Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Dorothee Stelzer King Architectural Collection
King, Dorothée
Ms.2013.023
6.92 Cubic Feet
6 boxes; 6 oversize folders
1950-2018
Born in Berlin, Germany. Dorothee Stelzer King is an architect and professor who has practiced in Germany, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collection consists of material (drawings, presentation boards, photographs, and printed material) created and accumulated by King as a student and during her professional career. Some examples include: her award-winning student project of creating a flexible and transportable exhibition hall and her project work for the Government of the Bahamas. Materials in this collection range in date from 1950-2008.
Material is in English and German.
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from Dorothee Stelzer King Architectural Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Dorothee Stelzer King Architectural Collection Ms2013-023, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Acquisition Information
The Dorothee Stelzer King Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in December 2008.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Dorothee Stelzer King Architectural Collection was completed in May 2013. Additional donations processed in September 2021.
Biographical Note
Born in Berlin, Germany. King is an architect and professor who has practiced in Germany, the United States, and the Bahamas. She graduated from the Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste (HBK) with the title 'Diplom Architect HBK Berlin' in 1962. Upon graduating from HBK she worked for two years (1962-1964) in the architectural office of Dipl. Ing. Hilde Westrom, one of the few independently working women architects in Berlin. King would go on to receive the Airlift Memorial Scholarship and Fulbright Travel Grant allowing her to study under Louis I. Kahn in his Master Studio at the University of Pennsylvania (1965-1967). Her experiences with Kahn would greatly influence her own style of teaching at the Pratt Institute School of Architecture (1969-1981) and other organizations.
King and her husband, fellow architect Douglas King, were offered the opportunity to work as architects with the Government of the Bahamas in Nassau (1981-1985). There she primarily worked on projects for the Ministries of Health and Housing including: public rental units with a senior citizen complex, design for a high school library in Cooperstown, and as project architect and head construction supervisor for the Bahamas Nursing School. 1985-1991 saw King commuting between New York, Nassau, and Florida as she finished supervising the Bahamas Nursing School and partnered with her husband on a design-build company called Kingston Homes in West Palm Beach, Florida. Shortly after returning to New York full-time (1991) King began teaching at several New York institutions and public schools within the city (1993-2008).
Scope and Content
The collection consists of material created and accumulated by King during the course of her days as a student and her professional career. This material primarily comprises drawings, presentation boards, photographs, and printed material related to various design projects undertaken by King during the time period 1957 to 1988. Also included within the collection is a detailed biographical narrative written by King describing the trajectory of her career and a family history and genealogy titled
From the Basilius, Gersdorff and Horn Families to the King, Kruppa and Stelzer Families, also written by King.
Women -- History
Architecture (discipline)
International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA)
Architects
Architectural drawings (visual works)
Personal Papers1950-2008Scope and ContentsThis subseries consists of Dorothee S. King's personal documents, school reports, drawings, and notes on projects relating to her at Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste (HBK) and the University of Pennsylvania.
Biographical narrative200811Certificates, Awards, Diplomas, etc.1950-197612Family history and genealogy, From the Basilius, Gersdorff and Horn Families to the King, Kruppa and Stelzer Families, written by Dorothee Stelzer King200713Photograph, Dorothee S. Kingc.198014Scholarships [applications, correspondence, award, and recommendations]196415Student Projects1957-1974Austellungbau Variabel-Tranportabel [Exhibition Hall Flexible -Transportable], HDK Berlin1962163Scope and ContentMaterials present include a project description, 2 model photographs, 1 set of photographic reductions of the model, 1 set of slides of the drawings and model, along with a publication "ars viva 62" featuring the project. Drawings include: 7 original ink drawings on board and transparent paper and 2 blueprints.
Ferienhaus in Muggelheim [vacation cottage]19573Scope and Content2 original ink drawings on board and transparent paper.
Reihenhaus [rowhouses]19583Scope and Content9 original ink drawings in transparent paper.
Trauerhalle/Kapelle [chapel]19593Scope and Content7 original ink drawings on transparent paper.
Various Projects, HDK Berlin1960-196217Portfolio of Design Projects: Allen Lane Arts Center and a Monastery at a Desert Site in Arizona196551Loose Leaf Notebook with Course Notes1973-197452Sketches and Notebooks Related to Course Work With Edmund Bacon and Other Works at University of Pennsylvania, 196553Notebooks, Sketchbooks, and Sketches1965542 Original Pencil Travel Sketches196555Notes for the final Oral Presentation for the Professional Degree "Diploma Architect HBK Berlin196231Note books from Classwork in History of Architecture at Hochschule der Kuenste, Berlin (Architecture School)196232Presentation at Hochschule der Kuenste, Berlin (Architecture School) on Eygpt: History, the country, Myths, Architecture, Temples, the Nile, Pyramids, and Interrelationships.196233Airlift Memorial Scholarship: Letters of Recommendation1963German.34Materials related to a course work with Edmund Bacon on Priene196535Publications1981, n.d.Alliance for Women in Architecture1981, n.d.18Collected printed material1920-2002Scope and ContentsSeveral serial and standalone German publications on architecture and architects. Some publications likely belonged to King's mother, Gudrun Horn (Stelzer), who was studying architecture when she met King's father, Gerhard Stelzer. She resumed her studies in the late 1940s after divorcing Stelzer, at which time she reverted to her maiden name, Horn. [Source: Dorothee Stelzer King's family history, Box 1, Folder 3, Dorothee Stelzer King Architectural Collection, Ms2013-023]
Die Auflösung der Städte; oder Der Weg zur Alpinen Architektur by Bruno Taut, 1920 [book]130Neuere Arbeiten von O. R. Salvisberg by Friedrich Ernst Hübsch, 1927 [book]131Paul Bonatz und Seine Schüler by Gerhard Graubner, 1931 [book]132Neues Bauen In Berlin by Heinz Johannes, 1931 [book]133Der Baumeister: Monatshefte für Baukultur und Baupraxis, 1933-193761Scope and ContentsBuilder: Monthly journal of architectural culture and practice [two issues]
Berlin im Aufbau by Max Taut, 194662Interbau Berlin 57: Wiederaufbau Hansaviertel Berlin, 195763Scope and ContentsInternational Building Exhibition Berlin: Reconstruction of the Hansa neighborhood (West) Berlin [two issues]; King won second prize for a student project conpetition associated with the exhibition
Bauwelt: Baukunst, Bautechnik, Bauwirtschaft, 1957, 1973-197464Scope and ContentsSerial publication on architecture, construction technology and industry[5 issues]
Baukunst und Werkform: Otto Wagner and Bruno Taut, 195965Der Architekt: Wiederaufbau der Insel Helgoland (special edition), March 196166Scope and ContentsReconstruction of the Helgoland Archipelago
Deutsche Bauzeitung [German Architecture Magazine], July 196167Werk und Zeit, 1977-197868Scope and ContentsWork and Time [two issues]: "From the 1920s: An Inheritance and Its Heirs," and "Form and Formalism"
Otto Wagner by Sol Kliczkowski, 2002 [book]69Project Records1971-1988Bahamas Nursing School, Nassau, Bahamas1983-1988Project description1985-198719Concept sketches1985-1987110Contract with the Ministry of Finance, Invoices1985-1987111DrawingsBlue print copy at 1/4" scale of detailed furniture and equipment layouts for main lecture hall, library, and commons6Blue print copy at actual drawing size of the architectural drawings: title sheet plus A-1 thru A-356Hand colored blue print copy showing landscaping at actual drawing size of architectural drawing A-1: Site and Location Plan 6Maps and land drawings6Original presentation drawings - ink on vellum4Pencil and ink sketches and line drawings used to prepare the final presentation drawings4Photo-static copies at 1/2 original drawings scale of the architectural drawings A-1 thru A-35 1Landscape1986-1987112Material and color samples, light fixture schedule, signage, room finishes1985-1987113Memorandums and Correspondence1982-1987114Model, study model in chipboard2Opening ceremonyJune 16, 1987115Opening program and press clippings1986-1987116Overall program, office management, building program, list of drawings1981-1984117Photographs1985-1988Negatives, completed building and opening ceremony1987-1988118Negatives, original presentation drawings 1Photographs of completed project1985-1987119Progress photographs (5 folders)January 1986-April 1987120-24Cottage on Rose Island, Bahamas19882Scope and Content2 hand colored presentation drawings on prints.
3 original construction drawings, pencil on vellum.
Daylite Apartments Physical Survey and Proposal, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas1980Project reportMay 1980125Library and Administrative Building Coopers Town High School, Abaco, Bahamas1983Project description1983126Drawings: blue print copy at actual drawing size of the architectural drawings: title sheet plus drawings 1-135Drawings: pencil on vellum Drawing 2 showing preliminary plan layout, elevations and sections at 1/8"= 1'-0"2Townhouse Renovation, King Residence, New York, NY19712Scope and Content2 hand colored original presentation drawings on board.
Sutton Street Public Rental Housing Grants Town Urban Improvement Project, Nassau, Bahamas1983Project description1983127Drawings: blue print copy at actual drawing size of prototype 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom townhouse units -- drawings 1-11.5Drawings: blue print copy at actual drawings size of Sutton Street Public rental units - site plan and sanitary waste plan. [Note: this project utilizes the prototype 3 and 4 bedroom townhouse units above.] 5Drawings: pencil line axonometric drawings on yellow tracing paper and vellum of Sutton Street public rental units2Nassau, Bahamas Ministry of Housing Specifications1983128Photographs of completed project1983129Professional Papers1980-1989, 2014Archaeological Work at Nassau, Bahama, 1980-1988Archaeological Work in the Bahamas1980-19857Scope and ContentsTusculum Plantation, New Providence, Bahamas Illustrations - Recorded and Drawn by Dorothee Stelzer King
Figure Number Followed by Subject and Description
1.1 Map of the Bahamas
1.2 Map of New Providence; Tusculum is located on the northwest coastline
3.1 Map pre-dating recent subdivisions that occurred circa 1985. The map shows the Tusculum site located on the northern coastline of New Providence and its relationship to adjacent areas and topography. A curved road leads to the ruin complex situated at the top of the ridge
3.3 Cross section of the Gambier Ridge at the Tusculum site
3.8 Site plan of the Ruin Complex showing Ruin A on the summit of the ridge, and the locations Ruins B, C, D and F. Also shown are three wells and the old roadway in dotted lines
3.10 Ruin A: Axonometric View as it appeared at the time of the survey. The north facade with the entrance and the north terrace are in the foreground
3.25 Ruin A: Wall Plan at the time of the survey.
3.26 Ruin A: North-South Section through the Ruin
3.27 Ruin A: North Elevation
3.28 Ruin A: South Elevation
3.29 Ruin A: East Elevation
3.30 Ruin A: West Elevation
3.31 Ruin A: Typical Wall Section with Window Opening
3.32 Ruin A: Typical Wall Section through Cellar Window
3.34 Ruin B: Axonometric View of the Ruin at the time of the survey. In the foreground, attached to the eastern wall, is a small addition. The wall shown collapsed and faces Ruin A.
3.35 Ruin B: Wall Plan
3.36 Ruin B: West Elevation
3.37 Ruin B: East Elevation
3.38 Ruin B: North Elevation
3.39 Ruin B: South Elevation
3.40 Ruin C: Axonometric View of the Ruin at the time of the survey. The front elevation with three doors and a window faces east and the Main House, Ruin A. In the foreground, to the right, are the remains of the fireplace. The rear wall, to the west, has collapsed to its foundations.
3.41 Ruin C: Wall Plan
3.42 Ruin C: North Elevation
3.43 Ruin C: South Elevation
3.44 Ruin C: East Elevation
3.45 Ruin C: West Elevation
Description and Report of Archaeology in the Bahamas1982-198337Tusculum Plantation1984-198638Site Excavations Notes, Lecture and Course Notes1982-198839Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas,1980-1985, 2014Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.1/7, April 20142014-04310Scope and ContentsOne copy of description and a documentation report titled"Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas," April 2014
Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.2/72014-04311Scope and ContentsOriginal report, printed text with hand drawn icon diagrams for the documentation report "Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas"
Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.3/72014312Scope and ContentsOriginal report drawings on transparent paper of houses(site plans, floor plans, sections and elevations) for the documentation report "Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas".
Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.4/7201456Scope and ContentsHand written notes and first hard line draft drawings for the
documentation report "Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas"
Original field notes, sketches and resident interviews(1983-1984) for the documentation report "Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas."
Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.5/72014313Scope and ContentsOriginal field notes, sketches and resident interviews(1983-1984) for the documentation report "Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas."
Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.6/72014314Scope and ContentsPhotographic negatives of houses analyzed for the documentation report "Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas"
Study of Ten Small Houses in Grants Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Vol.7/72014315Scope and ContentsCorespendence and meeting records, 1980-1985
Faculty Papers, 1976-2018, n.d.Lincoln Center Institute(LCI), 1997-2018Teaching with the Lincoln Center Institute(LCI) Vol.11997-2008418Teaching with the Lincoln Center Institute(LCI) Vol.21997-2008419Teaching with the Lincoln Center Institute(LCI) Vol.31997-2008420New York Foundation for Architecture, Learning by Design (LBD): NY Program, 1995-2018, n.d.Background Information1995-201842Miscellaneous Workshops and Discussion Notes 1994-2006, n.d.43Workshops on Structures and Suspension Bridges at Various Schools1996-1997, n.d.44Invoices and Procedures2002-200645Staff Development Workshops1995-2005, n.d. 46PS 27K Staff Development Workshop2001-200247PS 27K Residency in Architecture "Entrance, Approach and Procession"200048PS 121Q Residency in Architecture "Colonial America"1999-200049PS 163 Residency in Architecture "Neighborhood Architecture"2002-2004410PS 175Q Residency in Architecture "House Form and Climate"1996411PS 193Q Residency in Architecture "Shelters in Three Different Climate Environments"1998412PS 117K Residency in Architecture "Geometry and Structure"1995-1996413PS 277K Residency in Architecture "A Waterfront Community"1996414Briarcliff Middle School, NJ Residency in Architecture "Transitions and Entrances"2000415Westside Academy, NY Residency in Architecture "Structure in High-rise Buildings" 1999416The Chapin School, NY, Residency in Architecture One Day Workshop "Structures in Architecture"2003417Overall Description,1990-2010Overall Description of Teaching Affiliations1990-201041NYC Ballet Education Department, 1998-2008Background Information2004421The Conde Nast building Lobby and Cafeteria "Choices"2002422Ballet Bridges: "A Space within a Space, Vol. 1/22003423Ballet Bridges: "A Space within a Space, Vol. 2/22003424Architecture-Space and Movement Workshop2001425Procession and Space in Architecture and Dance Workshop2003426Connecting Choreography and Architecture Workshop2004427Moving Structure: Focusing on Balance Workshop2006428Structure and Triangulation in Architecture and Dance Workshop2007429The Concept of Opposites Workshop2007430Objects and Pathways in Space Workshop2006431A Space for Motion Workshop2002432Correspondence2000-2008433Color Photographic Prints of Various Activities and Model Building with Students in the Classroom: A Space within a Space and Sequences"n.d.434Miscellaneous Articles on Theory of Dance, Balanchine, Quotes1993, 2000-2003, n.d.435Resource Materials and Architectural Images, Notes and Ideas for Class Sessions and Site Visits1998, 2002, n.d.436School of Visual Arts, 1994-2005, n.d.Photographic Prints and Negatives, n.d.437Work with SVA Students1994-1998438Background Materials1994-2005439Description of the Proposed Garden, Water Supply, and Irrigation, Class Discussion Notes, Newspaper Articles1994-1998440History of Highbridge Heights, neighborhood and related materials1994-1995441Highbridge Heights Unity Center, Bronx, New York: Community Garden Project1994-1998TBDPrints and Drawings Relating to the Project Vol. 11994-1998442Prints and Drawings Relating to the Project, Vol. 21994-199857Pratt Institute School of Architecture, 1976-1984Student Affairs Chairperson: Faculty and Teaching Materials Vol. 1/31976-1981316Student Affairs Chairperson: Faculty and Teaching Materials Vol. 2/31976-1981317Student Affairs Chairperson: Faculty and Teaching Materials Vol. 3/31976-1981318Food Day (a.k.a. Coalition on Hunger)1977319Reuse Design Proposal for the Federal Archive Building in the New York City197736Major Lectures Vol. 1/61972-1980320Scope and ContentsIntroduction for Louis I. Kahn for a Talk He Gave at Pratt, 1973
Major Lectures Vol. 2/61972-1980321Major Lectures Vol. 3/61972-1980322Major Lectures Vol. 4/61972-1980323Major Lectures Vol. 5/61972-1980324Major Lectures Vol. 6/61972-1980325Vertical Design Studio: Course Outlines for Design Projects1972-1980326Vertical Design Studio: Student Design Proposals1972-1980327Vertical Design Studio: Coney Island1975-1978328Seminar 1978: Native American Pueblo Architecture and Culture, Vol. 1/61978329Scope and ContentsGeneral class talk, introduction to Amerinds, Pueblo Lecture #1, Puebloe Lecture #2 (in depth), Seminar outline: plazas and countryards, maps
Seminar 1978: Native American Pueblo Architecture and Culture, Vol. 2/61978330Scope and ContentsAmerinds Slides Records of Lectures
Seminar 1978: Native American Pueblo Architecture and Culture, Vol. 3/61978331Scope and ContentsPueblo Reports, The Navajo Hogan and Eskmo Dwellings, 1978
Seminar 1978: Native American Pueblo Architecture and Culture, Vol. 4/61978332Scope and ContentsPueblo Settlement Patterns, notes and discussions, general and details, 1978
Seminar 1978: Native American Pueblo Architecture and Culture, Vol. 5/61978333Scope and ContentsPueblo Seminar, May 1978
Seminar 1978: Native American Pueblo Architecture and Culture, Vol. 6/61978334Scope and ContentsAmerican Pueblo Lecture Materials, Notes, Semi-final, 1978
Winterim 1984: Low Income Housing Design: "Bahamian Delights" Vol.1/51984335Scope and ContentsCourse Outline and Class Schedule
Winterim 1984: Low Income Housing Design: "Bahamian Delights," Vol. 2/51984336Scope and ContentsHand Wrriten Course Notes
Winterim 1984: Low Income Housing Design: "Bahamian Delights" Vol. 3/51984337Scope and ContentsHousing Design Studio Notes
Winterim 1984: Low Income Housing Design: "Bahamian Delights," Vol. 4/51984338Scope and ContentsClass List and Course Information
Winterim 1984: Low Income Housing Design: "Bahamian Delights," Vol. 5/51984339