Hiss Studio. Designed and built in 1952 by Tim Seibert.
Photo credit: Sarasota Architecture Foundation.
In November I attended the Hiss Studio Talk given by Tim Seibert (architect of Wildewood Springs) and Carl Abbott. This was an event organized by the Sarasota Architectural Foundation as part of Sarasota Modern Week.
They talked about the Hiss Studio/House, which was designed by Tim. It's located in Lido Shores. Here is a photograph I took after entering the front door.
Lynn Seibert took our picture.
Tim Seibert, Susan Michael Barrett
Philip Hiss is a bit of a hero to local teachers. "He was a father of seven children. He realized that to make a change he'd have to get involved in the schools (Lorrie Muldowney)." So, he did.
As chair of the Sarasota County School Board, Hiss worked with his fellow board members and the superintendent of schools to learn about and use architecture to create schools that enhance learning. He guided the board away from having one monolithic building to a cluster setting of many buildings oriented to avoid direct sunlight, designed to let the air flow through, and easy access for teachers and students to work outdoors.
"[Philip Hiss and the other founders] were a half century ahead of their time in promoting active, hands-on learning to achieve competence and real mastery. The concepts of New College's education philosophy...appealed to the every best students across the country. Such was New College's unique role in the world of academia...." (New College).
