For fans of modern design and Mid Century architecture the name Julius Shulman is probably familiar. Think of him as the Ansel Adams of mod. Shulman, now a youthful 98 years old, began his career in the Thirties and has photographed nearly every significant architect in the modern movement. Through the Fifties and Sixties his shots came to symbolize California style and the modern aesthetic. Oklahomans will have a rare chance to meet this iconic photographer on September 11, 2008. Shulman will be giving a lecture at Untitled Artspace in Oklahoma City as part of the Bruce Goff Lecture Series. The event begins at 5:00 and is free. For more info and details on Untitled Artspace visit www.1ne3.org , or skip the puzzling home page navigation and go directly to the press release .
The Church of Tomorrow Oklahoma's state capitol dome was added some 88 years after the capitol was built, finally completed in 2002. But not far away is another dome that has been turning heads since 1956. It's the First Christian Church of Oklahoma City. Call it a wigwam, igloo, earthbound spaceship or dome- no matter how you describe the shape of the sanctuary, it's definitely eye-catching. The thin-shell concrete dome is massive, with seating for 1200. Connected to the dome is a four-story administrative building and a 185-seat theater. Dedicated as "The First Christian Church of Tomorrow," the architecture caught the attention of local newspapers, as well as Life magazine (Feb. 1957). Last summer I had a unique opportunity to explore these interesting buildings. The main complex was designed by R. Duane Conner in 1953. Conner was a member of the congregation and offered three different designs for the church. Credit is also attributed to his partner, Fr