The Phil Brodatz Photogrammetry papers consist of photographs of historic Miami buildings with the geometric and architectural properties of the buildings described on the photographs, a practice known as photogrammetry. The collection includes photographs of well known landmarks such as the Freedom Tower and Dade County Courthouse, with the geometric and architectural measurements used to help in historic preservation and architectural restoration.
Originally born in West Virginia, Jefferson attended Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania and studied architecture and industrial design at the University of Michigan. Afterwards, he worked with the Army Corps where he taught aerial photography then supported himself by working as a laborer on various construction sites. He eventually came to Miami in 1954 where he apprenticed under architects, Thomas Madden and Alfred Browning Parker. He ended up establishing his own private architecture firm in Miami in 1959 and dedicated himself to creating plans for residential, commercial, and public buildings. Later, he moved his firm to Stuart, Florida in 1968 and continued to provide the same services.
He also served as a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects and was certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and was registered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. His accolades include several architecture awards and international exhibits as well as having his works featured in magazines, such as Architectural Record, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, Sports Illustrated, Palm Beach Life, American Homes, and L'Architecture d'Aujourd'hui.
This collection contains approximately 191 large format architectural plans and renderings from noted Florida architect, Peter Jefferson. The first 34 plans of his collection have been flattened and placed into map cases while the others remain in their original rolled up state.
