A guide to source materials of the life and work of Lawrence B. Anderson '30

Abstract

From 1933 to 1976, Professor Lawrence B. Anderson taught in the MIT Department of Architecture, and from 1947 to 1971, he served as its chairman and dean. Concurrently, from 1937 to 1972 , he was principal partner in the architecture firm that designed the first important modern building on an American university campus in 1939. During a lifetime of teaching and professional practice, LBA gained knowledge and wisdom. As an eminent professional adviser, he influenced architectural projects throughout the world. Because he was a remarkably clear thinker and accomplished and prolific writer, we are fortunate that his papers remain accessible to us. Professor Anderson taught generations of students much more than architectural design: he taught professional good manners , how to practice architecture responsibly, with grace, style, and decorum. Through his papers , he will continue to teach for generations into the future. In 1994, Lawrence Anderson died at age 87. This thesis documents the whole of his prodigious output of personal and professional papers, published and unpublished, at their present eleven locations. It is the completion of the first stage of creating a coherent archive.