On View
“THE SEA RANCH: ARCHITECTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND IDEALISM”
Developers have long coveted the rugged California coastline as a prime location to build mansions for the wealthy, but the architects and designers behind The Sea Ranch–a planned community north of San Francisco–had a different idea in mind: modest homes, a network of trails, shared vegetable gardens and recreational facilities.
Conceived in 1964, the neighborhood is on view at the SFMOMA through April 28, exploring early concepts and detailed plans centered around an appreciation for art, architecture and living lightly on the land.
The show includes original sketches, designs and site studies, but the highlight is a full-scale architectural replica of a 600-square-foot lofted unit designed to sleep 10. While never fully realized, the Sea Ranch vision still serves as a model for progressive living today.
