All-in-all Rudolph strived for creative and unpredictable designs that appealed strongly to the senses. His unique designs pushed the world of modernism to think more creatively and resourcefully. Though he passed away in 1997, his structures and renderings are still studied today. He focused not only on the outside layout, but also on the inside–keeping all facets in mind. His buildings, often achieved in concrete with a textured finish, are still admired. In fact there is a non-profit organization, The Paul Rudolph Foundation, that is dedicated solely to preserving his works. Rudolph had an enormous influence over the direction of post modern architecture not only within the United States, but also internationally.

Rudolph thought no small thoughts, and his own apartments even served as design laboratories. 23 Beekman Place is located on the East side of Manhattan, and was were Rudolph’s creativity thrived.

Rudolph understood the importance of light, and interlocking space was his specialty. He studied it, utilized it, and savored it throughout many of his works. Since light travels in straight lines, he designed many pieces so that light would reflect directly on individuals, which in turn created welcoming spaces. Paul was a driving force in this new concept of utilizing light. He also designed actual fixtures that still sell today. ”Paul was fascinated with how lighting integral to a space could animate it and transform the whole psychological effect, he thought light was architecture’s fourth dimension,” said Mr. Wagner said, a business partner/friend Rudolph’s.

The Concourse, located in Singapore, is a multi-level shopping center with high street stores, fast food outlets and a budget market area. Its remarkable funky design showcases the perfect use of glass and angles. He designed it as an octagonal shape, to represent the number “8”, which means prosperity in the Chinese culture. Rudolph’s unique design building is both visually appealing and completely functional – the epitome of a Rudolph piece, in my opinion. Since Singapore is located near the equator, he created the skyscraper to use solar shading and external balconies to address the climate and utilize the immense tropical vegetation.

In his later works, with the revival of classical architecture, Rudolph’s works begin to shift from the projects in the United States to projects abroad. During this time, he strived to use materials and building designs that would incorporate his signature brutalist style, but also reflect the unique and work to enhance the region of the building’s location. He brought his vision and modernist style to large-scale projects in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.

The Wisma Dharmala Sakti, later deemed the “Intiland Tower” has an abstract post modern design. It’s located in Jakarta, Indonesia, and was designed with environmental sustainability in mind. During the making of the building Rudolph was quoted as saying, “Traditional Indonesian architecture offers a wide variety of solutions to the problems of a hot and humid climate. The unifying element in this rich diversity is the roof.” He strived to make sustainable structures that appropriated and complimented the regional spaces in which they were built.

In 1967, Rudolph finished the Orange County Government Center in New York, which served as the main office of the government of Orange County. Well-known on all ends of the architectural scale, this building might perhaps be one of Hall’s greatest achievements. Its intricate design is gorgeous, and certainly set the stakes for post modern architecture and embodied the development of “brutalism architecture”. The front appears to look like a perfectly fitted puzzle, a maze some might say. Its abstract design made this one of Paul’s most well-known pieces.

What set Rudolph’s work apart during the 60s was his focus on flowing curving lines, sculptural masses, and the articulation of the buildings resulting from exaggeration of the shapes of the functions within. One of his most game-changing projects came with his construction of Rudolph Hall, Yale’s School of Architecture in New Haven, Connecticut in 1963. It is a unique, fortress-like building featuring textured concrete layers. Being both the architect and client of this building allowed Rudolph to take risks in order to push his vision, and ultimately shape what becomes known as “brutal architecture”. While Dean of the college, Rudolph continued to build projects in places such as Sarasota, CA. The buildings were (and still are) notable for their emphasis of mass expression over the focus on light materials and custom-made components.

Paul Rudolph was a trailblazer for his work with post-modern architecture. In 1958, Rudolph was deemed Dean of the Yale School of Architecture and gained early attention after completing the modernist style Art & Architecture Building on campus that later became known as “brutalist architecture”.

After leaving the university in 1965, he took the Modernism world by storm, creating the most unique and powerful designs of the time throughout the 70’s and 80’s. His work and legacy have had a major impact on contemporary architecture. The following blogs will explore more of Rudolph works and life.

Visiting Vatican City was a surreal experience. The world’s smallest country is about 2-miles in diameter with Italy surrounding its vicinity. Ironically, this country was exact same size as my hometown in the rural northwest Oklahoma panhandle, with a population of nearly 500 citizens. Naturally, I felt right at home (lol).

It’s crazy to think this district has its very own political identity, with the pope essentially playing the role of the president. Vatican City even mints its own coins, prints its own stamps, and even has its very own flag and anthem.

There, we also had the opportunity to see works of Michelangelo such as The Sistine Chapel. It was an experience that I will never forget. There were guards around the area within the chapel and they ensured the area remained as silent as possible.

The detailed design of the high ceiling was nearly impossible to take in at once. Each detail allowed Michelangelo to showcase his skill in creating a vast array of poses of the human figure, and has influenced art pieces even today. We were also informed that contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo actually painted the famous chapel in a standing position, rather than on his back. We also found out that the chapel is still very in use today. New popes are even elected there.

Overall, Vatican City was an amazing experience.

Words that come to mind when I think of the Colosseum are “massive” and “breath-taking”. It’s crazy to think how influential this structure was throughout ancient Rome. It communicated the culture, wealth, might, and power of the city of Rome, but more importantly Hilary Duff performed her closing performance there in the The Lizzie McGuire Movie (Totally kidding.)

But in all seriousness, the Colosseum taught me more about ancient Rome than just about anything I’d seen during my time there. The “biggest-baddest” amphitheater hosted some of the most extravagant plays and events, and alike the Pantheon, was open to the public. With the fall of Neuro’s reign, this building was a representation of the end of a long period of strife. It felt amazing to walk around this vast structure that is so internationally recognized.

I legitimately imaged the Eiffel tower being around the same size of the 165-foot water tower in my hometown… Needless to say, my jaw dropped as I gazed upon this nearly 1,000 foot golden beauty. I felt chills surround my body the closer we walked towards the tower. It was the first time I realized I was abroad, and seeing something most will not ever get to see. In the courtyard just behind the Eiffel tower was like nothing I’ve ever witnessed before. The people. The music. The dancing. The celebrating. We were living.