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Strasbourg, France (by Ariane Vanni)

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Minton-Capeheart Federal Building (1972-75) in Indianapolis, IN, USA, by Woollen, Molzan and Partners

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Gewerbeschulhaus Unterstrass (1972-76) in Zurich, Switzerland, by Esther & Rudolf Guyer

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With 36 projected individual residences and numerous well-known architects involved the Case Study Houses program, initiated by John Entenza and his magazine „Arts & Architecture“, was the most comprehensive idea contest for affordable postwar (single-family) houses. Running from 1945 through 1966 the likes of Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Charles & Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Pierre Koenig and Craig Ellwood developed what they regarded as contemporary, inexpensive and efficient modern homes for the American suburban family, aspirations that in many cases didn’t quite work out as construction costs way exceeded the average American family’s budget. Instead the Case Study Houses today epitomize the California Modern by virtue of their lightweight look and feel, their blending of inside and outside living as well as their careful presentation in predominantly Julius Shulman’s photographs.

But today only those projects associated with big names and/or staged in iconic photographs are vividly present among mid-century aficionados which is a shame in view of the other quality entries to the program: architects like Rodney Walker, J.R. Davidson or Kemper Nomland added their own note to the Case Studies and deserve being recognized.

In order to explore the program in its entirety Elizabeth A.T. Smith’s monumental book „Case Study Houses - The Complete CSH Program 1945-1966“, first published in 2002 by @taschen, which still represents the most comprehensive account of the program’s history. Each building, built and unbuilt, is presented in a comprehensive dossier containing an explanatory text, photos and plans. Beyond the houses Smith also addresses the genesis of the program as well as its development over the duration two decades, a development that wasn’t short of bickering. But what ultimately remains of John Entenza’s ambitious program is a number of truly iconic designs that made architectural history and remain revered until this very day.