Honoring Raphael Soriano
One of the leading visionaries of mid-century modern architecture, Raphael Soriano (August 1, 1904 – July 21, 1988) was renowned for his innovative use of steel and aluminum in his residential projects. Like architects of his generation he recognized the appeal of Southern California's Mediterranean climate and sought to connect indoor and outdoor spaces – a hallmark of the mid-century style.
Soriano designed 151 structures during his career in Southern California, of which roughly 31 were realized. Only a dozen remain standing today. He spent his later years traveling as a researcher, architectural writer and lecturer. When he relocated to the region for the last time in 1985, he did not have an active practice. At the behest of Richard Chylinski, then the chair of the Department of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona, Soriano was hired as a Special Sessions Instructor for the department's external degree program.
Soriano passed away in 1988, with no family members to make funeral arrangements. A burial ceremony was held, but a permanent marker was not placed on Soriano's grave. For 30 years, the site was identified only with a framed paper sign. On October 21, 2018, a permanent marker was unveiled in a ceremony at the Home of Peace Memorial Park in Los Angeles ().
After being notified by admirers Carter Manny and Kenneth Allen Breisch that Raphael Soriano's grave was marked only with a framed paper sign, the College of Environmental Design was determined to properly memorialize him. From December 2017 to January 2018, more than 30 individuals and organizations participated in a fundraising campaign to install a permanent grave marker.
The marker was designed by Kayley Z. Ryan ('18, architecture), who worked at the ENV Special Collections-Archives during her undergraduate years. She wrote:
"Of the design for Raphael S. Soriano's grave marker directly references the work of the architect himself. An architect and educator, Soriano helped define what is today known as the Mid-Century Modern period. The grave marker adopts a design that closely mimics the graphic standards that his office would have produced in the past."
Funds left in excess of the amount needed for Soriano's marker will be used toward programs dedicated to preserving his legacy. Those who wish to contribute to these efforts may make a donation in any amount via credit card or check. Donations are tax-deductible.
DONATE ONLINE
DONATE WITH A CHECK
Payable to:
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, with a notation specifying "Soriano Memorial Fund"
Mail to:
University Development, Cal Poly Pomona
P.O. Box 3121
Pomona, CA. 91769
The College of Environmental Design expresses its gratitude to The Friends of Raphael Soriano:
Richard J. Chylinski * Richard Chylinski Architecture, Inc. * Spyros I. Amourgis * Steve and Marian Dodge * Sarah and Siegfried Hesse * Ray and Shelly Kappe * Brendan Neutra * Raymond R. Neutra * Neutra Revocable Trust * Luis G. Hoyos * Sarah E. Lorenzen * Hofu Wu * Dennis J. McFadden * Pablo M. La Roche * George R. Proctor * Lauren Weiss Bricker * Wendy E. Gilmartin * Gerald E. Weisbach * Michael Woo * Robert K. Alexander * Juintow Lin * Nadim R. Itani * Gary L. McGavin * Barry Milofsky * Kevin V. O'Brien * Jenkins Shannon * Patricia B. Oliver * Tanaka Riley Architects INC. * Victor A. Regnier * Victor A. Regnier Fund * Joseph P. LoMonaco * Greglan K. Steel * Joseph P. Pauliccio * Duncan F. Paterson * Maria C. Halstead * William Burch * Baxter E. Miller * BMLA, Inc. * Katrin Terstegen * Marc P. Schulitz * Gary J. Bouchard * Alan Pullman