Sarasota School of Architecture

[1][2] It is characterized by open-plan structures, often with large planes of glass to facilitate natural illumination and ventilation, that address the unique indigenous requirements of the regional climate.

[14] For the next five years, Twitchell and Rudolph developed a design philosophy, combining organic-modern and international style into what became a unique form of architecture.

This philosophy, articulated by Rudolph in 1947, was codified as follows: clarity of construction, maximum economy of means, simple overall volumes penetrating vertically and horizontally, clear geometry floating above the Florida landscape, honesty in details, and structural connections.

[7] A number of ground-breaking experimental works built by Twitchell and Rudolph, reflecting this philosophy, gained worldwide notoriety as significant examples of modern architecture.

[21][22] They reflected the regional environment, some utilizing local cypress, many with floors raised to avoid the Florida dampness, most with windows and grilles designed to manipulate and redirect natural light and heat.

[25] Twitchell and Rudolph's Sarasota success had attracted a prominent group of like-minded architects to the region such as Gene Leedy, Tim Seibert, Jack West, Victor Lundy, William Rupp, Carl Abbott and Mark Hampton.

The fertile environment for innovative architecture had evaporated, replaced by corporate real estate developers more interested in making money than fine art.

[34] The Sarasota School was given its name and defined as a movement ex post facto by Leedy during a presentation at an American Institute of Architects conference in Tampa, Florida in 1982.

[37] Riverview High School was considered for the list of America's Most Endangered Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, but was demolished in 2009.

[44][45][46] The Sarasota School has continued to influence a number of contemporary architects (such as Max Strang[47][48][49] and Guy Peterson[50][51]) who embrace the movement's original principles of clarity of construction, honesty in details, clear geometry, and environmental sensitivity.