Skip to main content

Flatow, Moore, and Associates Architectural Drawings and Plans

 Collection
Identifier: SWA-Flatow-Drawings

Scope and Content

The Flatow, Moore and Associates Architectural Drawings and Plans collection contains architectural drawings and plans for residential and commercial buildings in New Mexico, by architects Max Flatow, Jason Moore, and various partners who worked with their firm, among them Bryan, Fairburn, Ferguson and Stevens. Drawings and plans were created between 1946 and 1992, specifically for buildings in New Mexico, California and Arizona. Collection items include: National Bedding Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico (1946); Gymnasium for St. Gertrude’s Parrish, Mora, New Mexico (1949); Simms Building, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1952); Federal Office Building, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1956); Public Health Services Indian Hospital, Gallup, New Mexico (1959); Fresno Center Fresno, California (1962); Golden Horseshoe Restaurant, Sun City, Arizona (1962); Bernalillo County Indian Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1968); Heights Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Clovis Replacement Hospital, Clovis, New Mexico (1977).

Dates

  • 1946-1992

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Information

Max Flatow obtained an architectural engineering degree from the University of Texas in 1941. As a first lieutenant in the army, he initially worked for the Army Corp of Engineers, building air bases and other military facilities. In 1945, he moved to New Mexico as a member of a covert operation, now known as the Manhattan Project. Flatow designed buildings for research of the atom bomb, meeting with project leader Robert Oppenheimer during his involvement.

In 1947, along with college roommate Jason Moore, Flatow established the architectural firm Flatow, Moore, Bryan and Fairburn in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Flatow's architectural career spanned fifty years, designing many prominent public buildings in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Flatow and Moore also designed an extensive number of hospitals, and technical facilities in the western portion of the United States.

Inspired by Bauhaus architect Mies van der Rohe, Flatow was a champion of the International School of Modernism. While some of his buildings were controversial, he gained respect for his exciting designs and staunch belief in architectural innovation. As a result, the Flatow firm's modern approach promoted creative freedom, drawing many young designers.

Developing one of the largest firms in the state after the 1940’s, Flatow and Moore were instrumental in diversifying architectural styles in New Mexico. Flatow’s favorite architectural accomplishment was the College of Education Building on the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque. A bold contrast to the regions’ traditional Spanish-Pueblo Revival Style, Flatow created a stark, massive “curtain of glass” design, including a wall of contemporary colored glass.

A strong supporter of the arts, Max Flatow pushed for modern art sculptures and regional murals for the downtown Albuquerque area. As an artist, Flatow found inspiration through his love of travel. His ink drawings, watercolor sketches and architectural abstracts reflected his many trips abroad. Flatow’s creative vitality continued to his death on July 15, 2003, at the age of 87.

Extent

2 Drawers (0.36 linear ft.)

Abstract

The Flatow, Moore, and Associates Architectural Drawings and Plans collection contains architectural drawings and plans for residential and commercial buildings in New Mexico, by architects Max Flatow, Jason Moore, and partners from various firms.

Related Archival Material

Flatow, Moore and Associates Job Files. Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico. George S. Wright Architectural Drawings and Plans, Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.
Title
Finding Aid of the Flatow, Moore, and Associates Architectural Drawings and Plans, 1946-1992
Status
Completed
Author
Ellen Evans-Colburn
Date
© 2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451