Benjamin Polk (1916-2001)

Benjamin Kauffman Polk practiced architecture in San Francisco from 1946-1952 and in Asia from 1952-1966. He designed and constructed more than fifty projects during this time. In 1957 he established the partnership of Chatterjee and Polk, which became the largest architecture firm in Asia. Polk designed large commercial and industrial buildings, universities and schools, and a theater in Calcutta, India. Returning to California in 1966, Polk taught architecture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo from 1966-1980. A musician as well as an architect, Polk developed an improvisational piano technique.

The Benjamin Polk collection spans the years 1938-1993 and is comprised of Polk’s scrapbooks which contain photographs, correspondence, Polk’s writings, and news clippings primarily about his projects. The scrapbooks also include some personal papers such as biographical information, correspondence, and material about his music.