Description

This volume offers a fresh perspective on the career of architect Paul Rudolph (1918–1997), renowned for his striking modernist homes and bold Brutalist structures. Rising to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly during his tenure as chair of Yale University’s Department of Architecture, Rudolph saw his influence wane with the rise of postmodernism in the 1970s.

Providing both an introduction and a much-needed reassessment of his work, this book explores Rudolph’s architectural legacy, from his early modernist residences in Florida to his large-scale public and institutional buildings, unrealized mega-structures, and later mixed-use developments in Asia. Author Abraham Thomas examines Rudolph’s engagement with key architectural ideas, including functionalism, urban planning, and modular construction, across different decades and regions.

Featuring a rich selection of photographs, Rudolph’s own drawings, models, furniture, and period press materials, this book offers insight into his creative process. It also highlights themes that remain relevant today, such as civic design, housing, and the use of innovative materials and construction methods.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (September 30, 2024–March 16, 2025)