Case Study Houses

The Case Study House program, initiated between 1945 and 1966, marked a significant moment in American architecture by introducing innovative designs for affordable postwar housing. Organized by the Arts & Architecture magazine, this initiative was a response to the post-World War II construction surge, aiming to create modern homes that were not only cost-effective but also easy to replicate for the average American family. The project was predominantly centered in the Los Angeles area and saw involvement from some of the era’s leading architects, including Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Charles and Ray Eames, Pierre Koenig, Eero Saarinen, A. Quincy Jones, and Ralph Rapson. These architects were tasked with incorporating wartime innovations and materials to reflect contemporary living. The program's groundbreaking designs went on to transform the concept of the modern home, leaving a lasting impact both nationally and internationally. This concise guide provides a comprehensive look at all the Case Study Houses, featuring over 150 photographs and architectural plans, along with a map detailing the locations of these iconic structures, even those that have since been lost.