Elizabeth Close facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Close
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Elizabeth Close and her husband Winston reviewing an architectural model (c. 1955)
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Elizabeth Scheu
June 4, 1912 |
| Died | November 29, 2011 (aged 99) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Technische Hochschule MIT |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Winston Close |
| Children | Three children |
| Parent(s) | Gustav Scheu and Helene Scheu née Riesz |
| Awards | Minnesota Gold Medal (AIA), 2002 |
| Practice | Close and Scheu Architects, Close Associates |
| Buildings | Ferguson Hall at University of Minnesota |
Elizabeth "Lisl" Close (born Scheu) was an important architect. She was born in Vienna, Austria, on June 4, 1912, and passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 29, 2011. She worked in Minnesota for many years. With her husband, Winston "Win" Close, she designed many well-known public buildings and private houses. She also managed their architecture company for a long time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Scheu was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1912. She grew up in a house designed by Adolf Loos. He was an early leader in modern architecture, which uses simple shapes and new materials. Many artists, like Ezra Pound, often visited her family's home.
Elizabeth became very interested in architecture. She studied and graduated from the Technische Hochschule in Vienna. In August 1932, she left Austria. She sailed to New York and arrived on August 29, 1932. She then continued her studies in Boston. In 1935, she earned her master's degree in architecture from MIT.
Building a Career and Family
While studying in Boston, Elizabeth met Winston Close. He was also a student of architecture. It was hard for women to become architects back then. After being turned down by two companies, she found a job in Philadelphia. She worked there for architect Oscar Stonorov.
In 1936, she moved to Minneapolis. She joined the same company where Winston worked, Magney and Tusler. In 1938, Elizabeth and Winston started their own company, Close and Scheu Architects. They became known for designing homes with flat roofs and simple, modern styles.
Elizabeth and Winston married in 1938. At that time, it was so unusual for both husband and wife to be architects that a local newspaper wrote an article about it. Elizabeth kept her maiden name for a while. However, when she became pregnant in 1940, she changed it to her husband's name, as was common then.
Elizabeth managed their architecture company by herself during important times. She ran the firm when her husband was away during World War II. She also managed it from 1950 to 1971. During this time, Winston was the head architect for the University of Minnesota.
Architectural historian Jane King Hession said that Elizabeth inspired many women in architecture. Elizabeth wanted to be known simply as an architect, not just a "woman architect." She was famous for designing buildings with flat roofs, natural wood siding, and large windows.
In 2002, Elizabeth Close received the Minnesota Gold Medal. This award is given by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for a lifetime of great work. It is the highest honor from the local branch of the AIA.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Elizabeth Close passed away on November 29, 2011, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was a great role model for many women. She showed them that they could succeed in architecture, even though it was mostly a male profession.
In 2020, a book about her life was published. It is called Elizabeth Scheu Close: A Life in Modern Architecture. There was also an exhibit about her work at the University of Minnesota.
Notable Buildings and Designs
- The Close family home (1953) in the University Grove neighborhood near the University of Minnesota.
- Ferguson Hall, the music building on the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus.
- Gray Freshwater Biological Institute, located on Lake Minnetonka.
- The Rood House (1948), designed for sculptor John Rood in Minneapolis' Kenwood neighborhood.
- The Duff house in Wayzata, Minnesota.
- Fourteen houses in the University Grove neighborhood near the University of Minnesota.
- Whiting House (1950) in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Images for kids
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Ferguson Hall, on the University of Minnesota West Bank campus, designed by Elizabeth and Winston Close
See also
In Spanish: Elizabeth Scheu Close para niños
