Sure, we're huge fans of Quincy Jones. He gave us Thriller. And brought together Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Steve Perry on one song. And even better, his middle name is Delightt. Delightt, people! What's not to love? The man can do it all.
Except design houses. That would be the OTHER Quincy: A. Quincy Jones. He's perhaps less well-known than his contemporaries like Schindler, Neutra and Lautner, but the MAK Center seems to be doing its part to correct that. We're going to once again break with our no-events listing policy to mention the MAK Center's fall architecture tour focuses on A. Quincy on October 7th. (In the interest of full disclosure, we should mention we're volunteer docents at the Schindler House). From the MAK site:
Archibald Quincy Jones, (1913-1979) was a prolific Los Angeles-based architect and educator known for innovative, modernist buildings and pioneering work in urban design. His work on the Mutual Housing Association (1946-50), a cooperative community, advanced a high standard for affordable modern homes creatively sited to maximize privacy, views, and outdoor space. Built on a tract of land in the Santa Monica Mountains in an area of Brentwood known as Crestwood Hills, the MHA houses were positioned at odd angles to the street, following the topography of the landscape rather than lining up in arbitrary rows. Jones used building materials in their natural state such as concrete block, redwood siding, exposed plywood and tongue-and-groove ceiling planks, with no applied plaster or paint.
Over time, a fire, demolition and extensive remodeling have destroyed all but thirty-one of the original houses. The MAK Center is pleased to offer this rare opportunity to view a selection of these privately owned homes as well as nearby works by other significant modern architects such as Raymond Kappe. The Jones House and Studio (1938) in West Hollywood, Jones’ first work, will also be included.
While the MAK Center hasn't announced how much tickets will cost, they plan on donating a portion of the proceeds for the restoration of the Crestwood Hills Community Center. If you want to find a cheaper way to get on the tour, the MAK Center is looking for volunteer docents for the day. To volunteer as a tour docent, please contact Ami Brett, 323-651-1510.