Arizona has a complicated record when it comes to the preservation of historic structures. It’s a place that thirsts for development, regularly churning the old back into the earth so that something new can grow in its stead. However, some architectural gems have managed to dodge the wrecking ball over the years; the Arizona Biltmore, Taliesin West, Cosanti and ASU Gammage are a handful that come to mind.
In addition, a rich archive of architectural drawings, presentation boards, monographs, serials and audiovisual materials relating to the design, development and evolution of modern architecture in the Southwest have also found safe harbor — in ASU Library's Design and the Arts Special Collections.
ASU collection preserves legacy of modern architects, buildings in the Southwest