Collection Summary
Roessner, Roland Gommel,
1911-2001
Roland Gommel Roessner
(1911-2001) Photographic material, Records, and Drawings; Residential
architecture in Austin, Texas
1935-1991
RR Accession numbers: 1986023, 1988004, 1992011,
2000032
.83 linear feet of
archival material, 591 - 35mm slides, 262 photographs, 28 sheets
drawings
Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The
University of Texas at Austin.
Roessner was a
resident architect, professor in the University of Texas at Austin School of
Architecture (1948-1982), responsible for establishing the school's
Professional Residency Program and early user of computers to augment teaching.
This group highlights Roessner's two careers, academic and architectural
design, from 1936 to 1991. Bulk of material consists of 35 mm slides (591)
which document a portion of Roessner's completed work; scrapbooks consist of
his portfolios and show events such as awards ceremonies; magazines (1954-1987)
and architectural drawings for three projects illustrate Roessner's residential
work in Austin; brochures and published articles show Roessner's work at the
University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture with emphasis on his work
in computer-augmented teaching of architecture management.
Materials are in English.
Biographical Sketch of Roland Gommel Roessner (1911-2001)
Roland Gommel Roessner received his bachelor of architecture degree
from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in 1935 and his master's from the
University of Cincinnati in 1942. After serving in World War II, Roessner
practiced in St. Petersburg, Florida, before joining the faculty of the
University of Texas School of Architecture (UTSOA) in 1948. Roessner, who
successfully combined teaching with a professional career, realized the
importance of integrating practical experience with a strong theoretical
foundation. He was responsible for establishing the school's Professional
Residency Program, which provided the students with on-the-job training within
the profession before the completion of their degrees. Roessner's early use of
computers to augment teaching included a project for teaching management
processes in architecture.
Roessner's ability to create spaces that preserved the client's
privacy while maintaining an openness in plan garnered for him numerous design
awards. His graceful design for the George Thorne House (1953) received
Newsweek 's 1955 House of the Year Award. His
talent for flexible planning on restricted sites is perhaps best illustrated by
The Oaks Apartments (1962) which provided each apartment, grouped around an
intimate, secluded courtyard, with its own private balcony and view. This
sensitive project, which carefully preserved the site's beautiful oak trees,
received an AIA Award of Merit in 1965. Roessner's other projects included the
Foster Residence (1963), the RGK Foundation Building (1980), and the
Southwestern Bell Telephone Building in Corpus Christi (1981). Roessner was
named professor emeritus in 1983 and an endowed Centennial Professorship was
established in his name at the University of Texas at Austin. He is an AIA
Fellow.
-Lila Stillson
-From: "Texas 50." Texas Architect
(Nov./Dec. 1989): p. 69.
Scope and Content of the collection
A resume, published articles, brochures, magazines, slides, and
architectural drawings highlight both the academic and architectural design
careers of Roland Gommel Roessner. A History of Austin
Architects and Architecture: 1934-1986 and one unidentified photograph
are also contained in this record group.
The brochures demonstrate Roessner's participation in state-wide
exhibits and academic programs at the University of Texas School of
Architecture. One firm brochure of the Oaks Apartments concludes this series.
Magazines (1954-1987, with gaps) illustrate Roessner's residential work in
Austin. The bulk of the material consists of 35 mm slides of private
residences, apartments, businesses, and some floor plans which Roessner
designed. The images are identified using the resident owner's name; they are
not dated (see series list). Roessner disposed of most of his older drawings by
returning them to his clients. The collection does include architectural
drawings for three Austin residences designed by Roessner.
Roessner's most extensive written work, Architect Client: An Experiment in Computer-Augmented Teaching
of Architecture Management (ca. 1968) was co-authored by Thomas E.
Burke, a research associate at the College of Business Administration at the
University of Texas at Austin. The publication contains the results of a
project, begun in 1965, focusing on the development of a computer program to
introduce prospective clients to the various phases and decisions related to
residential design and construction.
Added to the collection in December 1992: Series H contains the
contents of seventeen scrapbooks. The material was removed from the scrapbooks
and photo albums and rehoused in mylar sleeves and acid free folders. Six of
the notebooks contained portfolios from different stages of Roessner's career
(1955-1983), highlighting an assortment of projects. Three albums contained
clippings, photographs and contest entry forms concerning design awards which
Roessner won.
Two albums were dedicated to the Roland Gommel Roessner Centennial
Professorship in Architecture which was established in 1983. Photographs were
from the luncheon held in his honor; clippings, letters and brochures give
further information about the award. Two notebooks contained photographs of
Roessner's early work (1935-1942); most of the buildings are unidentified. Two
notebooks were filled with newspaper and magazine clippings (1946-1980). One
notebook was dedicated solely to the RGK Foundation Building. One scrapbook
contained a varied assortment of photographs of people.
Other Finding Aids
Unpublished inventory in Archive.
References to works by or about Roland Gommel Roessner
(1911-2001)
Note: See Detailed description of the collection, Series F for
additional citations.
"A.I.A. Fellows." Texas
Architect 18, no. 8 (Aug. 1968): p. 10.
American Architects
Directory. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1962 & 1970.
"Foster Residence." Texas
Architect 18, no. 8 (Aug. 1968): p. 19.
"Houses: Architectural Record's Building Types
No. 222." Architectural Record 117 (May 1955): p.
155-56.
"Oaks Apartments." Texas
Architect 15, no. 1 (Jan. 1965): p. 14-17.
Roessner, R. Gommel. "Developer's Housing
1966." Architecture and Building News 229, no. 7
(1966): p. 291-306.
Roessner, R. Gommel. "Doctor's Clinic."
Progressive Architecture 29 (Dec. 1948): p.
61-72.
Index Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the
University of Texas Online Catalog. Researchers desiring materials about
related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these
headings.
Persons:
Roessner, Roland Gommel, 1911-2001
--Archives.
Subjects:
University of Texas. School of
Architecture.
Architecture--Texas--Austin.
Schools of
architecture--Faculty--Texas.
Architecture--Study and
teaching--Texas.
Computer-assisted
instruction--Texas.
Architecture, Domestic--Texas
Modernist buildings.
Document types:
Architectural
drawings
Scrapbooks
Photograph
albums
Photoprints
Slides
Restrictions on Access
Access is by appointment only to any serious scholar. Rolled materials
must be flattened before viewing. A three day advance notice is required to
flatten rolled materials. Portions of this collection are not processed and may
not be accessible.
Restrictions on Use
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of
Texas as the owner of the collection and is not intended to include or imply
permission of the copyright holder which must be obtained by the researcher.
For more information please see the Alexander Architectural Archive's Use
Policy.
Preferred Citation
Roland Gommel Roessner (1911-2001) Records, photographs and slides,
1935-1991, with gaps. Residential architecture in Austin, Texas. Alexander
Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at
Austin.
Processing Information
Drawings processed by: Kathy Martinson, October 1992; Nancy Sparrow,
February 1993
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
Series A: Personal Papers
Series Abstract
The personal papers series contains Roessner's resume, 1983.
1
1
Resume
(1983)
Series B: Published Material
Series Abstract
The Published Materials series contains publications by or about
Roessner.
1
2
Burke, Thomas and R. Gommel Roessner.
Architect Client
(ca. 1968)
1
3
Roessner, Roland. "Are We Preparing Future Architects?"
Journal of the American Institute of Architects
(Jan. 1950):
p. 37-8.
Series C: Brochures
Series Abstract
The brochures series demonstrates Roessner's participation in
state-wide exhibits and academic programs at the University of Texas School of
Architecture. One firm brochure of the Oaks Apartments concludes this
series.
1
4
Texas Aggregate Research Project,
1968, R.
Roessner Prof. Advisor in Charge.
1
5
Professional Residency Program, UTSOA
1
6
Proposed Roessner Centennial Professorship, fund raising
brochure.
1
7
Oaks Apartments
(n.d.), firm
brochure.
1
8
Texas Architecture, 1953 Exhibit.
1
9
State Fair of Texas, Art Exhibition,
1953.
1
10
Austin: Its Architects and
Architecture,
1986. Exhibit,
Austin History Center.
Series D: Book
Series Abstract
The Book series contains a single publication on Austin
architecture that features Roessner on p. 86.
1
11
Austin: Its Architects and
Architecture: 1934-1986 (featured on p. 86)
Series E: Photographs
1
12
The Oaks (apartments), 801 East 21st Street, Austin,
Texas (1 image,
n.d.)
Series F: Magazines
Series Abstract
The Magazines series (1954-1987, with gaps) primarily illustrate
Roessner's residential work in Austin.
1
13
Architectural Record #209
(April 1954): p. 180.
1
14
Nuestra Arquitectura Buenos
Aires, #302 (Sept. 1954): p. 278-283.
1
15
House and Home (August
1964): cover & p. 54-5.
1
16
Miami Alumnus Miami
University (April 1965): p. 8.
1
17
A.I.A. Journal Honor
Awards (July 1965): p. 42-3.
1
18
Texas Architect (Jan.
1967): cover & p. 12-3.
1
19
Neue Heimat (Apr. 1967):
p. 35.
2
1
Architectural Digest
(Spring 1986): p. 24.
2
2
House and Garden Building
Guide (Fall 1969-70): p. 3 & 104.
2
3
Alcalde (Jan./Feb. 1981):
p. 17.
2
4
Texas Architect (May /
April 1981): p. 47.
2
5
Ultra (July 1983): p.
71.
2
6
Texas Homes (Oct. 1983):
p. 19.
2
7
Austin Homes and Gardens
(Apr. 1984): p. 28.
2
8
Austin Homes and Gardens
(Jan. 1985): p. 34.
2
9
Austin Homes and Gardens
(June 1985): p. 17.
2
10
Austin Homes and Gardens
(April 1986): p. 43.
2
11
Southern Living (Sept.
1986): p. 84.
2
12
Austin Homes and Gardens
(Feb. 1987): p. 31.
Series G: 35mm slides
Series Abstract
The 35 mm Slides series represents private residences, apartments,
businesses, and some floor plans which Roessner designed. The images are
identified using the resident owner's name; they are not dated.
3
1
Roessner, R. Gommel; Residence
(20 images)
3
1
Wilson, Judge William; Residence
(16 images)
3
1
RGK Foundation Building
(30 images)
3
1
Gautschi, Karl; Residence
(84 images)
3
2
Gautschi, Karl; Residence
(15 images)
3
2
Butler Telephone Exchange
(46 images)
3
2
UT Football Complex, Newhaus & Royal Athletic
Complex
(6 images)
3
2
Roessner/Kozmetsky Ranch
(6 images)
3
2
McGinnis, Robert; Residence
(4 images)
3
2
Hughes, Alfred; Residence
(4 images)
3
2
Pohl, Don; Residence
(4 images)
3
2
Thorne, Lansing; Residence
(10 images)
3
3
Taylor, Milton F.; Apartment, Dayton, Ohio,
1960
(10 images)
3
3
Religious Models
(9 images)
Thorne, Dr. Clifford; Residence, includes
model
3
3
(9 images)
Whittington Harry; Residence
3
3
(21 images)
Bagget, Dr. Sheldon; Residence
3
3
(13 images)
Goehr, Dr. Homer; Residence
3
3
(18 images)
New, Arthur; Residence
3
3
(8 images)
Ruud, Millard; Residence
3
3
(10 images)
Pearce Junior High School
3
3
(5 images)
Peek, Lillian (owner); Apartments
3
3
(4 images)
Cottage, Lake Travis
3
3
(6 images)
Shelby, Dr. David; Clinic
3
3
(12 images)
Cunningham, Dr. William; Residence
3
3
(8 images)
Lindenman, James; Residence
3
3
(3 images)
Morris, Dr. Francis; Residence
3
3
(4 images)
3
4
Morris, Dr. Francis; Residence
(7 images)
Dennison, Dr. Robert; Residence
3
4
(18 images)
Oaks Apartments, Donny Holmes, owner
3
4
(20 images)
Burns, Dr. Harlan; Residence
3
4
(15 images)
Foster, Glenn; Residence
3
4
(58 images)
Lee, Prof. Addison; Residence
3
4
(9 images)
King,- Alfred; Residence, also Kocurek
residence
3
4
(20 images)
Series H: Scrapbooks
Series Abstract
The Scrapbooks series contains the contents of seventeen
scrapbooks. Material was removed from the scrapbooks and photo albums and
rehoused in mylar sleeves and acid free folders. Six of the notebooks contained
portfolios from different stages of Roessner's career (1955-1983), highlighting
an assortment of projects. Three albums contained clippings, photographs and
contest entry forms concerning design awards which Roessner won.
Two albums were dedicated to the Roland Gommel Roessner Centennial
Professorship in Architecture which was established in 1983. Photographs were
from the luncheon held in his honor; clippings, letters and brochures give
further information about the award. Two notebooks contained photographs of
Roessner's early work (1935-1942); most of the buildings are unidentified. Two
notebooks were filled with newspaper and magazine clippings (1946-1980). One
notebook was dedicated solely to the RGK Foundation Building. One scrapbook
contained a varied assortment of photographs of people.
4
1
Roland G. Roessner, AIA; Portfolio
(1955)
Portrait of Roessner
(1 image, 4×5 photograph)
Unidentified residence
(7 images, 8×10 photographs)
4
2
Roland G. Roessner, AIA; Portfolio
(1983)
Gautschi, Karl; Residence on Lake Travis
(5 images, 8×10 photographs)
Roessner/Kozmetsky; Ranch
(4 images, 8×10 photographs)
4
3
Creer and Roessner; Portfolio
(n.d.)
Raymondville High School
(4 images, 8×10 photographs)
Pearce Junior High School, Austin
(7 images, 8×10 photographs)
4
4
Roland G. Roessner, AIA; Portfolio
(n.d.)
Roessner receiving the TSA Design Award
(2 images, 8×10 photographs)
4
5
Roland G. Roessner, AIA; Portfolio
(n.d.)
Awards Banquets
(2 images, 8×10 photographs)
Roessner's Thesis Class on a visit to Monterrey,
Mexico,
1950
(1 image, 11×14 photograph)
4
6
Roland G. Roessner, AIA; Portfolio
(n.d.)
Thorne, Clifford; Residence
(2 images, 8×10 photographs)
Southwestern Bell Building, Corpus Christi
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Oaks Apartments, Austin,
1983
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Burns, Harlan; Residence,
1956
(1 image, 8×10 photographs)
Whittington, Harry; Residence
(7 images, 5×7 photographs)
Roessner/Kozmetsky; Ranch
(2 images, 4×5 photographs)
Gautschi, Karl; Residence
(4 images, 4×5 photographs)
RGK Foundation Building
(8 images, 8×10 photographs)
4
7
Some work of Roland G. Roessner from 1935-1942
[sic]
Unidentified residences (45 images, photographs of
various sizes)
West Milton High School
(2 images, 6×11 photographs)
Emory Theatre
(2 images, 8×10 photographs)
Goshen High School
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Wayne Ave. School, Lockland O. [sic, probably
Ohio]
(1 image, 6×7 photograph)
4
8
RGK Foundation Building; Portfolio
1 image, 8×10 color photograph
10 images, 8×10 black and white
photographs
5 images, 4×5 color photographs
20 images, color slides
4
9
Design Awards
4
10
Texas Society of Architects Design Award Roessner
receiving the award
(2 images, 8×10 photographs)
4
11
Foster, Glenn; Residence, Austin; Portfolio for the 1967
Homes for Better Living Program sponsored by the AIA
18 images, 8×10 photographs
4
12
Roland Gommel Roessner Centennial
Professorship in Architecture
(6/17/83)
Roessner receiving the award
(2 images, 8×10 photographs)
Remainder of the photographs show the luncheon served
in Roessner's honor.
2 images, 5×7 photographs
3 images, 3×5 color photographs [1 of 2]
4
13
Roland Gommel Roessner Centennial Professorship in
Architecture
(6/17/83)
20 images, 8×10 photographs [2 of 2]
5
1
Clippings,
October 1946 - November
1980
5
2
General News Items,
July 1953 - May
1968
5
3
Photographs
Unidentified residences (71 images, photographs of
various sizes)
5
4
Scrapbook
Prof. and Mrs. Roessner at the Beaux Arts
Ball
(1 image, 3×4 photograph)
Roessner with his FAIA medal
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Roessner's Thesis Class on a visit to Monterrey,
Mexico,
1950
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Roessner and Creer with John Starnes, the winner of
the 1962 Reynolds Aluminum Prize for Architectural students
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Prince of Siam and Roessner
(1 image, 8×10 photograph)
Series I Mounted photographs (72 boards)
Series Abstract
The Mounted Photographs series contains black and white images
(unless noted) mounted on illustration board measuring 20″ × 15″ in most cases.
Collection file lists sizes. The size of the image varies. Photographs are
numbered as if they were all stored in Box 6.
6
1
Black, C.A.; Residence (verso =C2)
1985
6
2a
Burns, Harlan; Residence, Austin 1955
interior
6
2b
Burns, Harlan; Residence (verso=D1)
6
3a
Burns, Harlan; Residence, View of Terrace (sepia),
Austin (verso=D3)
1955
6
3b
Burns, Harlan; Residence, View of Terrace (sepia),
Austin (verso=D3)
1955
6
3c
Burns, Harlan; Residence, View of Terrace (sepia),
Austin (verso=D3)
1955
6
4
Burns, Harlan; Residence, Austin,
exterior-rear
1985
6
5
Cunningham, William; Residence, Austin,
exterior-front
1985
6
6
Cunningham, William; Residence, Austin,
exterior-rear
1985
6
7
Cunningham, William; Residence, Austin, exterior-rear
detail
1985
6
8
Elliot, Bence; Residence, exterior-front
1959
6
9
Elliot, Bence; Residence, interior
(verso=A4)
1959
6
10
Foster, Glenn; Residence, exterior--patio with pool
(verso=D4)
1965
6
11
Foster, Glenn; Residence--interior view, looking onto
patio view from stairs (verso=E4)
1965
6
12
Foster, Glenn; Residence--exterior views of their
house
1965
6
13
Foster, Glenn; Residence (verso: F4)--view from exterior
patio looking in
1965
6
14a
Foster, Glenn; Residence--exterior
1965
6
14b
Foster, Glenn; Residence--interior fireplace
1965
6
15
Goehr, Homer; Residence--detail on exterior
1965
6
16a
Goehr, Homer; Residence (verso-B3)--exterior
1965
6
16b
Goehr, Homer; Residence (verso-B2)--exterior front
entrance
1965
6
17a
Gautachi, Karl; residence--exterior
1980
6
17b (bottom)
Gautachi, Karl; residence, 1980--exterior,
corner
1980
6
17b (top)
Holmes, John B.; Apartment Gautachi, Karl;
Residence--view of ceiling w/pool
1964
6
18
Holmes, John B.; Apartment
6
19
Holmes, John B.; Apartment (demolished)
6
20
Holmes, John B.; Oaks Apartment--view of pool in
courtyard (verso-C3)
1960
6
21
Holmes, John B.; Apartment--detail of exterior stairs
(sepia)
1964
6
22a
Holmes, John B.; Apartment--exterior view of entrance
(verso-B4)
1964
6
22b
Holmes, John B.; Apartment--exterior view of entrance
(verso-C1)
1964
6
23a
Holmes, John B.; Apartment--view of courtyard swimming
pool(verso-G)
1964
6
23b
Holmes, John B.; Apartment--view of courtyard swimming
pool(verso-G)
1964
6
24
Hughes, Alfred; Residence, Austin
1986
6
25
Hughes, Alfred; Residence--exterior and interior (living
room), color
1986
6
26
Hughes, Alfred; Residence--internal library
color
6
27
King, Alfred; Residence--detail of exterior
6
28a
Kozmetsky, George; R. G. K. Foundation--exterior view
(verso-E3)
1980
6
28b
Kozmetsky, George; R. G. K. Foundation--exterior corner
(verso-HC2)
1980
6
29a
Kozmetsky, Leo & Roessner, Roland; Retreat--exterior
perspective (verso=HA5)
6
29b
Kozmetsky, Leo & Roessner, Roland; Retreat--entrance
detail
6
30
Lake Travis Guest House--detail of patio
1949
6
31
Lake Travis Guest House--view of exterior walls and
patio (verso-A1)
1949
6
32
Lake Travis Guest House--detail of exterior (from
carport)
1949
6
33
Lee, Addison; Residence--detail of porch
(sepia)
1958
6
34
McGinnis, Robert; Residence--view of
exterior
1950
6
35
McGinnis, Robert; Residence--detail in porch and
entrance
1950
6
36
Peek, Lillian; Apartment Complex
1956
6
37
Pohl, Donald, Residence--internal view
(verso-A2)
6
38
Raymondville High School--internal view of gym
(verso-F2)
6
39a
Roessner, Roland G.; Residence--exterior
(verso-HA1)
1950
6
39b
Roessner, Roland G.; Residence--interior
(verso-HA1)
1950
6
40
Roessner, Roland G.; Residence--view of interior from
background (night scene)
1950
6
41
Roessner, Roland G.; Residence--exterior closer
view
1950
6
42
Roessner, Roland G.; Residence--internal
(verso-E2)
1950
6
43
Roessner, Roland G.; Residence--exterior
1950
6
44
Ruud, Millard; Residence
6
45
Ruud, Millard; Residence--detail of exterior
1954
6
46
Shelby, David; Doctors Office, Gonzalez, TX--exterior
(verso-F1)
1954
6
47
Shelby, David; Doctors Office, Gonzales, TX--courtyard
(verso-A3)
6
48
Taylor, Milton F.; Apartments--detail of entrance,
exterior view (front) & (rear)(3 photos on one board)
1965
6
49
Thorne, Clifford; Residence--exterior
6
50a
Thorne, Clifford; Residence--interior view
sepia
1953
6
50b
Thorne, Clifford; Residence--duplicate interior view
sepia
1953
6
50c
Thorne, Clifford; Residence--interior view
1953
6
51
Thorne, Clifford; Residence--external view
1953
6
52
Thorne, Clifford; Residence--from hillside)
1953
6
53
Thorne, Lansing; Residence
6
54
Thorne, Lansing; Residence--internal
(hallway)
1954
6
55a
Whittington, Harry (Mr & Mrs--exterior
(verso-HB1)
1963
6
55b
Whittington, Harry (Mr & Mrs--exterior
(verso-HB4)
1985
6
55c
Wilson, Will; Residence--exterior entrance
1965
6
56a
Wilson, Will; Residence--view near exterior with
pool
1966
6
56b
Wilson, Will; Residence--exterior
1966
Series J: Drawings
Series Abstract
The Drawings Series consists of 28 drawings and 10 pages of
specifiations for three residential projects in Austin, Texas by R. Gommel
Roessner. Although only one set of drawings contains date information, all
projects appear to date from the 1950s.
Entries in the Drawings Series are indexed in alphabetical order
by Client's name. If the client is not identifiable, the field will remain
blank. Entries without client names are sorted by Project Name and listed
before those that provide client's names. Furthermore, similar projects are
sorted in chronological order by date. Project names are supplied by the
cataloger, as title blocks on the drawings prove to be inconsistent and many
drawings are not labeled. Project names may also have been adjusted to
accommodate alphabetical sorting. Dates are offered if they can be derived from
the drawings or gathered from other authoritative sources. The term "drawing"
includes both original works (such as pencil on trace paper, or ink on tracing
cloth) as well as copies (such as sepia prints, blue line prints, etc.).
Residence for Mr. and Mrs. James
P. Ford.
R. Gommel
Roessner
Ford, Mr. and Mrs. James P.
Farhills Dr.
Austin
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Residence for Mr. and Mrs. Glenn
Foster.
R. Gommel
Roessner
Foster, Mr. and Mrs Glenn
Pemberton Heights, Section LL
(#7 Green Lanes)
Austin
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Residence for Mr. and Mrs.
Patrick D. Moreland.
R. Gommel
Roessner
Moreland, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick
D.
3420 Foothill Terr.
Austin
Travis
Tex.
U.S.