Artistry and Mentoring in Architecture Celebrated in New UW Press Book
A master of Northwest architecture whose greatest legacy was his profound influence on dozens of students has been celebrated in an important new book published by the University of Washington Press in December 2007.
Lionel H. Pries, Architect, Artist, Educator: From Arts and Crafts to Modern Architecture, by UW Architecture Professor Jeffrey Karl Ochsner, traces the life and career of Lionel H. “Spike” Pries, 1897-1968. An active architect, artist and collector, Pries’ greatest importance was as a mentor and influential teacher from the 1920s through the 1950s.
A faculty member in the UW College of Architecture and Urban Design, Pries was abruptly fired in 1958. While not openly discussed, the dismissal was based on Pries’ sexual orientation. But his legacy can be seen today throughout Seattle area design and far beyond. Among his students were architects of national and regional significance, such as Minoru Yamasaki, Victor Steinbrueck, Dan Streissguth, and many others. Virtually all cite Pries as the single most important mentor of their early architectural careers—yet Pries’ story has remained largely untold until now.
Ochsner’s book presents Pries’ life and career as architect, artist and professor, while also placing his achievements in the larger context of the development of 20th century architecture. “Lionel Pries was an elitist at a time when that term was not regarded pejoratively as it sometimes is today,” Ochsner says. “He believed it was his job to push his students. He would cajole, criticize, goad, needle, praise, and use every other available technique to make his students do better work and push beyond their own expectations.”
Ochsner will discuss Lionel H. Pries in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning's First Annual Dean's Club Lecture of the 2007-2008 Praxis Series on Wed., Feb. 13, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Architecture Building, Rm. 147 on the Seattle campus (http://www.washington.edu/home/maps/northcentral.html.) Parking will be available in the Central Parking Plaza on 15th Avenue. The lecture will be followed by a reception; book sales will be provided by University Book Store.
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