Demolished homes of Paul Rudolph bring Chris Mottalini to Auburn

What does the architecture of Auburn University Alumni Paul M. Rudolph from the mid-20th century have in common with the photography of New York native Chris Mottalini? The connection happened almost accidentally.

Mottalini was asked by an acquaintance to photograph one of Rudolph's abandoned houses in 2006 immediately before its destruction. Surprised by the early modern house in Connecticut that was ironically in ruins, Mottalini became fascinated with the contemporary architecture of Rudolph. He traveled around the country to capture several Rudolph houses in what might be their last known state.

Find more videos like this on Auburn Family

Mottalini appropriately named this collection "After You Left, They Took It Apart."

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art discovered Mottalini's project on demolished Paul Rudolph homes and decided to pay him homage. The museum asked Mottalini to display several of his photos in an exhibit from February 6 - April 17.

"My photographs have a connection to auburn because of Rudolphs legacy here," said Mottalini, " He received his bachelors degree here and designed several houses in the greater Auburn area."

Rudolf received his Bachelor's degree in architecture in 1940 when Auburn University was still known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Rudolph designed and built Kappa Sigma a new house on campus in 1961. The house is now abandoned.

"It's an interesting building," said Mottalini of the old Kappa Sigma house, " It would be great to see it restored."

Though many of Rudolph's houses around the country are slated for demolition, the cost of restoration is proving too high to offer. For now, Mottalini offers a snapshot into the houses of Rudolph that once embodied the architect's iconic style.