Irving Morrow
Irving Foster Morrow | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 22, 1884 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | October 28, 1952 (aged 68) |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Known for | Design of the Golden Gate Bridge |
Irving Foster Morrow (September 22, 1884 – October 28, 1952) was a prominent American architect renowned for his role in the design of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Early life
Morrow was born and raised in Oakland, California, the son of Susie (née Kirkman) and James Alexander Morrow, who led a metal manufacturing company as its president. A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, he completed his studies at the newly founded architecture program at University of California, Berkeley in 1906. From 1908 to 1911, he furthered his education at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Upon returning to Oakland, he established his architectural practice in both San Francisco and Oakland, where he designed a variety of structures including residences, financial institutions, theaters, hotels, educational facilities, and commercial buildings. He was married to fellow architect and UC Berkeley alumna Gertrude Comfort Morrow. Along with architect William I. Garren, the couple designed the Alameda-Contra Costa County Building for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. Additionally, Morrow and his team were responsible for designing the rectory and guest house at Mission San Juan Bautista.
Design of the Golden Gate Bridge
In 1930, engineer Joseph Strauss appointed Morrow to contribute to the design of the Golden Gate Bridge. Working closely with Strauss, Morrow developed conceptual sketches using charcoal. His admiration for the strait’s natural beauty dated back to 1919 when he wrote about its picturesque qualities.
Morrow selected the bridge’s iconic international orange color despite initial resistance from officials concerned about the paint’s durability in a marine environment. After identifying a paint formula capable of withstanding salty air, his color choice was ultimately accepted.
In his April 6, 1935 Report on Color and Lighting submitted to Strauss, Morrow advocated for low-pressure sodium vapor lamps that emitted an amber light as the most advanced illumination technology available at that time. These fixtures were eventually replaced with high-pressure sodium vapor lamps in 1972.
Other work
Morrow held membership in both the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects. He served as editor of Pacific Coast Architecture and contributed articles to Architectural Record along with other professional journals. His leadership roles included chairing the Section on Architecture for the Commonwealth Club of California and directing the American Historical Building Survey.
Interest in Music
A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Morrow participated as a performer in concerts organized by Lou Harrison and John Cage. Together with his wife Gertrude Comfort Morrow, he designed the Cowell House for Olive Cowell, which served as the residence for her son, composer Henry Cowell. This venue hosted numerous musical performances throughout the 1930s. Furthermore, Morrow created soundproof listening rooms for the Record Rental Library.