R.M. Schindler
(1887-1953)

Pueblo Ribera Courts
230-48 Gravilla, La Jolla, CA (1923-1930)
The only example of Schindler’s work in San Diego, alludes to the master’s work in the Los Angeles area following his fellowship with Wright (his work on Wright’s “temple” concrete block houses brought him to Southern California). Appealing to the young modernists who came to California in the 1920s these dwellings work with the fascination with the mildness of the climate, life out of doors and the pueblo Spanish traditions of enclosed courtyards. Schindler arranged each living unit so that it had a courtyard and roof terrace above. The houses were built of slip-form concrete, and the roof pergola with its light wood detailing forms a strong contrast to the concrete walls below. Fortunately, the individual units are slowly being restored.

Analysis