Title_Sebastian-Mariscal

We often wonder why so many great lessons from mid-century modern architecture, and most notably the Case Study House Program, have been lost over the years. Many important ideas were conceptualized and built in the late 40’s through early 60’s such as the open-plan, attenuated columns in lieu of bearing walls, glass walls that open up to the outside, outdoor rooms, mass-void relationships, minimal furniture layouts… we could go on all day. Thanks to Nick, a hard working peer, we were recently introduced to the San Diego based studio of Sebastian Mariscal, whose work authenticates these ideas and more. Mariscal put in his time under Jonathan Segal, the developer / architect / builder and subsequently develops many of his own projects. The work retains so many critical spatial qualities of architecture and at the same time unites them with design-forward materials and geometries. Looking through the breathtaking photos of his work you get the impression that these dwellings really do allow the inhabitants to live extraordinary lives. The photos below are from the uber-talented Hisao Suzuki via the Sebastian Mariscal website. We highly recommend studying up on both Mariscal and Suzuki; we’re willing to bet a Barcelona chair that you’ll be seeing more of both these individuals.

Tercio Winery by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

Tercio Winery, 2007
Tercio Winery by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

Tercio Winery by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki
[Photos by Hisao Suzuki]

Valle House, 2004
Valle House by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

Valle House by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki
[Photos by Hisao Suzuki]

Six, 2007
Six by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

Six by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

Six by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki
[Photos by Hisao Suzuki]

2inns, 2006
2inns by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

2inns by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki
[Photos by Hisao Suzuki]
Keep in mind that this is being done in earthquake country – clever engineering by Omar Mobayed. We’re still trying to figure out where they hide sliding glass doors…

On Grape, 2006
On Grape by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

On Grape by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki
[Photos by Hisao Suzuki]

Billboard Lofts, 2003
Billboard Lofts by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

[Photos by Hisao Suzuki]

State & Date, 2002
State & Date by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki

State & Date by Sebastian Mariscal, photo by Hisao Suzuki
[Photo by Hisao Suzuki]