New Collection in the Archive

The Drawings + Documents Archive is proud to announce the latest collection of architectural records open to researchers, the Charles M. Sappenfield Architectural Records Collection. Known to many at Ball State University's College of Architecture and Planning simply as Charlie, Sappenfield is not only the founding dean of the college but also a highly-acclaimed architect.

Many of his residences in North Carolina won awards for their clean, modernist designs and innovative use of materials. He moved to Indiana when Ball State University hired him to establish its new architecture program and, while his focus fell toward teaching and civic engagement, he continued to design outstanding homes and businesses.

The collection represents his work on housing for the aging, one of Sappenfield's lifelong pursuits from his time as a Fulbright scholar in Copenhagen to his later work in Indiana. The Archive maintains his collection of thousands of architectural drawings and business records, from the 1950s-90s. His papers as dean of the college are currently being processed and will be available soon in the University Archives at Ball State University's Alexander M. Bracken Library.

Image: Charles M. Sappenfield, Sketch for Dave residence, North Carolina, 1963, Charles M. Sappenfield Architectural Records, Ball State University Libraries Drawings + Documents Archive.