According to literature, architecture is the art and technique of designing, planning, and constructing structures, but in reality, it is much more than that. Architecture is not only the proof of human existence but also the symbol of our culture, society, history, values, and living standards.
Architecture is an art that delves deep into its meaning; it could be a social statement, a political statement, a functional space, or a haven. Therefore, the architect should be extremely creative and have impeccable and exquisite design skills. Encapsulating the true art of architecture, Kendrick Bangs Kellogg is one of those architects who designs extraordinary and immaculate organic buildings.
One of his masterpieces is the Kellogg Doolittle Residence, situated in Joshua Tree, California, and constructed over a 10.5-acre plot. The plot owners, Jay Doolittle and his wife Beverly Doolittle, were searching for a skillful and talented architect to design their house, and that’s when they came across Ken Kellogg. Impressed by Kellogg’s work, the couple soon decided to hire him for the construction of their dream house. In 1986, the project started, but it took seven years to complete the house’s exterior and another twenty-one years to finish the interior structure and design. Finally, after a long wait of 28 years, the house was completed in 2014. Though it took a lot of time, the wait was truly worth it, as the house turned out to be a masterpiece.
During the planning and designing phase, the couple had given a handwritten briefing of what they expected from Kellogg. Keeping the specifications and the client’s needs in mind, Kellogg designed this beautiful house. The document given by the couple contained all the specifications of the house they had dreamt of. A few of those requests were: the house should be open and informal and large enough to accommodate their various activities. But they did not want a “large” house, they also requested a dining space for three, enough to handle up to five people if they have guests. When it came down to the question of future budget constraints and whether they would sacrifice the size of the home or the quality of the building materials, “we would sacrifice house size,” the couple clearly stated.
Despite the fact that there was no mention of a swimming pool in the original list of requirements provided by the couple, Kellogg insisted that the house would not be complete without it. Thus, the decision to construct an outdoor pool on the North West side of the house was made.
The house is divided into two parts; the main house is on an elevation of the rocks, and the garage is on the street level with a distance of 500 feet between them. Kellogg took almost thirty years to build this house, but the result took the world by storm. This was because of the breathtaking interior and exterior design of the house. Due to this one-of-the-kind art manifesto, Kellogg was compared to the likes of one of the most important architects of the twentieth century, John Lautner. Witnessing Kellogg’s journey, people entering the fold of art and design can observe that learning to think of oneself more as an innovator is crucial in order to construct impressive buildings and structures.
