The book is a collection of essays by various authors, each focusing on a different aspect of Elizabeth Scheu Close’s life and work.
The Architect’s Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Scheu Close was born in 1904 in New York City. Her early life was marked by a strong interest in art and design. Close’s parents encouraged her to pursue her passion, and she began taking art classes at a young age. She went on to study at the Art Students League of New York, where she honed her skills in drawing and painting. Close’s education was not limited to art; she also developed a strong foundation in mathematics and science, which would later serve her well in her architectural career.
The Rise of Modern Architecture
The early 20th century saw the rise of modern architecture, a movement that emphasized simplicity, functionality, and innovation. Close was deeply influenced by this movement and its pioneers, such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. She was particularly drawn to the work of the Bauhaus school, which emphasized the integration of art and technology. Close’s interest in modern architecture was not limited to its aesthetic appeal; she was also deeply concerned with its social and cultural implications.
Close’s Career and Contributions
Elizabeth Scheu Close went on to become a prominent figure in modern architecture, known for her innovative and functional designs. She worked with several prominent architects, including Le Corbusier and Marcel Breuer, and was a key figure in the development of the International Style.
She delves into the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her time at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and her work with the renowned architect, Eero Saarinen.
The Early Years: Childhood and Education
Jane King Hession’s journey as an architect began in Vienna, Austria, where she was born and raised. Her early life was marked by a deep appreciation for art and design, which would later influence her work.
The firm, known as Close Riemer & Associates, would go on to become one of the most influential architectural practices in the region.
Early Years and Education
Elizabeth Close’s journey as an architect began in the early 1930s, when she met her future husband, Winston Riemer, at the University of Minnesota. The couple shared a passion for modernist architecture and began working together on various projects. Elizabeth’s early education was focused on art and design, which laid the foundation for her future career. Elizabeth Close’s early education was at the University of Minnesota, where she studied art and design. She was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement and the works of modernist architects such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius.*
The Founding of Close Riemer & Associates
In 1938, Elizabeth and Winston Close founded Close Riemer & Associates, which would become a leading architectural practice in Minnesota. The firm’s early success was built on the couple’s commitment to modernist principles and their ability to balance aesthetics with functionality.
However, she persevered and eventually found success as a sculptor.
Early Life and Exile
Lisl was born in 1913 in Vienna, Austria, to a Jewish family. Her early life was marked by a deep appreciation for art and architecture, which was encouraged by her parents. She was particularly drawn to the works of artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, whose innovative styles and techniques inspired her to pursue a career in the arts. As the Nazis rose to power in Europe, Lisl’s family was forced to emigrate to the United States. This was a difficult and traumatic experience for Lisl, who had to leave behind her homeland and the only life she had ever known. She was only 10 years old when she made the journey, and the experience left her with a deep sense of loss and displacement.
The Struggle to Establish Herself
Upon arriving in the United States, Lisl faced numerous challenges as a young woman in the field of art. During the Great Depression, many artists struggled to find work and make a living. Lisl was no exception, and she had to fight to establish herself as a sculptor. She worked tirelessly, taking on various jobs and projects to gain experience and build her portfolio. Some of her early work included creating sculptures for local businesses and private clients. She also experimented with different techniques and materials, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in her art. Despite the challenges, Lisl remained determined and focused on her goals.
Perseverance and Success
Lisl’s perseverance and dedication eventually paid off. She began to gain recognition for her work, and her sculptures started to attract attention from galleries and collectors.
Lisl’s Early Life and Education
Lisl’s journey into the world of architecture began at a young age. Growing up in a family of artists, she was exposed to various forms of creative expression from a tender age. Her parents, both artists themselves, encouraged her to explore her creativity, which eventually led her to pursue a degree in architecture. Key influences on Lisl’s early life and education: + Family background: Her parents’ artistic inclinations and encouragement of her creative pursuits. + Early exposure to art: Lisl’s exposure to various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and photography. + Academic foundation: Her early education in architecture, which laid the groundwork for her future career. Lisl’s academic journey took her to various institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. She later pursued her Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Lisl’s Professional Career
Lisl’s professional career has been marked by numerous achievements and milestones. She has worked with various architectural firms, including the renowned firm of Frank Gehry, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience.
