1910–1970
Drawings and Papers: 1939–1991
11 boxes, and 61 oversize folders, 10 ln. ft.
With their book, Design with Climate: An Approach to Bioclimatic Regionalism (1963), Hungarian-born architect Victor Olgyay and his twin brother, Aladar, produced a monumental work in climate-responsive architecture. The Olgyay brothers have been regarded as largely responsible for formalizing bioclimatic or passive solar design as a discipline within the field of architecture during the 1950s. As practicing architects, they designed residential, commercial, and exhibition structures for an international clientele. Victor Olgyay's academic affiliations during his career included the University of Notre Dame, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and Harvard University.
The collection contains many oversize drawings and textual records, such as correspondence, research files, reports, client files, lecture notes, and manuscripts. Photographs are also included. Oversize materials that primarily reflect Olgyay's design activities in New Jersey are organized by sets and are arranged by project client name. Important textual records include Victor Olgyay's climate and energy-conscious projects and research files.