Week 13 - Modernism in America Pt. 2

 Week 13 - Modernism in America Pt. 2 

Mid-century modern architecture was characterized by flat roofs, angular details and asymmetrical profiles. Expansive walls of glass, clean lines and wide-open floor plans were also common. This era was also the first to use bi-level structures that married indoor spaces to the outside. This was also extremely popular on the West Coast. This period highlights famous architects and designers that led the way in the modernism movement, such as Joseph Eichler. There are also many furniture designers mentioned such as Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi. Manufacturers such as Florence Knoll and Herman Miller are recognized as well. 

Color schemes were important during this time. Specifically warm, earthy tones created nature-inspired interiors (olive green, burnt umber, pumpkin and mustard yellow) and trendy colors (pink, gray, turquoise, black and yellow) were in style. Furnishings were made of plastic, resin, metal composites, fiberglass and laminates to help fuel the boundless creativity of the movement. 

Favorites:

Marshmallow sofa

La Chaise

Lounge Chair

This lounge set of furniture reminds me of the furniture that was and possibly still is in the Glass House by Philip Johnson which I studied in a Precedent Project recently. 

Current Applications:

Womb Chair

Created by Eero Saarinen.

This chair is special to me because I recently saw it (AND WAS ABE TO SIT IN IT) after visiting the container home on our field trips to St. Charles! It is very interesting, comfortable and unique!

Tulip Chair 

Created in 1955 by Eero Saarinen.

I enjoy the way this design has transformed and been adapted into current applications of furniture design. 

Coat Hangers

Created by Charles and Ray Eemes. 

These coat hangers were also all around the container home in St. Charles. I think they are so fun and unique and go with the whimsical color schemes that modernism is characterized by. 

One Step Further:

Eero Saarinen is a well-known Finnish and American Architect/Industrial Designer. He worked with Charles and Ray Eames and produced furniture with Knoll. He is well known for the Tulip Chair. Characteristics of his style. Included furniture that was not committed to one particular modern style, but he considered the desires and the needs of his clients. He held many Neo-Futuristic characteristics. He is also known for the use of sweeping curves and abundant use of glass. He says, “the purpose of architecture is to shelter and enhance man's life on earth and to fulfill his belief in the nobility of his existence”. Saarinen Also used a sculptural approach to furniture design. He made furniture created for modern materials such as fiberglass and aluminum. He also used primary colors such as red, orange, yellow and white. These are characteristics and methods that we see in his Tulip and Womb chair.