12/02/2019
Ray Kappe FAIA
August 4, 1927 -- November 21, 2019
Ray Kappe, influential, internationally known visionary architect, planner and educator, passed away on November 21st. He was 92. During his 66 years of busy practice, (three houses currently in construction in Berlin, Germany, Palm Springs and Venice, California plus 3 projects for LivingHomes-- houses in Santa Monica & Malibu, and a mixed-use project in Ketchum, Idaho) his over 100 residences, usually multi-leveled of wood and glass, on difficult uphill sites, with exciting spacial planning, are known as the "apotheosis of the California modern house." His own internationally known residence, in Rustic Canyon, Los Angeles, California, designed in one week and built in 1965-1967, has been much awarded, published, visited by thousands of architects, students and lay people by appointment only and recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Cultural Heritage Monument, is described as "one of the most important seminal modern houses in the world."
In 1972, after successfully developing the Cal Poly Pomona Architecture Program, Kappe, resigned and founded SCI-ARC. The Southern California Institute of Architecture, located in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. Now almost 50 years old, with some 6,000 graduates working, practicing, writing, and teaching around the world, SCI-ARC is internationally well-known and respected.
When Kappe was given the first Distinguished Alumnus Award in Architecture by U.C. Berkeley's School of Environmental Design, the Dean, Harrison Fraker stated that "When Ray Kappe founded & developed SCI-ARC, he changed Architectural Education forever."
Some other Kappe reseach projects and futurist ideas included lecturing and publishing on innovative solar energy systems, and incorporating them into his architecture; and a transportation single person car system for the freeways, run by radar, that would take cars off the road. Other ideas include damming the Los Angeles river and creating a recreation area for the city to enjoy; and making Broadway into a pedestrian walking street, a "Ramblas" like the one in Barcelona, Spain. These ideas were published by Kappe some 50 years ago, and lectured about some 10 yeas ago at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was never too busy to spend time with his kids. He was involved with sports--Little League Manager & Coach, Indian Guides, with his two sons. Art projects and travel were family affairs and could take up to 3 months of summer time. He didn't work nights or week-ends. That was family time. In addition to sharing a passion for Architecture and SCI-ARC, Kappe and his wife, Shelly also enjoyed going Dinner-Dancing to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions.
After courageously coping with declining pulmonary health, and showing incredible strength of spirit, for almost three years, he passed away peacefully on November 21st surrounded by his loving family. His devoted wife, Shelly Kappe had provided strong and steady care and attention, supported by Finn Kappe and Julie Truher, and Karen Kappe was a constant, uplifting morning companion to her beloved father. Additional care during this challenging time was provided by the family of Blanca Valladeres, including Eleazar Hernandez, Gilbert Samaniego and Mateo Aranda.
Ray Kappe is survived by his devoted wife, partner and collaborator of 69 1/2 years, Shelly Kappe, 3 children, Ron Kappe & Diane Balmer; Karen Kappe, Finn Kappe & Julie Truher; four grandchildren, Adam Kappe, Tessa Kappe & Sam Hartman, Bryan Kappe & Valerie Krakauer; Will & Stacey Kaiser and 2 great grandchildren Cambrie Kaiser and River Kappe. His family will miss him deeply along with his colleagues, friends and community who loved him.
Ray Kappe's multi-accomplished life will be celebrated on
Tuesday, December 3rd, at 10:00 A.M. at
Hillside Memorial Park & Mortuary
6001 W. Centinela Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca. 90045
