Description
The archive of Los Angeles architect
Pierre Koenig, consisting of drawings, photographs, documents, writings and client
correspondence, and three models. The archive is an important resource for the study of
Southern California Modernism, as well as for the study of pre-fabrication in housing in the
United States.
Background
Pierre Koenig was born in San Francisco on October 17, 1925. Even as a boy, Koenig
displayed a nascent interest in architecture and Modernism. In 1939, the family moved to San
Gabriel, a Los Angeles suburb, and here, among a new group of friends who also wanted to be
architects, Koenig's earlier interest crystallized. Yet World War II loomed, and at age 17
Koenig enlisted in the United States Army Advanced Special Training Program, which offered a
compressed 4-year college degree in 2 years. However, in 1943 the program was abruptly ended
and after only one semester of study at the University of Utah, School of Engineering,
Koenig was sent to basic training. From 1943-1946, Koenig served on the front lines in
France and Germany as a flash ranging observer, spotting enemy fire and calculating their
position, with the 292nd Field Artillery Observation Battalion.
Extent
239.6 Linear Feet
(165 boxes, 275 flatfile folders, 6 rolls)
Restrictions
Contact Library Reproductions and Permissions.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers, with the exception of unreformatted computer files.
Contact the repository for information regarding access to the architectural models.