Beverly Willis Architectural Collection, 1954 - 1999

Dublin Core

Title

Beverly Willis Architectural Collection, 1954 - 1999

Subject

Architects and community
International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA)
City planning
Housing--United States
Architecture--Computer-aided design

Description

The Beverly Willis Architectural Collection spans the years 1954 to 1999 and is comprised primarily of records documenting Willis’s work as an architect in San Francisco between 1960 and 1990. The collection documents the application of computers to architectural design and land analysis, the development of CARLA (Computerized Approach to Residential Land Analysis) in the 1970s, the history of twentieth-century urban planning, particularly in San Francisco; and the contribution of women to twentieth-century American architecture. Willis, a noted artist, photographer, teacher, and writer, employed the full range of visual arts and design skills to influence and guide architectural projects of major significance.

The bulk of the collection is comprised of Willis and Associates, Inc., (WAI) project files from 1960 to 1990. Projects range from private residences and residential developments to large public institutions, such as the San Francisco Ballet Association Building; and urban development projects, most notably the Yerba Buena Gardens project in downtown San Francisco (unbuilt). Also included are records and design documents for Aliamanu Valley New Town, a military base in Hawaii that was the first major project designed with CARLA, computer software for environmentally-responsive architectural design and feasibility planning created by WAI; and records documenting the development of CARLA.

Project files are comprised of presentation drawings, slope analysis drawings, site plans, maps, cut-and-fill analysis plans, sketches, conceptual design drawings, construction drawings, as well as correspondence, research files, contracts, environmental impact statements and studies, financial records, and feasibility studies. There are records for more than 150 projects. Drawings are large folio, pen-and- ink or watercolor on paper, linen, or mylar. Some are heightened with color.

Also included is a series documenting the development of CARLA, Computerized Approach to Residential Land Analysis, in the 1970s. Beverly Willis was interested in issues that affected planning, population density, and land-use economics in relation to large-scale development. Along with Eric Tiescholz and Jochen Eigen, she developed a program that enabled architects, with the use of computers, to develop site plans and design techniques in a fraction of the time required by the old methodology. Records documenting the development of CARLA include computer tapes, correspondence, flow charts, memos, and Jochen Eigen's notes on interfacing CARLA with a computer mapping program in 1974.

Creator

Willis, Beverly, 1928-

Source

See the finding aid for the Beverly Willis Architectural Collection

Date

1954-1999

Language

English

Type

Architectural drawings

Identifier

Ms1992_019_

Bibliographic Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Beverly Willis Architectural Collection, Ms1992-019, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Rights Holder

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Collection Items

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1975 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 8M2 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Ink on design vellum. Project #0660

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1975 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 7M2 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Ink on design vellum. Project #0660

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1975 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 5H1 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Ink on design vellum. Project #0660

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1975 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 4F1 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Ink on design vellum. Project #0660

Site plan for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., 1972 (Ms1992-019)
Site plan for client presentation for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Ink on design vellum. Project #0594

Section for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., 1972 (Ms1992-019)
Building section for client presentation for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Ink on design vellum. Project #0594

Floor plan for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., 1972 (Ms1992-019)
Building plan for client presentation for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Ink on design vellum. Project #0594

Sections for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., January 3, 1972 (Ms1992-019)
Building sections for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Exterior elevations for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., January 3, 1972 (Ms1992-019)
North and courtyard elevations for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Entrance plan and interior elevations for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., January 3, 1972 (Ms1992-019)
Pine Street entrance plans and interior elevations for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Exterior elevations for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., January 3, 1972 (Ms1992-019)
Pine Street and Vine Terrace building elevations for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Typical apartment plans for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., August 19, 1970 (Ms1992-019)
Plan showing typical apartment unit layouts for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Exterior elevation for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., September 30, 1970 (Ms1992-019)
South elevation along Pine Street for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Second and third floor plan for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., September 30, 1970 (Ms1992-019)
Second and third floor plan showing typical apartment unit layouts for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

First floor plan for Vine Terrace Apartments, San Francisco, Ca., September 30, 1970 (Ms1992-019)
First floor plan showing typical apartment unit layouts for Vine Terrace, renamed Nob Hill, Apartments. Project #0594

Presentation drawing for Pacific Point Condominiums, Pacifica, Ca., 1971 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing showing aerial view of complex with surrounding walkway and ocean view for Pacific Point Condominiums. Project # 0577

Exterior elevations for Pacific Point Condominiums, Pacifica, Ca., December 16, 1971 (Ms1992-019)
Elevations for recreation building showing typical building materials for Pacific Point Condominiums. Project # 0577

Design sketch for Union Street Parking and Beautification, San Francisco, Ca., c. 1969 (Ms1992-019)
Partial design sketch elevation for Union Street parking and beautification plan. Pencil and ink on paper. Project #0378

Typical section through street for Union Street Parking and Beautification, San Francisco, Ca., April 30, 1969 (Ms1992-019)
Section through street showing plantings, typical root pattern, trolley wire supports, and municipal transit for Union Street parking and beautification plan. Pencil and ink on paper. Project #0378

Master plan for Union Street Parking and Beautification, San Francisco, Ca., c. 1969 (Ms1992-019)
Master plan showing street with tree, planting locations for Union Street parking and beautification plan. Pencil on paper. Project #0378

Detail plans for Union Street Parking and Beautification, San Francisco, Ca., April 30, 1969 (Ms1992-019)
Drawing showing typical details at various intersections on Union Street for Union Street parking and beautification plan. Pencil and ink on paper. Project #0378

Presentation drawing for Union Street Parking and Beautification, San Francisco, Ca., c. 1969 (Ms1992-019)
Perspective/presentation drawing showing the corner of Union and Laguna for Union Street parking and beautification plan. Pencil and ink on paper. Project #0378

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1979 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 4G1 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Project #0660

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1979 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 4H1 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Project #0660

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1979 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 1D1 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Project #0660

Presentation drawing for Aliamanu Valley Community, Honolulu, Hi., 1979 (Ms1992-019)
Presentation drawing 8K2 and 4F1 for large multi-family housing complex, Aliamanu Valley Community. Project #0660

Axonometric presentation drawing for IRS Computer Center Prototype, Covington, Ky., c. 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Axonometric presentation drawings (phases one through three) for a prototypical computer annex design meant to be adapted to multiple sites, commissioned by the Internal Revenue Service (unbuilt). Project #0676

Building elevations for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., February 20, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Exterior elevations of playground building for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Floor plan for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., January 11, 1982 (Ms1992-019)
Playground building floor plan with finishes and door, window schedules for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Site plan for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., February 20, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Site plan with detail sections for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Play structure plan and elevations for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., April 6, 1977 (Ms1992-019)
Construction drawing diazotype (play structure plan and elevation) for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Play area layout for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., April 6, 1977 (Ms1992-019)
Construction drawing diazotype (play area layout) for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Schematic plan for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., October 10, 1979 (Ms1992-019)
Site and floor plan, pencil and color pencil on paper, for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Axonometric drawing for Margaret S. Hayward Playground, San Francisco, Ca., c. 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Axonometric drawing from above, on design vellum, for Margaret S. Hayward Playground rehabilitation. Project #0716

Relation to Market Street for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., February 4, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Part of joint project report/design development, showing sketches from various angles, illustrating how complex relates to surrounding area, for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project…

Relationship to Market Street for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., February 4, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Part of joint project report/design development, showing how complex relates to surrounding area, for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Connections for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., February 4, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Part of joint project report/design development, exploring designs for connecting gardens for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Alternative built form for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., February 4, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Part of joint project report/design development, exploring the alternative building designs as anchors, with accompanying notes, for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Conceptual design of anchor for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., February 4, 1981 (Ms1992-019)
Part of joint project report/design development, exploring the character of the anchoring design for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Level three plan for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., April 12, 1984 (Ms1992-019)
Basic concept plan, highlighting level three design layer for complex, for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Level two plan for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., April 12, 1984 (Ms1992-019)
Basic concept plan, highlighting level two design layer for complex, for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Level one plan for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., April 12, 1984 (Ms1992-019)
Basic concept plan, highlighting level one design layer for complex, for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Axonometric drawing for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., July 10, 1983 (Ms1992-019)
Axonometric study of fountain from above for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Presentation drawing sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
Perspective/presentation drawing for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Design sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
One in a series of design sketches (ink, color pencil on paper) showing alternative design concepts for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Design sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
One in a series of design sketches (ink, color pencil on paper) showing alternative design concepts for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Design sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
One in a series of design sketches (ink, color pencil on paper) showing alternative design concepts for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Design sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
One in a series of design sketches (ink, color pencil on paper) showing alternative design concepts for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Design sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
One in a series of design sketches (ink, color pencil on paper) showing alternative design concepts for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752

Design sketch for Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Ca., 1983 (Ms1992-019)
One in a series of design sketches (ink, color pencil on paper) showing alternative design concepts for Yerba Buena Gardens, part of a large commercial project. Unbuilt due to disruption of funding. Project #0752
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Collection Tree

  • Beverly Willis Architectural Collection, 1954 - 1999