Julius Shulman Architectural photographer famous for his photographs of American modernist architecture Date of Birth: 10.10.1910 Country: USA

1. Julius Shulman: The Singer of Architectural Modernism
2. The "Case Study Houses" Project
3. The Legacy of Shulman's Photographs
4. Shulman's Return to Hollywood Hills
5. The Life and Legacy

Julius Shulman: The Singer of Architectural Modernism

Julius Shulman, a renowned architectural photographer, became famous for his captures of American modernist architecture. His photographs were often referred to as the art within art, as they were not only documentary but also highly artistic, showcasing the beauty of the era.

The "Case Study Houses" Project

In the mid-20th century, after the end of World War II, an original and daring project called the "Case Study Houses" was launched in the United States. It ran from 1945 to 1966 and aimed to invite the most significant architects of the post-war construction boom to design and construct affordable and modern houses for the middle class. The project was organized by the magazine "Arts & Architecture," and Julius Shulman became the chronicler of these architectural ventures.

The Legacy of Shulman's Photographs

Many of the American modernist buildings from that time no longer exist, making Shulman's photographs the only visual representations of these unique and daring architectural solutions. His exhibitions garnered international interest, with his works being displayed in major museums worldwide, and his photo albums were repeatedly reprinted. Shulman's photographs played a crucial role in launching the careers of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and many others.

Shulman's Return to Hollywood Hills

After five decades, architect Jeffrey Eyster attempted to reimagine the "Case Study Houses" project in the changed context and designed 18 new houses, located once again in Hollywood Hills. In an astonishing turn of events, fifty years later, Julius Shulman returned to his familiar subject and captured Eyster's buildings through his lens.

The Life and Legacy

Shulman's contribution to architectural photography was recognized in the documentary film "Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman," which won the audience award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2009. In 1987, Shulman's own house was designated as a cultural heritage site in Los Angeles. He passed away on July 15, 2009, in Los Angeles at the age of 98. His official spokesperson stated, "He transformed architectural photography, which had purely commercial status, into an art form."