The architecture of John Lautner
John Lautner’s 1960 Chemosphere, shown here, originally derided by some critics as a silly fantasy.
(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)The landmark Chemosphere home in the Hollywood Hills and its owner, publisher Benedikt Taschen, were profiled in a 2005 Home cover story. What was great about Lautner is that he had this dualism about nature and the city, Taschen said at the time, noting that one side of the house was pure nature, with skunks, bobcats, coyotes and deer, while the other side was pure city, the vast San Fernando Valley.
(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)The living room of a 1938 guest house Lautner designed in Echo Park features a built-in sofa, fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Full story here.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)The dining area of John Lautner’s Harpel house in the Hollywood Hills. Full gallery here.
(Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)A 1998 photo of James Goldstein in his Century City office designed by John Lautner.
(Perry C. Riddle / Los Angeles Times)