the decade, many originators of the style, fleeing the rise of Nazi Germany, immigrated to the United States taking up positions at some of the most influential schools of architecture in the country.

In Florida, International Style buildings are most notably found in coastal communities where tourism sustained the economy. The style resembles a flat-roofed undecorated box covered with bands of glass, and smooth concrete or stucco. Glass walls hang like curtains from steel structures.

In the twenty-five years between 1941 and 1966, the innovative design of Sarasota homes and businesses captured the attention of the design community worldwide. Presently, renewed interest in this "school" of architecture has occurred, fostering the publication of a book by architect John Howey, entitled "The Sarasota School of Architecture", as well as local, regional and national symposia on the style.

(photo credit: City of Sarasota)

Although these modern buildings seem "young" when compared with traditional historical resources, their unique designs and innovative use of materials may prove to be Sarasota's most significant architectural legacy.

It was after World War II that some of the most interesting examples of the Sarasota School of Architecture were completed. These homes took advantage of building technologies and materials which were developed as part of the war effort such as the Healy Guest House, designed by Ralph Twitchell and his young partner Paul Rudolph in 1948. This eight hundred square foot house drew attention worldwide for its innovative design including a low slung, catenary roof supported by suspended cables, and walls constructed of louvered wood and fixed glass. A unique roof coating, which had been used to moth ball ships during World War II, caused observers to refer to it as the ‘Cocoon House.' (pictured above)

To learn more about the Healy Guest House, click here.

Yesterday's Sarasota Calendar

Every day of the year we highlight what took place in Sarasota's history, thanks to Whit Rylee and Tom Payne's extensive research and sense of humor. Frequently check our website's homepage to find out what occured today.

Where Am I?

I'm located on a street that was known as 'Realty Row' and have morphed into many different establishments over the years. Glad I'm still standing, that's for sure. People say that about me a lot, and it's not the vines holding me up.

Need help? Click here, or on the photo for my location.

When in a Jam, it's Time to Preserve!

The media makes us aware, all too often in our opinion, that our economy has seen better times. With that being said, we believe Sarasota deserves bragging rights for being accepted as a Preserve America city.

This designation status allows communities to protect and celebrate their heritage, and use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization. It also encourages people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education, and heritage tourism programs.

Our unique heritage now plays a vital role in attracting tourists, investors, and new residents, who appreciate vintage places to visit while vacationing here. Afterall, once people see our slice of paradise, they often are tempted to move here and buy homes, shop, eat out, attend events, purchase cars, build green, start businesses, retire....and the beat goes on.

So, when you see these signs going up (this one is on Fruitville Road) think positive, because we have a new tool in our chest that will help us all get out of the doldrums.