Posts

Week 14

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Postmodernism/Deconstruction Postmodernism in interior design and architecture emerged in the 1980s as a reaction against the simplicity and constraints of Modernism.  After the economic struggles of the 1970s, people were ready for more fun, and expressive design. The Memphis Movement was founded in Milan in 1981 by designers like Ettore Sottsass and Michele de Lucchi. It was a great example of the shift with bold, playful designs influenced by Art Deco and Pop Art. Ettore Sottsass A few key figures in Postmodern architecture include Robert Venturi, who rejected the simplicity of Modernism in favor of complexity and historical ornamentation. Michael Graves was a member of the New York Five, who emphasized color, decoration, and human-centered design. Others, like Charles Gwathmey, Richard Meier, and John Hejduk, explored the geometric complexity, white minimalist palettes, and psychological depth in architecture. The office environment also evolved, which was influenced by th...

Week 13

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  Modernism in America Part II Mid-Century Modernism ran from 1950 to 1960. This style was characterized by flat/low-slope roofs, open floor plans, and clean lines. It also involved a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces through wide glass walls. It was greatly popular on the West Coast and the style embraced both earthy and trendy colors. This style also utilized modern materials such as plastic, fiberglass, and laminates in both architecture and furnishings. Real estate developer Joseph Eichler played a significant role in shaping mid-century modern residential design by constructing over 11,000 homes using post-and-beam construction. He aimed to make modern architecture more accessible and affordable for the average American family, blending innovative design with practical living spaces. In furniture design, well-known designers like Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi helped shape the modern style by using creative forms a...

Week 12

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MODERNISM IN AMERICA Modernism in America started after many designers from Europe moved to the United States because of World War II. The war had a huge effect on Europe, and the famous Bauhaus design school was shut down. This caused many modern architects to come to America, where their ideas became more practical and useful in everyday life. One well-known architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, created famous buildings like Fallingwater and the S.C. Johnson Wax Headquarters. Even though his work didn’t fit into the "International Style," his designs were creative and focused on using natural materials and blending buildings with their surroundings. Frank LLoyd Wright- Fallingwater         S.C. Johnson Wax Headquarters Other important modern architects in America included Rudolph Schindler, who used simple materials like concrete and redwood to create homes with open yet flowing spaces. Richard Neutra focused on light, air, and connecting buildings with nature. Archi...

Week 10/11

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Week 9

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Art Deco and Industrial Design Art Deco and Industrial Design were two greatly important styles that changed how things looked and worked in the early 1900s. Art Deco started in France in the 1920s and was known for its bold, decorative style with geometric shapes, fancy materials like polished metals and rare woods, and influences from Cubism and African art. It was all about glamour and style, seen in furniture, buildings, and even ocean liners like the Normandie. Famous designers like Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, and Donald Deskey created sleek and modern interiors using mirrors, strong lighting, and stylish furniture.  In contrast, Industrial Design focused more on function, mass production, and making things affordable for the public. It became popular during the Great Depression and was influenced by new technology and aerodynamics. Designers like Raymond Loewy, Gilbert Rohde, and Russel Wright created products such as trains, furniture, and household appliances that ...

Week 7

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The Emergence of Modernism The Emergence of Modernism was a major shift in architecture and interior design that was heavily influenced by political, economic, and technological changes following World War I. There was a shift from historical styles to industrial materials like steel, glass, and concrete. During these times, there was an emphasis on functionalism. This meant that designs focused on usefulness or functionality rather than decoration. The increase in skyscrapers, cars, and mass production helped shape this new movement. The International Style emphasized clean lines, open spaces, radical simplicity, and minimal ornamentation. This then became a defining feature of modern architecture. Several architects played key roles in shaping Modernism. Frank Lloyd Wright created organic architecture that blended with nature. He designed well-known buildings like the Robie House and the Johnson Wax Building. Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus school, which combined art, design, ...