Richard Joseph Neutra

Architect | 1892-1970
Photo courtesy of San Diego History Center

A central figure to the expression of 20th century modernism in California, Richard Neutra’s designs were celebrated internationally through the photography of Julius Shulman. His five projects in San Diego County include Marshall Residence (1952), Van Sicklin Residence (1952), Airman Memorial Chapel (1957), Oxley Residence (1958) and Dr. Robert E. Bond Residence (1960).

Photo courtesy of San Diego History Center

Prior to Richard Neutra’s five built projects in San Diego County, in 1935 the architect contributed to the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park. Within the Palace of Better Housing, the Federal Housing Administration’s exhibit sought to revitalize real estate development and the mortgage industry hit hard by the Great Depression. To do this 56 scale models, comprising Modeltown, were designed by Southern California architects and designers – including Neutra, George Adams, Gordon Kauffman, Kenneth Messenger, Lloyd Ruocco, Leland Fuller, H. Roy Kelley, and Reginald Johnson. Neutra’s ‘Model 25’, which featured extensive use of metal - a newer material in residential design, reflect his design for Dr. William and Melba Beard (1934) in Altadena.

Partial List of Projects

Airman Memorial Chapel (1957)
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Despite the original reflecting pond having been removed, much of this all-faith chapel has been retained (including the original bell from a Navy cruiser). The east-facing facade is the most interesting detail: A translucent opening formed by the valley of the V-shaped hung ceiling of the nave, expressed on the exterior. Supported from one side of the ridge is a unique hanging stairway enclosed in glass that acts as the gallery entrance. Light is cast down on the altar rather than worshippers by unique prefabicrated concrete forms and continuous skylights extending the entire width of the nave.

Airman Memorial Chapel. Photograph by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Bond, Dr. Robert E. and Marilyn Residence (1960)
4449 Yerba Santa Drive, Alvarado Estates

Photograph by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Marshall Residence (1952)
5322 Calzada Del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe

Marshall House. Photograph by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Oxley Residence (1958)
9302 La Jolla Farms Road, La Jolla

Oxley House. Photograph by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Van Sicklin, I.B. Residence (1952)
6009 Mimulus Road, Rancho Santa Fe

Van Sicklin House. Photograph by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Bond, Dr. Robert E. Residence (1960)

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