Welcome to the Archives of The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture. The purpose of this online collection is to function as a tool for scholars, students, architects, preservationists, journalists and other interested parties. The archive consists of photographs, slides, articles and publications from Rudolph’s lifetime; physical drawings and models; personal photos and memorabilia; and contemporary photographs and articles.
Some of the materials are in the public domain, some are offered under Creative Commons, and some are owned by others, including the Paul Rudolph Estate. Please speak with a representative of The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture before using any drawings or photos in the Archives. In all cases, the researcher shall determine how to appropriately publish or otherwise distribute the materials found in this collection, while maintaining appropriate protection of the applicable intellectual property rights.
In his will, Paul Rudolph gave his Architectural Archives (including drawings, plans, renderings, blueprints, models and other materials prepared in connection with his professional practice of architecture) to the Library of Congress Trust Fund following his death in 1997. A Stipulation of Settlement, signed on June 6, 2001 between the Paul Rudolph Estate and the Library of Congress Trust Fund, resulted in the transfer of those items to the Library of Congress among the Architectural Archives, that the Library of Congress determined suitable for its collections. The intellectual property rights of items transferred to the Library of Congress are in the public domain. The usage of the Paul M. Rudolph Archive at the Library of Congress and any intellectual property rights are governed by the Library of Congress Rights and Permissions.
However, the Library of Congress has not received the entirety of the Paul Rudolph architectural works, and therefore ownership and intellectual property rights of any materials that were not selected by the Library of Congress may not be in the public domain and may belong to the Paul Rudolph Estate.
LOCATION
Address: 3800 East Genesee Street
City: Syracuse
State: New York
Zip Code: 13214
Nation: United States
STATUS
Type: Religious
Status: Project
TECHNICAL DATA
Date(s): 1959-1960
Site Area:
Floor Area:
Height:
Floors (Above Ground):
Building Cost:
PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Client:
Architect: Paul Rudolph
Associate Architect:
Landscape:
Structural:
MEP:
QS/PM:
SUPPLIERS
Contractor:
Subcontractor(s):
May Memorial Unitarian Church
Following continued growth, the congregation recognizes the need for a new building to supplement the existing church which was built in 1885. 80 church members become involved with plans for a new building by working on 11 committees.
During the Annual Congregational Meeting on May 14, 1959 Rudolph is selected by the New Church Committee to design a new church for the congregation, subject to approval by the congregation at a special meeting to be held on June 7, 1959.
Rudolph prepares plans between April and December 1960.
In June 1961 an Administration Committee is formed.
During July and August 1961 a series of joint sessions of the Administration and Architecture Committees and six congregational meetings are held for the purpose of establishing basic objectives for the type of church the congregation wanted. This results in the release of a “Statement of Basic Consideration of Design” This statement includes background information for the architect, including a request for the use of natural materials and design simplicity. It asks for architecture marked by beauty, challenge, dignity, serenity, stimulation and strength.
In September and October 1961 the Administration and Architecture Committees jointly interview a total of 14 architectural firms. This results in the unanimous recommendation to select the architectural firm Pedersen, Hueber and Hares, a local Syracuse firm to work with Dean Pietro Belluschi of MIT as design consultant. This recommendation is accepted by the Board of Trustees in November 1961 and a contract is executed.
In November 1962, the Building Administration Committee issues a report to the Board of Trustees indicating that “the Board of Trustees recommends that, if possible, the architect be from the immediate vicinity.”
The current May Memorial Unitarian Church is completed in 1965.
DRAWINGS - Design Drawings / Renderings
DRAWINGS - Construction Drawings
DRAWINGS - Shop Drawings
PHOTOS - Project Model
PHOTOS - During Construction
PHOTOS - Completed Project
PHOTOS - Current Conditions
LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
The May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church Website
RELATED DOWNLOADS
PROJECT BIBLIOGRAPHY