Master of the Midcentury: The Architecture of William F. Cody

William F. Cody was a prolific and diverse architect who made Palm Springs a crucible of midcentury American modernism. His designs are so recognizable that they provide visual shorthand for Desert Modern. He loved social spaces and pushed the boundaries of engineering, with beams and roof slabs so thin that his buildings seemed to defy gravity. Master of the Midcentury is the first monograph devoted to Cody, authored by his daughter, design historian Jo Lauria, and architectural historian Don Choi.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Monacelli Press

William F. Cody, a prominent architect who played a significant role in shaping the midcentury American modernism landscape, is the subject of the groundbreaking book "Master of the Midcentury: The Architecture of William F. Cody." This long-overdue publication, extensively illustrated and meticulously detailed, offers a comprehensive exploration of Cody's remarkable career.

Among the architects who transformed Palm Springs into a hub of midcentury American modernism, William F. Cody stands out as one of the most prolific, diverse, and iconic figures. Directing a practice that encompassed a wide range of projects, from residential homes to commercial centers, industrial complexes, and master plans, Cody's designs are instantly recognizable as representative of what is widely celebrated as Desert Modern. While his architecture exhibited a disciplined and technically innovative approach, it was also infused with a deep appreciation for social spaces, characterized by their rich textures, vibrant colors, and artistic elements.

While Cody's built work primarily took place in California and Arizona, he secured commissions in other western states, Hawaii, Mexico, Honduras, and Cuba. His projects, ranging from iconic landmarks like the Del Marcos Hotel (1946) to innovative country clubs like the Eldorado (1957), to residences for renowned celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Walt Disney, defined the emerging West Coast lifestyle, seamlessly blending luxury, leisure, and experimental design. Cody's innovative engineering techniques, which included the use of exceptionally thin beams and roof slabs, gave his buildings an appearance that defied gravity, adding to their awe-inspiring appeal.

"Master of the Midcentury" is the first monograph dedicated to Cody, authored by a team of experts who curated the highly acclaimed exhibition "Fast Forward: The Architecture of William F. Cody" at the Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles. The book includes a wealth of photographs showcasing extant and now-lost structures, as well as masterful color renderings and drawings for architectural commissions and plans. This comprehensive resource provides a deep insight into Cody's architectural legacy, shedding light on his contributions to midcentury modernism and his enduring influence on the architectural landscape.

Weight: 2140g
Dimension: 248 x 300 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580935302