As Modernism spread throughout the Coachella Valley, three different architects proposed a new shape for three different clients who were brave enough to build these structures, all preserved today. This shape, the hyperbolic paraboloid, summed up all the optimism, technological prowess and architectural Modernism of postwar America.

This special panel features Volker Welter, author and architectural historian, Melissa Riche, author and founder of Preservation Mirage and architectural historian Luke Leuschner.

With historical information, anecdotes and visuals, each speaker will present three different case studies of structures defined by the hyperbolic paraboloid shape across the Coachella Valley: the Tramway Service Station by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers (Palm Springs, 1965), the Maranz Residence by Val Powelson (Rancho Mirage, 1960), and the Wilcockson House by Walter S. White (Indio, 1959). Put together, these three case studies will reveal the unique placement of the hyperbolic paraboloid within the history of the Coachella Valley’s Modernism.

Presented by Coachella Valley Preservationists. A portion of ticket sales benefits the mission of CVP.