Draft:Dean Bryant Vollendorf: Difference between revisions

Dean Bryant Vollendorf was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on August 25, 1929 and died on May 6, 2008. He is most well known for his midcentury modern angular architecture style which was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. He was also inspired by German architect Mies Van Der Rohe and Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Vollendorf's work is part of The American School which was created by Bruce Goff, Herb Greene, and others at the University of Oklahoma during the 1950s-1960s. These architects are often described renegades, iconoclasts, and apostates. [1]

Military Career

Vollendorf served as draftsman in the Army Corps of Engineers as was stationed in Alaska.

Dean Bryant Vollendorf architectural logo found on floorplans (1971)

Architecture Career

Vollendorf was a trained architect. He studied architecture at the University of Cinncinati. Following graduation, Vollendorf worked at Edgar A. Stubenrauch and Associates located in Wisconsin as chief designer. He then went on to work for John Randal McDonald (who like Vollendorf, was also inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright), John Westerlund, and Bob Opsah designing residential and commercial buildings. He is most well known for his modern and imaginative architectural drawings. Vollendorf's work was featured in several influential architecture magazines including The New Homes Guide, House Beautiful, and Friends of Kebyar. His 'Baysweep' design was New Home Guide's best-selling plan in the magazine's history. A good example of 'Baysweep' design can be seen in the Cecil M. Buffalo Jr. House located in Arkansas which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

Academic Career

Vollendorf was a Professor of Architecture at the University of Florida, the University of Oklahoma, Clemson University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His lectures incorporated the styles of Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, John Lautner and Fay Jones. He also developed lifelong friendships with his students. He sought to inspire his students to use their imagination and to not feel fearful about failing. His body of work has long-lasting impacts which contributed to today's organic design movement

James H. Fox (1939–2017) studied under Vollendorf. Fox completed a MA degree in Architecture at the University of Oklahoma.

Academic Appointments:

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina

University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina

Oklahoma Architecture

Vollendorf's designs are dotted across the United States. Seven notable examples can be found in Oklahoma.

The Vollendorf Residence – 1424 Westbrooke Terrace, Norman.

Built in 1965 and known as 'the Mustang,' Vollendorf designed this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 1,400 square foot home during his time as an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma. It is bright and tranquil with an indoor/outdoor atrium. It was featured in the New Homes Guide in the Winter 1967 issue. He lived in 'the Mustang' from 1965 until he left the University of Oklahoma in 1971. John G. York, a fellow OU architecture professor, purchased the home from Vollendorf.

The Bernstein Residence – 1028 Connelly Lane, Norman — added to the National Register in 2018

The Jischke (Jiskie) Residence – 2518 Acacia Court, Norman

The Kelsey Residence – 1601 Chamblee, Norman

Aldridge House, Norman

Holbert House, Bartlesville

The Whitney Residence - 712 Glenmanor Dr., Midwest City

Legacy

Vollendorf's body of work is currently housed at the Oklahoma History Center.