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Charles Sumner Greene

American architect

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Charles Sumner Greene was an American architect, best known for his work with his brother, Henry Mather Greene, as the firm Greene and Greene. They were pioneers of the California bungalow, a style characterized by low-pitched roofs and an emphasis on integrating interior and exterior spaces with nature.

The brothers, who studied at MIT, established their partnership in Pasadena, California, in 1894. They sought simple architectural forms suited to southern California, leading to their development of the bungalow style. Their elaborate houses, built between 1904 and 1911, featured broad eaves, sleeping porches, and prominent wooden decorative elements. The Gamble House is a prime example of their work, showcasing the Arts and Crafts style with a holistic design approach. Their work significantly influenced American domestic architecture, though their practice declined after 1914.

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