Post Modernism

Michael Graves was a famous American architect.  He was part of the New York Five.  He was first known for his contemporary building designs.  His contemporary building designs became iconic postmodernism architecture.  Some of his more famous building were the Portland Building and Denver Public Library.  Graves then began designing products and furniture.  He designed a stainless steel teakettle for a company called, Alessi, which became the company's best selling product.  He also designed the scaffolding that was used for the restoration of the Washington Monument.  He also began designing products for Target.  Graves designed a model house to showcase Target's new line of housewares.  He even took a further step and designed the house with custom furniture, lighting, fixtures, and other designs for the house.

Todays Design

E.C. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW_MQ3vIZdA

Peer Reviews: 

Alex: I liked how she talked about designers today still using these patterns and it's interesting that these patterns are being used in clothing.

Sara: She did a good job of describing the main designers and how they fit into the Memphis movement.  I also enjoyed all of her videos.

Modernism Part 2

Charles and Ray Eames were very famous American designers.  Many of their furniture designs are still around and popular today.  They are most famous for the Eames Lounge Chair.  The chair is made from molded plywood and leather.  It was the first chair they designed for a high end market.  The Eameses pioneered fiberglass furniture, plastic resin chairs, and the wire mesh chairs.  Charles was the only one that got recognition for his work.  It was very obvious that Ray had contributed to Charles work.  Charles really supported the idea of Ray getting equal recognition for their work.  Not only did they design furniture but they also designed houses, made films, and designed fabrics.

Today's Furniture Inspired by the Eameses

E.C. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rICo44kAE

Peer Reviews:

Bailey: I liked how you went into detail about what materials Charles and Ray Eames used for their furniture.

Savannah: I liked how you explained the different color schemes of mid century modernism.  I know we briefly talked about it in class.

Modernism Part 1

Frank Lloyd Wright had a great impact on modernism.  One famous house he designed was the Hollyhock House.  It is located in the East Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.  It was originally designed for oil heiress, Aline Barnsdall.  It was built in 1919-1921, today it is centerpiece for Barnsdall's Art Park.  The house was originally supposed to be part of the arts and theater complex, Olive Hill, but the larger part of this project was never completed.  Wright could not supervise most of the construction because he was busy designing the Imperial Hotel.  Many of the construction responsibilities were given to his assistant, Rudolph Schindler and his son, Lloyd Wright.

Today's Interiors Inspired by FLW

E.C. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-5hNWjHKJI

Peer Reviews:

Kiera: I liked how you talked about Wright and Schindler worked together.  Also it was interesting to learn that they did not agree on things and it ended bitterly.

Kate I: I liked how you went into detail about Schindler and specifically what made his design style so unique.