Week 12

 Modernism in America

America was a world leader, economically, during this point in time. Many pioneers of modernism ended up fleeing their homelands and came and taught/developed design in the United States. Around the 1950’s design optimism was on a rise. During this time many new home owners were seeking furnishings, which led to a rise for furniture production and design. Also, media such as the tv helped give people more options for interior design and decoration. The modernist movement in this period is more playful and colorful than the emergence of modernism.  

My favorite designs/ architecture/ furniture 

Glass House - Philip Johnson

Philip Johnson was. A graduated of Harvard and founded the school of architecture and design at MOMA. He was a very influential character in the architecture world for a long period of time. He designed this glass house in New Canaan, Connecticut. This house was influenced by the Farnsworth House. The house includes glass walls, brick flooring, and an enclosure for the bathroom. I’m not sure if I would want to live in this house but I find it stunning. I really enjoy the sleekness of the design, almost blending into the surrounding nature. I also like the interior simplicity in regards to furniture and materials. 

Falling Water House - Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. He started his practice in Oak Park in the 1890’s and participated in both residential and commercial design. He promoted organic architecture which is best seen in his most famous work - Fallingwater. Fallingwater is one of the most romantic examples of modern architecture ever seen. I love this house because of how well it responds to the surrounding site.  The composition of levels is truly stunning, as well as all the interior choices. I love the exposed brick and wood detailing inside. 

Chairs -  Eero Saarinen 

Eero Saarinen designed these three chairs between 1910 and 1916. The first pictures is the Womb chair, which we had the privilege to actually sit in on our Container home field trip. I love this chair because it literally feels like a hug and the red color is stunning. The second chair is the Grasshopper chair. I like the geometry of this chair because it looks like a very practical relaxing position. the last chair is the tulip chair. I like the tulip chair because it is more sleek than the other chairs and can be used in many different applications, not only as a lounging chair. Overall, these are some of my favorite chair styles we’ve studied. 

Current Applications 

One Step Further 

Richard Neutra 

Richard Neutra studied in Vienna with Adolf Loos and Otto Wagner, which could be a contribution to my draw to his work. He came to the US in the 1920’s and ended up moving to Los Angeles to establish his own practice. He focused on the art, architecture, and landscape of each house he worked on and always valued the needs of each client. His style is geometric and airy. My favorite design of his is the Kaufmann House, which is made up of steel, glass and stone. I really enjoy the massing on this house, the solid, voids and levels make up a really unique composition. I also enjoy the use of natural materials in the interior.