She was born on January 20, 1872, in San Francisco, California. Morgan's career spanned over four decades, during which she designed more than 700 buildings, leaving an indelible mark on California's architectural landscape.
Morgan broke numerous barriers for women in architecture. She was the first woman admitted to the architecture program at l'École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the first woman to obtain an architecture license in California in 1904. Her innovative use of reinforced concrete proved crucial in the seismic performance of her buildings during the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes.
Some of Morgan's notable projects include:
El Campanil: Completed in 1904, this 72-foot bell tower at Mills College was Morgan's first reinforced concrete structure. It survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake unscathed, helping to launch her career.
Fairmont Hotel: After the 1906 earthquake, Morgan redesigned and restored this San Francisco landmark in less than a year, showcasing her engineering skills and bringing her national recognition.
Asilomar Conference Center: Located in Pacific Grove, California, this project was commissioned by Phoebe Hearst.
YWCA buildings: Morgan designed numerous structures for the Young Women's Christian Association across California, Hawaii, and Utah.
However, Morgan's magnum opus was undoubtedly Hearst Castle, a project that spanned 28 years of her career. Commissioned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1919, the castle was built atop the family campsite overlooking San Simeon Harbor. Originally envisioned as a modest retreat, it grew into a massive 165-room estate spread across 123 acres, featuring lavish pools, gardens, terraces, and fountains.
Julia Morgan's attention to detail in designing Hearst Castle was extraordinary, as evidenced by her meticulous work on various elements throughout the estate. One of her most notable creations was the Neptune Pool, an outdoor swimming area that underwent multiple expansions during construction. The pool features ornamental tile work and a marble deck in a Greek key design, showcasing Morgan's ability to blend classical elements with modern luxury.
Inside the castle, Morgan designed 30 fireplaces in the main building alone, each one a unique work of art. The Assembly Room, used for dancing and card games, exemplifies her approach to creating intimate spaces within a grand setting. Perhaps her most stunning achievement is the Roman Pool, an indoor swimming area covered almost entirely with 1-by-1-inch Venetian glass tiles, some infused with 22-karat gold. This space features marble ladders curling up from the water's surface and alabaster lamps that emit a ghostly glow, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Morgan's design for Casa Grande, the main building, includes two towers inspired by a church in Ronda, Spain, demonstrating her ability to incorporate diverse architectural influences. Throughout the project, she skillfully adapted to Hearst's changing requests, modifying plans to add wings or enlarge existing structures while maintaining the overall aesthetic cohesion of the estate.
Ultimately, Morgan's work on Hearst Castle showcased her versatility as an architect. She meticulously oversaw every aspect of the construction. The project was never officially completed, as Hearst's failing health forced him to leave in 1947, but it remains Morgan's crowning achievement and a testament to her skill and dedication.
Throughout her career, Morgan was known for her attention to detail, her ability to blend different architectural styles, and her commitment to the Arts and Crafts movement. She passed away on February 2, 1957, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements in architecture. In 2014, Julia Morgan became the first woman to receive the American Institute of Architects' highest honor, the AIA Gold Medal, posthumously recognizing her significant contributions to the field.
These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the Bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world.
