In 2026, MAS Context began a new series focused on individual homes by publishing books on two remarkable houses: the Sam and Ruth Van Sickle Ford House in Aurora, Illinois, designed by Bruce Goff, and the Casa Gomis Bertrand / La Ricarda in El Prat de Llobregat, Spain, designed by Antonio Bonet.
Located about an hour from downtown Chicago, the Sam and Ruth Van Sickle Ford House—commonly known as the Ford House—is a unique residence among a suburban residential neighborhood a couple of miles west of downtown Aurora, Illinois. Completed in 1950, the Ford House is a rich, complex, and welcoming space. The book Sam and Ruth Van Sickle Ford House includes contributions by Sidney K. Robinson—owner of the house—as well as Petra Bachmaier, Leo Berk, Assaf Evron, Grant Gibson, David Skidmore, and Mary Woolever.
The Casa Gomis Bertrand—commonly known as Casa Gomis and La Ricarda— completed in 1963, is one of the key midcentury buildings in Spain. Working closely with the clients via letters, Bonet designed every aspect of the building, from the overall organization to the materials, interior details, and furniture. The book Casa Gomis Bertrand / La Ricarda includes contributions by the six siblings of the Gomis Bertrand family that grew up in the house—Inés Gomis Bertrand, Elena Gomis Bertrand, Marita Gomis Bertrand, Beatriz Gomis Bertrand, José Antonio Gomis Bertrand, and Susana Gomis Bertrand—as well as the architects that aided with the restoration of the house over the last several decades—Fernando Álvarez Prozorovich and Jordi Roig.
Sam and Ruth Van Sickle Ford House and Casa Gomis Bertrand / La Ricarda have been designed by Chicago-based Normal, responding to Florio’s photography and the design of the house. The colors of the cloth covers, inside covers, and edge stitching were all inspired by the building materials.
During this program, Iker Gil and James Florio will discuss the ideas and process behind these two books.
Copies of both books will be available for purchase during the event.
