1960 in architecture
Encyclopedia
The year 1960 in architecture involved some significant events.
Buildings
- January 13 - Shamakhi Astrophysical ObservatoryShamakhi Astrophysical ObservatoryThe Nasīr al-Dīn al-Tūsī Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory is located in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, on the northern-eastern slope of the Pirqulu mountain, at an altitude of 1,435 m...
officially opened in ShamakhiShamakhiShamakhi or Shamakhy is a rayon of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and a town in the rayon. It is the historical center of the region of Shirvan.The town is west of Baku. It has more than 20,000 inhabitants, among them Azerbaijanis and Russians...
, AzerbaijanAzerbaijanAzerbaijan , officially the Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to...
. - April 12 - Candlestick Park opens on the shore of San Francisco BaySan Francisco BaySan Francisco Bay is a shallow, productive estuary through which water draining from approximately forty percent of California, flowing in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers from the Sierra Nevada mountains, enters the Pacific Ocean...
, by architect John Bolles. - May 25 - Teatro General San MartínTeatro General San MartínThe Teatro General San Martin is an important public theater in Buenos Aires, located on Corrientes Avenue and adjacent to the cultural center of the same name...
inaugurated in Buenos AiresBuenos AiresBuenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
— the first major project by Argentine architect Mario Roberto ÁlvarezMario Roberto ÁlvarezMario Roberto Álvarez was a prominent Argentine architect.-Early life:Álvarez was born in Buenos Aires in 1913. He enrolled at the University of Buenos Aires School of Arquitecture in 1932, and graduated with Gold Medal honors in 1936...
. - American Embassy London Chancery BuildingEmbassy of the United States in LondonThe Embassy of the United States of America to the Court of St. James's has been located since 1960 in the American Embassy London Chancery Building, in Grosvenor Square, Westminster, London...
opened, designed by Eero SaarinenEero SaarinenEero Saarinen was a Finnish American architect and industrial designer of the 20th century famous for varying his style according to the demands of the project: simple, sweeping, arching structural curves or machine-like rationalism.-Biography:Eero Saarinen shared the same birthday as his father,...
. - The ChemosphereChemosphereThe Chemosphere, designed by American architect John Lautner in 1960, is an innovative Modernist octagon house in Los Angeles, California.-Design:...
, a house designed by American architect John Lautner, completed in the Hollywood HillsHollywood HillsThe Hollywood Hills is an affluent and exclusive neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, in the southeastern Santa Monica Mountains. It is bound by Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west, Vermont Avenue to the east, Mulholland Drive to the north, and Sunset Boulevard to the south.-Hollywood Hills...
, California. - The ClimatronClimatronThe Climatron is a greenhouse enclosed in a geodesic dome that is part of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Initiated by then Garden director Frits W. Went the dome is the world's first completely air-conditioned greenhouse and the first geodesic dome to be enclosed in rigid Plexiglass ...
geodesic domeGeodesic domeA geodesic dome is a spherical or partial-spherical shell structure or lattice shell based on a network of great circles on the surface of a sphere. The geodesics intersect to form triangular elements that have local triangular rigidity and also distribute the stress across the structure. When...
opens at the Missouri Botanical GardenMissouri Botanical GardenThe Missouri Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in St. Louis, Missouri. It is also known informally as Shaw's Garden for founder Henry Shaw, a botanist and philanthropist.-History:...
in St. Louis, designed by Buckminster Fuller. - EuromastEuromastThe Euromast is a tower in Rotterdam constructed between 1958 and 1960, designed by Hugh Maaskant. It was specially built for the 1960 Floriade. It is a concrete building with an internal diameter of and a wall thickness of 30 centimetres . For stability it is built on a concrete block of...
is completed in RotterdamRotterdamRotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
, NetherlandsNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
from the design by Hugh MaaskantHugh MaaskantHuig Aart Maaskant was a Dutch architect. He designed a number of notable buildings in Rotterdam, his home city, and in Amsterdam, notably the Groothandelsgebouw in Rotterdam in 1951 and the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel in 1958....
. - Finlyandsky Rail Terminal is rebuilt in St. Petersburg, Russia.
- Hooper House II completed by architect Marcel BreuerMarcel BreuerMarcel Lajos Breuer , was a Hungarian-born modernist, architect and furniture designer of Jewish descent. One of the masters of Modernism, Breuer displayed interest in modular construction and simple forms.- Life and work :Known to his friends and associates as Lajkó, Breuer studied and taught at...
in Baltimore, Maryland. - Mabel McDowell Elementary SchoolMabel McDowell Adult Education CenterThe Mabel McDowell Adult Education Center was built in 1960 in Columbus, Indiana.The building, designed by architect John Carl Warnecke, was converted to an adult education center in 1982....
was built in Columbus, IndianaColumbus, IndianaColumbus is a city in and the county seat of Bartholomew County, Indiana, United States. The population was 44,061 at the 2010 census, and the current mayor is Fred Armstrong. Located approximately 40 miles south of Indianapolis, on the east fork of the White River, it is the state's 20th largest...
, designed by architect John Carl WarneckeJohn Carl WarneckeJohn Carl Warnecke was an architect based in San Francisco, California, who designed numerous notable monuments and structures in the Modernist, Bauhaus, and other similar styles. He was an early proponent of contextual architecture. Among his more notable buildings and projects are the Hawaii...
. - Mirante do ValeMirante do ValeMirante do Vale Building , commonly called Mirante do Vale, is a 170-metre office skyscraper located in São Paulo, Brazil, in the area of Downtown São Paulo and Vale do Anhangabaú...
completed as the tallest building in Brazil. Designed by engineer Waldomiro Zarzur in Downtown São Paulo. - Napoli Centrale railway stationNapoli Centrale railway stationNapoli Centrale is the main railway station in the city of Naples and southern Italy and the sixth largest station in Italy in terms of passenger flow. It is located next to Piazza Garibaldi to the east of the old city...
and PalaLottomaticaPalaLottomaticaPalaLottomatica, formerly known as Palazzo dello Sport or PalaEUR, is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena in Rome, Italy. It is located in the heart of the well known modern EUR complex. The arena hosted the 1960 Olympic basketball tournamentsThe stadium features 8 meetings points, a...
sports arena completed, by Italian engineer Pier Luigi NerviPier Luigi NerviPier Luigi Nervi was an Italian engineer. He studied at the University of Bologna and qualified in 1913. Dr. Nervi taught as a professor of engineering at Rome University from 1946-61...
, and others. - Pirelli TowerPirelli TowerThe Pirelli Tower , is a skyscraper in Milan, Italy.-History:...
, designed by architect Gio PontiGiò PontiGio Ponti was one of the most important Italian architects, industrial designers, furniture designers, artists, and publishers of the twentieth century.-Early life:...
, with Pier Luigi NerviPier Luigi NerviPier Luigi Nervi was an Italian engineer. He studied at the University of Bologna and qualified in 1913. Dr. Nervi taught as a professor of engineering at Rome University from 1946-61...
and Arturo Danusso, completed in Milan, Italy. - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel completed by Arne JacobsenArne JacobsenArne Emil Jacobsen, usually known as Arne Jacobsen, was a Danish architect and designer. He is remembered for contributing so much to architectural Functionalism as well as for the worldwide success he enjoyed with simple but effective chair designs.-Early life and education:Arne Jacobsen was born...
in CopenhagenCopenhagenCopenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
. - Sainte Marie de La TouretteSainte Marie de La TouretteSainte Marie de La Tourette is a Dominican Order priory in a valley near Lyon, France designed by architects Le Corbusier and Iannis Xenakis and constructed between 1956 and 1960. Le Corbusier's design of the building began in May, 1953 with sketches drawn at Arbresle, France outlining the basic...
, by Le CorbusierLe CorbusierCharles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier , was a Swiss-born French architect, designer, urbanist, writer and painter, famous for being one of the pioneers of what now is called modern architecture. He was born in Switzerland and became a French citizen in 1930...
and Iannis XenakisIannis XenakisIannis Xenakis was a Romanian-born Greek ethnic, naturalized French composer, music theorist, and architect-engineer. He is commonly recognized as one of the most important post-war avant-garde composers...
, completed for the Dominican OrderDominican OrderThe Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
near Lyon, France. - William L. Slayton HouseWilliam L. Slayton HouseThe William L. Slayton House located in the Cleveland Park neighborhood in Washington, D.C., is a house that was designed by I.M. Pei in the International Style...
designed by I. M. PeiI. M. PeiIeoh Ming Pei , commonly known as I. M. Pei, is a Chinese American architect, often called a master of modern architecture. Born in Canton, China and raised in Hong Kong and Shanghai, Pei drew inspiration at an early age from the gardens at Suzhou...
, completed in the Cleveland ParkCleveland ParkCleveland Park is a residential neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C.It is located at and bounded approximately by Rock Creek Park to the east, Wisconsin and Idaho Avenues to the west, Klingle and Woodley Roads to the south, and Rodman and Tilden Streets to the north...
neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
Events
- August 21 - BrasíliaBrasíliaBrasília is the capital city of Brazil. The name is commonly spelled Brasilia in English. The city and its District are located in the Central-West region of the country, along a plateau known as Planalto Central. It has a population of about 2,557,000 as of the 2008 IBGE estimate, making it the...
is inaugurated as BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
's new capital city, with many public buildings designed by Oscar NiemeyerOscar NiemeyerOscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho is a Brazilian architect specializing in international modern architecture...
. Lúcio CostaLúcio CostaLucio Costa was a Brazilian architect and urban planner.-Career:Costa was born in Toulon, France.Educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne, England and in Montreux until 1916, he graduated as an architect in 1924 from the School of Fine Art in Rio de Janeiro...
was the principal urban plannerUrban planningUrban planning incorporates areas such as economics, design, ecology, sociology, geography, law, political science, and statistics to guide and ensure the orderly development of settlements and communities....
and Roberto Burle MarxRoberto Burle MarxRoberto Burle Marx was a Brazilian landscape architect whose designs of parks and gardens made him world famous. He is accredited with having introduced modernist landscape architecture to Brazil...
was the landscape designLandscape designLandscape design is an independent profession and a design and art tradition, practised by landscape designers, combining nature and culture. In contemporary practice landscape design bridges between landscape architecture and garden design.-Design scope:...
er. - Construction of the Tour TelusTour TelusTour Telus is an office building at 630 René Lévesque Boulevard West in Montreal. It was built for Canadian Industries Limited from 1960 to 1962, given the name CIL House. Designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft from the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill with local architects...
in Montreal, Quebec begins. - Little Houses Improvement Scheme launched by the National Trust for ScotlandNational Trust for ScotlandThe National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, commonly known as the National Trust for Scotland describes itself as the conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland's natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to...
to promote conservation of vernacular architectureVernacular architectureVernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs and circumstances. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it...
.
Awards
- AIA Gold MedalAIA Gold MedalThe AIA Gold Medal is awarded by the American Institute of Architects conferred "by the national AIA Board of Directors in recognition of a significant body of work of lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture."...
- Ludwig Mies van der RoheLudwig Mies van der RoheLudwig Mies van der Rohe was a German architect. He is commonly referred to and addressed as Mies, his surname....
. - RAIA Gold MedalRoyal Australian Institute of Architects Gold MedalThe Gold Medal is the highest award of the Australian Institute of Architects awarded annually since 1960. The award was created to recognise distinguished service by Australian architects who have:* designed or executed buildings of high merit;...
- Leslie Wilkinson. - RIBARoyal Institute of British ArchitectsThe Royal Institute of British Architects is a professional body for architects primarily in the United Kingdom, but also internationally.-History:...
Royal Gold MedalRoyal Gold MedalThe Royal Gold Medal for architecture is awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects on behalf of the British monarch, in recognition of an individual's or group's substantial contribution to international architecture....
- Pier Luigi NerviPier Luigi NerviPier Luigi Nervi was an Italian engineer. He studied at the University of Bologna and qualified in 1913. Dr. Nervi taught as a professor of engineering at Rome University from 1946-61...
.
Deaths
- February 8 - Giles Gilbert ScottGiles Gilbert ScottSir Giles Gilbert Scott, OM, FRIBA was an English architect known for his work on such buildings as Liverpool Cathedral and Battersea Power Station and designing the iconic red telephone box....
(born 18801880 in architectureThe year 1880 in architecture involved some significant events.-Buildings:* Casa Vicens in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudi is completed.* The Natural History Museum in London, designed by Alfred Waterhouse and Francis Fowke is completed....
) - March 26 - W. Curtis GreenWilliam Curtis GreenWilliam Curtis Green was an English architect.Green was born in Alton, Hampshire. He studied engineering at the technical school at West Bromwich and architecture at Birmingham School of Art. Articled to John Belcher from 1895 he studied part time at the Royal Academy. In 1897 he joined the staff...
(born 18751875 in architectureThe year 1875 in architecture involved some significant events.-Buildings:* Sydney Town Hall in Sydney, Australia is completed.* Opéra Garnier in Paris, France is opened.* The Hermannsdenkmal in Berlin, Germany is completed....
) - May 1 - Charles HoldenCharles HoldenCharles Henry Holden, Litt. D., FRIBA, MRTPI, RDI was a Bolton-born English architect best known for designing many London Underground stations during the 1920s and 1930s, for Bristol Central Library, the Underground Electric Railways Company of London's headquarters at 55 Broadway and for the...
(born 1875) - December 14
- Antonio BarluzziAntonio BarluzziAntonio Barluzzi was an Italian Franciscan monk and architect, known as the "Architect of the Holy Land"...
(born 18841884 in architectureThe year 1884 in architecture involved some significant events.-Buildings:* Antoni Gaudí begins work on the Sagrada Família cathedral in Barcelona.* Washington Monument in Washington, DC, designed by Robert Mills is completed....
) - Richard KonwiarzRichard KonwiarzRichard Konwiarz was a German architect.He was born in Tschempin and died in Hanover.In 1932 he won a bronze medal in the art competitions of the Olympic Games for his design of the "Schlesierkampfbahn" in the Sport Park of Breslau.In the years 1952 to 1954 he constructed in cooperation with Heinz...
(born 18831883 in architectureThe year 1883 in architecture involved some significant events.-Buildings:* The Home Insurance Building in Chicago designed by William LeBaron Jenney * The Kuhns Building in Dayton, Ohio, is constructed....
)
- Antonio Barluzzi
- Gilbert Stanley UnderwoodGilbert Stanley UnderwoodGilbert Stanley Underwood was an American architect best known for his National Park lodges. Born in 1890, Underwood received his B.A. from Yale in 1920 and a M.A. from Harvard in 1923. After opening an office in Los Angeles that year, he became associated with Daniel Ray Hull of the National...
(born 18801890 in architectureThe year 1890 in architecture involved some significant events.-Buildings:* March 4 - The Forth Bridge from South to North Queensferry in Scotland, designed by Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, is opened....
), American architect best known for his National ParkNational parkA national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
lodges.