please don't steal our pictures, yeah?

This early drawing of the Getty complex layout shows the architect developing the orientation and regulating grids for the architecture which are based on the 22.5 degree angle of the San Diego Freeway as it comes from the south and bends to the north below the Center. This is also the same angle of two intersecting ridges that run through the complex. Superimposed on the two orientation lines Meier has set two grids on which he has begun to lay out a grouping of museum pavilions and a visitor arrival area.

This drawing is graphite on tracing paper with the following markings: Stamp in black, lower right: SITE STUDY 1/4 SEPT 86. Its dimensions are: H x W x D: 61 x 94 cm (24 x 37 in.) Frame H x W x D: 102.9 x 104.1 cm (40 1/2 x 41 in.).

It is inscribed Inscribed in graphite, upper right and along a diagonal from left to right: orientation of grid related to the San Diego Freeway; on diagonal from corner, lower left and running from lower left to upper right: orientation of grid related to north-south direction/and high points and blueprints of site.

This drawing is from United States and dated September 4, 1986.

Gift of Ana Meier. Its provenance is Richard Meier (Gift) We acquired this object in 2009.

This object has been included in the following exhibitions:

  • Meier 75, October 1, 2009 - October 12, 2009

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=http://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18733539/ |title=Drawing, "Site Study 1, J. Paul Getty Center, Los Angeles", September 4, 1986 |author=Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum |accessdate=22 May 2013 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>

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