The New York Times created a fabulous interactive feature interviewing residents of the townhomes of Lafayette Park in Detroit. The complex was designed by a trio of world-class designers: Ludwig Hilbersheimer as urban planner, Alfred Caldwell as Landscape Designer and Mies Van Der Rohe as architect. Lafayette Park is arguably one of the best examples of successful multi-complex housing schemes in North America.
While some residents have a strong mid-century modern aesthetic and are aware of the significance of living in a building designed by Mies van Der Rohe, others were drawn to live there for the lush landscaping and the large floor to ceiling windows. Although each unit is identical to one another, the decorating styles are as varied and eclectic as the residents.
Three generations of West Coast modernism has been documented in this upcoming film by Vancouver film makers Gavin Froome and Michael Bernard.
Michael and Gavin take us on a journey from Los Angeles to Vancouver; from 1922 up to the present exploring modernist architecture on the West Coast. A core group of architects embraced the Coast with its particular geography and values and they have left behind a legacy of beautiful and inspired dwellings. Today, architects have picked up the thread and they continue to explore and celebrate the principles established by their predecessors.
Intimate interviews and unprecedented access to architects in the film include Arthur Erickson(Vancouver),Fred Bassetti(Seattle), Henrik Bull (Berkley), Michael Folonis(Santa Monica), Dion Neutra(Los Angeles) -son and partner of Modernist pioneer Richard Neutra- , Barbara Bestor(LA) and others. They all share their insight into the Modernist Movement, and its relevance in our lives today.
Legendary photographer Julius Shulman is also be featured along with the photographs that brought world attention to the work that has been done in Southern California. His photographic career has spanned 70 years and he is known for creating one of the most comprehensive visual chronologies of Modernist Architecture.
Dwellers in modernist houses will be also interviewed; from renowned hip-hop producer DJ Greyboy who inhabits an 1950s Edward Killingsworth-designed house in LA, to a Vancouverite who restored a vintage Ron Thom house to its original luster. They will talk about how the space that one lives in influences their life. The modernist houses themselves will take centre stage, shot in high definition: the open plans, simplicity of form and integration of site will awe and inspire.
We’ll keep you updated on the release date of this great documentary that will definitely become a must-have for any modern architecture lover.
There’s no doubt that the late Arthur Erickson’s work was highly influenced by his travels to Japan. One only needs to look at the iconic Smith House to see a beautiful blend of Japanese and West Coast sensibilities at play.Michelangelo Sabatino, Assistant Professor at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston retraces Erickson’s first trip to Japan in 1961 in his illustrated talk touching on – amongst other things – Erickson’s award-winning design for the Canadian Pavillion for Osaka 1970.
Journeys to the East: Arthur Erickson & Japan lecture will trace Erickson’s journeys and writings on Japan, identifying specific buildings and gardens that Erickson actually visited and studied, particularly in his first visit to Japan in 1961 and as recorded in his critical essays for Canadian Architect in the ‘60s. The lecture will also situate Erickson’s “Journey to the East” as part of a longstanding tradition of modern Western architects who appropriated cues from Japanese art, architecture and landscape ranging from Frank Lloyd Wright and Bruno Taut in the first half of the century, to events such as the display of a Japanese house at MoMA in New York (1953) and the publication in English of Yasuhiro Ishimoto, Walter Gropius, and Kenzo Tange’s study of Katsura in 1960.
The lecture is on November 25th at 7pm, Vancouver International Film Centre. Tix and more information can be found on the Arthur Erickson Conservancy web site.
I was fortunate enough to be asked to be part of Design Milk’s Friday Five to list my Top 5 Pieces of Modernist Architecture. Seeing as I’ve always been very opinionated about architecture (bad architecture in particular) I jumped at the chance to praise some of my favourites. You can read the full article here. Be sure to spend some more time on their site. See if you can figure out what they are before you click on the link!
You’ll never look at camping the same way again after a stay in a Rolling Hut. Seattle-based Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects designed this group of 6 ultra-modern and innovative cabins in Washington’s Methow Valley as an alternative to your run-of-the-mill camping trip.
Nestled in the scenic North Cascade Mountains, each hut comes equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, fireplace and Wi-Fi. Modular furniture can be configured to create sleeping accommodation for up to four people so the only things you need to bring are your sleeping bag, your iPod and some wine.
The Stahl House will be available for a rare evening tour on Friday night, May 15th, at 7:30 pm. All tours are by reservation only, and space is limited. Tickets are $35 each (only cash accepted). No one will be permitted in the home without a reservation, so make sure to register on their Facebook page.
We’ve been scouting around for office space recently and we came across these two great spaces. They’re out of our price range for now, but I loved the photos so much I thought I’d share. The photos above are of a live/work space designed by Frank Gehry. The photos below are of an David Montalba designed office space.
The listing realtor has a lot of great architecturally significant spaces on their books!
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 4
6:00 p.m-9:00 p.m
$12 general admission
FREE for museum members
Exhibit will be open to the public starting Sunday, April 5-July 19
Julius Shulman is one of the best known architectural photographers in the world. In the 1950s and 1960s, he did extensive work in Fullerton documenting houses and other buildings in town. The 40 images in this exhibition come from his massive portfolio, now housed at the Getty Research Library, and will include scenes from mid-century interiors and exteriors. The exhibition will also include period furniture and decor provided by Out of Vogue.
In the January 2009 issue of Los Angeles magazine, executive editor Mary Melton profiles renowned architectural photographer Julius Shulman in 36 exposures.
“When Julius Shulman snapped what is perhaps the most famous picture ever taken of Los Angeles, could he have imagined, could any of his subjects have imagined, that a single image would encapsulate the promises, hopes, and dreams of L.A.’s future—and conjure our fantasies of its past?”
Architect Pierre Koenig’s Case Study House No. 22, also known as the Stahl House, was unlike anything ever constructed, and Julius made it famous with his photograph. Read the whole Los Angeles magazine article.
We were lucky enough to visit the Pierre Koenig’s Stahl house, Case Study House 22. Set high in the hills of Los Angeles, it’s one of the most iconic houses of the modern era due to both its radical design and its breath-taking view. Many movies and photo shoots have been set in the Stahl house so an opportunity to tour this legendary residence should not be missed.
The next tours for the house are planned for February 7th, 8th,13th, 14th and 15th. You can sign up for the tour here.
Daily tour schedule is:
1st tour – 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
2nd tour – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
3rd tour – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Every now and then we come across some really great books on mid-century modern furniture, architecture and contemporary design. Here are some of our favourites. Full list here.
The Story of Eames Furniture
This book blows wide open the myth of Charles Eames and the Eames Office. As one reviewer puts it, “It seems Saarinen, Bertoia, Ain and Albinson designed, refined and were given little if no credit for the entire line of furniture of the Eames’, whereas Charles Eames had his focus on women, photography (lots of [...]
Chic Green Interior Design
I’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at Lori Dennis’s upcoming book, Green Interior Design. It’s a wealth of information about environmentally friendly materials and building practices. For the lost soul who is navigating this new trend, this easy to use book is truly worth every penny.
Lori explains every aspect of residential interior [...]
5 Must-Have Mid-Century Modern Books
I’m always being asked which books to buy on mid-century modernism, so I’ve compiled a list of my current top 5 books under $50. Lushpad has a larger list of books over at Amazon if you want to have a look for some more great mid-mod books.
If you’ve got any suggestions to add to the [...]
Library Editions by Robert Chaplin
Robert Chaplin, a Vancouver-based artist, gemstone carver, poet, and publisher, has recently opened up shop on Etsy so the world (not just Vancouver) can buy his delightful books for children and adults alike. The 32-page hardcover books contain everything from learning to count, to cooking the perfect pot of delicious chicken soup. The [...]
Mid-Century Modern Cool – Kevin Dart
“A Kiss from Tokyo” is a beautiful animation created for Kevin Dart’s newly released book about Yuki 7 entitled, “Seductive Espionage, the world of Yuki 7″ which chronicles the production of this imaginary 1960’s spy film franchise. The world they have created is beautiful and definitely inspired by two of my favourite shows growing up, “The Avengers” and “James Bond”. You can purchase the book via Fleet Street Scandal.
