A Day at Pietro Belluschi's

A few weeks ago my husband and I, along with several other historians, architects, and designers, had a rare opportunity for a private viewing and tour through one of Pietro Belluschi’s Mid-Centurty residential projects in Portland. Pietro Belluschi, a native of Ancona, Italy, designed over 1000 buildings-in a broad range from residences, commercial buildings and chapels with the greatest concentration being on the West Coast and New England. In his 50 years of practice he was a leader in the Modernist Movement and, although his work reflects this International Design period, it also illustrates his preference for regional traditions and native materials. The Burkes-Belluschi House is a superb example of the Pacific Northwest style of Mid-Century Modern residential design. It was designed in 1947 and built in 1948 for the Burkes family. In 1973 it was purchased by Pietro Belluschi when he returned to Portland from 14 years as the Dean of Architecture and Planning at MIT. He lived in the home with his wife, Marjorie, who continued living there after his passing in 1994 until recently. The new owners of the house, Marti and Tony Belluschi, the architect son of Pietro, are planning necessary, respectful and useful, renovations and additions during the next year. The tour was an exciting opportunity to view this unique dwelling with its authentic, simple, elegant and livable modernist design style. We look forward to seeing this fine example of NW Regionalism after the current works!