MAS Context Spring Talks 2024

Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner

January 26-January 28, 2024

Between January 26 and January 28, 2024, and coinciding with what would have been the 100th birthday of architect Albert C. Ledner, MAS Context hosted the digital screening of Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner, a film produced and directed by Catherine Ledner and Roy Beeson.

Contributors

About Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner

Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner is a documentary film that traces the life and work of the playful and experimental New Orleans modernist architect. The film follows Ledner’s journey from post WWII student of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin until 2017, when Ledner died after having worked and innovated until the age of 93. Ledner’s work has been described as “impudent in the face of doctrinaire modernism.”

A native of New Orleans, Ledner practiced and realized over forty unique houses there. He designed numerous buildings across the country for the National Maritime Union, three of which are now iconic figures in New York City. With interviews and onsite tours of his buildings, Ledner details his thoughts and personal inspirations for his varied and experimental designs.

Intended not only for architecture aficionados, the film will appeal to those interested in the creative process, invisible design, and radical outside-of-the-box thinking.

Mas event 2024 designing life the modernist architecture of albert c ledner poster

CREDITS

Directors: Catherine Ledner and Roy Beeson
Writers: Catherine Ledner and Roy Beeson
Producers: Catherine Ledner and Roy Beeson
Key Cast:
Albert Ledner and Wayne Troyer
Editor: Lynn True

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Filming Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner.

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Filming Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner.

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Filming Designing Life: The Modernist Architecture of Albert C. Ledner.

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Residence for Mr. and Mrs. Ledner, New Orleans.

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Residence for Mr. and Mrs. Ledner, New Orleans.

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Shaw House, New Orleans.

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First Unitarian Church, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Acknowledgements

All photos courtesy of Catherine Ledner and Roy Beeson.

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