Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection, Ms2001-049, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1.5 Cubic Feet
Creator:
Tyng, Anne Griswold, 1920-2011
Abstract:
Anne Griswold Tyng was born in 1920 in Lushan, Jiangxi province, China where her parents were living as missionaries, Tyng was an architect, professor, and design theorist best known for her collaborations with Louis I. Kahn. She studied at Radcliffe-Harvard (1942), received her Masters at Harvard Graduate School of Design (1944), and PhD in Architecture from University of Pennsylvania (1975). She specialized in space frame architecture and mathematics. Tyng designed and built the first totally triangulated space-frame house for hollowed out living space. The collection consists of publications, exhibit materials, and biographical material.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection, Ms2001-049, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection consists of files and drawings that relate to Tyng's work as an architectural designer and theorist. It includes professional writings, drawings, and biographical material. The majority of the collection consists of photocopies of drawings from Tyng's weekend project at Virginia Tech titled "The Creative Experience' held March 1999.

Biographical / historical:

Anne Griswold Tyng (July 14, 1920-December 27, 2011) was an architect and professor. She is best known for her three decade collaboration and partnership with Louis I. Kahn. Tyng graduated with a B. Arch from the Radcliffe-Harvard College (1942) and later received her Masters from Harvard Graduate School of Design (1944). She had the unique experience of being at the heart of three architectural movements: "Bauhaus Renaissance" at Harvard, Buckminster Fuller's exploration of innovative geometry and high technology, and Louis Kahn's synthesis of geometry and humanism.

After working at Stonorov and Kahn Architects (1945-1947), Office of Louis I. Kahn FAIA (1947-1974), Anne Giswold Tyng, FAIA (1949-1999), and Louis I. Kahn and Anne G. Tyng Associated Architects (1951-1974) Tyng became a professor. She spent much of her later career teaching architecture at the University of Pennsylvania where she received her PhD in 1975. Tyng is the recipient of numerous honors, has participated in 25 exhibits, published 27 articles, and presented 68 lectures. Tyng's influence on Kahn's work was finally recognized in 2010 when The Institute of Contemporary Art held a retrospective exhibition of her work.

Acquisition information:
The Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection was donated to the International Archive of Women in Architecture at Special Collections in 2000. Additional materials were donated in March 2004.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection was completed in March 2012.

Arrangement:

The Anne Griswold Tyng Architectural Collection is arranged into four series by material type:

Series I: Artwork

Series II: Biographical Information

Series III: Presentations

Series IV: Professional Writings

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard