SCI-Arc founding director and celebrated Californian modernist Ray Kappe has passed away aged 92, leaving behind "a body of architecture of the highest level".
Kappe established the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) with his wife Shelly Kappe, Thom Mayne, Jim Stafford, Glen Small, Ahde Lahti and Bill Simonian in 1972.
The late architect is also celebrated for his influence on Californian modernism, a style that was emerging in the 1950s as he was starting his architectural career. His portfolio includes a range of building types and 100 custom residences that formed key examples of the style, such as his own residence Kappe, which the Los Angeles Conservancy describes as a "true icon of Modern residential architecture". Ray Kappe passed away last week aged 92
In more recent years, he started developing his modular prefab construction as a more environmentally friendly design.
Following Kappe's death, SCI-Arc's current director Diaz Alonso praised Kappe for leaving behind "a body of architecture of the highest level that will live on forever". "His legacy as an architect, city planner, and educator is absolutely unparalleled," Alonso said.
Ray Kappe had a "profound impact" on the architecture field
His tribute was echoed by SCI-Arc co-founder and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Mayne, who highlighted Kappe's influence on the profession. "There is much to be said about the profound impact Ray Kappe ...