The Architectural Models of Theodore Conrad

Based on the recent discovery of his fully-preserved private archivemodels, photos, letters, business files, and drawingsthis book tells the story of Theodore Conrad (1910-1994), the most prominent and prolific architectural model-maker of the 20th century. Conrads innovative models were instrumental in the design and realization of many icons of American Modernismfrom the Rockefeller Center to Lever House and the Seagram Building. He revolutionized the production of architectural models and became a model-making entrepreneur in his own right. Yet, despite his success and the well-known buildings he helped to create, until now little has been known about Conrads work and his impact on 20th century architectural history. With exclusive access to Conrads archive, as well as that of model photographer Louis Checkmanboth of which have lain undiscovered in private storage for decadesthis book examines Conrads work and legacy, accompanied by case studies of his major commissions and full-color photographs of his works. Set against the backdrop of the surge in model-making in the 1950s and 1960swhich Jane Jacobs called The Miniature Boomit explores how Conrads models prompt broader scholarly questions about the nature of authorship in architecture, the importance of craftsmanship, and about the translation of architectural ideas between different media. The book ultimately presents an alternative history of American modern architecture, highlighting the often-overlooked influence of architectural models and their makers.