Week 14

 Post Modernism / Deconstruction

 Gina Christopher

During this time there was a worldwide energy crisis due to the oil embargo by several Arab countries. This put the world into a recession that dwindled the hopes of the modernism movement. People lived in a “grab all you can get” attitude due to the hard times. Moving into the 1980’s there were large homes built and a lot of overdoing. In the 90’s there was a rise of the environmentalist. These people were concerned about the over materialism the world was going and advocating for the planet. Also, during this time the portable telephone and computers were on a rise, so communication was extended. The style of furniture during this time was not produced to be functional but rather a talking point. Also, injection molding manufacturing contributed to a lot of the style during this period. Office design was also a focal point of this period. Offices changed their layouts and development more diverse operations. 

My favorite art/ design/ furniture 

Memphis Movement 

Members of the Memphis movement include Ettore Sottsass, Michele de Lucchi, Michael Graves, and George Snowden. This was an internationally diverse group that all agrees to abolishing modernism and creating unstructured designs inspired by art deco and pop art. This group admired kitsch, irony, and distraction of scale. I was drawn to this design style because it is differnt and solely based on fun energy which is always refreshing. 

Douglas House - Richard Meier 

Richard Meier was a post-modernism designer. He liked to utilize white materials to each case the lighting in spaces, which is very evident in the Douglas House. He also used abstract forms to design. I really enjoy this house due to the brightness and location. The use of voids and the color white really make this home pop from the inside out. 

Chippendale Chair - Knoll

This chair was manufactured by Knoll. It is a combination of Chippendale, Queen Anne, Sheraton and Art Deco. I really enjoy the use of pattern that this chair has the offer, we haven’t studied much like it besides the chairs from the Rocco period. I like that this chair is inherited light looking though and can be used a a subtle piece of beauty. 

Current Applications 

One Step Further 

Frank Gehry 

Frank Gehry took part is deconstructivism. His approach and style was very experimental. I consider most of his designs to be pretty outlandish, which is why I admire them so much. He is best known for the use of bold, unconventional forms and materials For example, his design for the Guggenheim Museum and the Dancing House are very interesting in from. His designs almost look like they are in motion, they are very sculptural pieces. The same goes for his furniture. I truly admire this style becuase it challenges the mind and is beautiful.