Charles Tapley architectural collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 0523

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Boxes 1-8 stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information. Boxes 9-10 stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center on top of map cases in Annex.

Scope and Contents

This collection reflects the architectural career of Houston-based architect Charles Tapley. Materials include articles written by Tapley, project-related drawings, notes, correspondence, as well as competition presentations and audio visual tapes. This collection consists text, drawings, sketches, photos, and architectural plans. Tapley used a variety of media on which to write, including paper and mylar. The oversize materials include photos and draws on foamcore. The collections is 7 linear ft. (10 boxes and oversize materials).

Dates

Creation: 1960-2007

Creator

Tapley, Charles (Person)

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Boxes 1-8 stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Boxes 9-10 stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center on top of map cases in Annex.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish material from the Charles Tapley architectural collection must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Biographical Sketch

Charles Tapley, FAIA, was a Registered Architect, Registered Landscape Architect, and Adjunct Professor in Architecture at the University of Houston. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts at Rice University in 1955 and founded Tapley & Associates in 1960. Tapley designed many landmark buildings in the Houston area and throughout the United States. He was one of the visionary driving forces for the development of Buffalo Bayou in Houston. His master plan for the 6.3 mile long Buffalo Bayou Park would have exceeded the Riverwalk in San Antonio and created one of the nation's largest urban parks. The size of the park placed it within walking distance of at least 225,000 Houston workers and 50,000 downtown residents. Tapley also designed flood control into the concept by diverting the one river into two around a man-made island. He also published numerous articles and won many awards related to architecture, design and re-design of existing structures, and landscape design.

Extent

7 Linear Feet (10 boxes and 5 map drawers)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection reflects the architectural career of Houston based architect Charles Tapley. Materials include articles written by Tapley, and project-related drawings, notes, and correspondence. Tapley has designed many signature landmarks in the Houston area, such as Tranquility Park, the Contemporary Art Museum, a courtyard landscape at the Museum of Fine Arts, Buffalo Bayou parks and improvements, the Camp Allen Retreat, various churches, residences, as well as playgrounds and parks for the Texas Medical Center.