Arizona Architecture from the Archives

Internationally acclaimed architect William P. Bruder was born in Milwaukee and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture from the University of Wisconsin. After studying under prominent architects such as Gunnar Birkerts and Paolo Soleri, Bruder opened his own studio forty miles north of Phoenix in New River, Arizona, in 1974. Since then he has designed more than 300 projects, mostly residential, with a philosophy that describes architecture as "functional fine art based on site and user needs." His use of natural materials combined with concrete block and sheet metal and his careful siting of structures with relation to the sun exhibit organic architecture in the desert environment. Bruder's major Arizona projects include the Phoenix Central Library, a 280,000 square-foot facility which opened in May 1995, and the Henkel Headquarters building in Scottsdale, a 2008 project.

The Loloma 5 condominium project in downtown Scottsdale was completed in 2004. The development and its architect won a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects, Arizona Chapter.

Located on a small urban/suburban site, this home's main design focus is a large brick funnel which opens to the city view and south sun. A series of metal-clad cylinders serve as bedrooms and function as elements complementing the angular forms.

The design of the Henkel Headquarters Building is based on a crystalline cloud floating above a desert mesa. The building incorporates innovative thermal and shading technologies, raised floor systems, and indirect lighting and sensitive use of daylight in office areas. It is a LEED (Leaderhsip in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building.

The Galloway Cabin in Pinewood, Arizona was completed in 1974. Sited on a small mountain lot in Northern Arizona, the 1000 square foot cabin and its architect received the First Honor Award from the American Plywood Association for innovative use of plywood.

This residence seems to grow out of a mountain ridge above the city. Concrete, stone, copper, and glass comprise the building materials in this sculpture-like house.

The William P. Bruder Collection consists of oversize materials, textual records, and photographs. Important among the oversize holdings are presentation drawings for nearly two hundred Bruder projects. These drawings include perspectives, floor plans, site plans, sections, and elevations. Extensive printed materials with references to Bruder and his work are contained within the textual records. Also among the printed materials are architects' files compiled by the Bruder firm that contain biographical and historical information on prominent architects throughout the world. Photographs for nearly two hundred completed Bruder projects are also included among the holdings.

The collection description can be viewed at:

William P. Bruder Collection

Asensio Cerver, Francisco. Houses of the World. 1st ed. Cologne: Könemann, 2000.
Design and the Arts Library Stacks  NA7110 .N84213 2000

De Vido, Alfredo. Innovative Management Techniques for Architectural Design and Construction. New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1984. Design and the Arts Library Stacks NA2750 .D348 1984

Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Phoenix Public Library. Phoenix, Ariz.: The Library, 1995.
Design and the Arts Library Stacks and Special Collections Z732.A6 P56 1995

LeCuyer, Annette W. Steel and Beyond : New Strategies for Metals in Architecture. Basel; Boston: Birkhauser, 2003. Design and the Arts Library Stacks  NA4135 .L43 2003b

Molinari, Luca; William P. Bruder Architect. North American Architecture Trends, 1990-2000. 1st ed. Milan: Skira Editore, 2001. Design and the Arts Library Stacks and Reference NA712 .M6513 2001 

Riera Ojeda, Oscar. Phoenix Central Library. Gloucester, Mass.: Rockport, 1999.
Design and the Arts Library Stacks and Special Collections Z679.2.U54 P56 1999

"Bruder DWL Architects: Phoenix Central Library, Central Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A." GA Document. 46 (1996): 82-93. [Print]

Jacobs, Karrie. "Public Space in a Private City." Metropolis 15.7 (1996): 56-69. [Print]

Kroloff, Reed. "Desert Classic: Central Library, Phoenix." Metropolis 14.5 (1994): 27. [Print]

Pearson, Clifford A. "Desert Shield: Theuer Residence, Phoenix, Arizona, William P. Bruder, Architect." Architectural Record 181.4 (1993): 64-71. [Print]

"William Bruder, Theuer Residence, Phoenix Arizona." GA Houses 40 (1994): 94-99. [Print]

"William Bruder: New Phoenix Central Library, Phoenix, Arizona, USA 1992." A + U: Architecture and Urbanism 6.321 (1997): 60-73. [Print]

Harold Housley
Archivist, Design and the Arts Special Collections
Harold.Housley@asu.edu 
(480) 965-6370