A Few Names from British Modernism

Especially if one lives out here in the southwestern United States, we take for granted that American modernism flourished in abundance, mainly in small and large offices, schools, churches, restaurants, and other commercial buildings. In residential architecture, quite a few developers and designers built communities on modernist principles, among these were Eichler and Haver. Among…Continue reading A Few Names from British Modernism

A Film on Fallingwater

This is a short film on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater (Kaufmann) House. It is a little out of sync but I thought many people would enjoy this video, a film written and produced by Mary Rawson.   Just a little note: This house is best called Fallingwater since another famous and beautiful house referred to…Continue reading A Film on Fallingwater

Charlotte Perriand

The emergence of women designers and architects certainly came full force in the 20th century. We all know of Ray Eames, but right up there among the elite is Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999). (For a brief read on 9 prominent women designers, click the image link below.)   Even with just a casual knowledge of mid-century…Continue reading Charlotte Perriand

Krisel, Modernity For Everyone

Architecture William Krisel Modernity For Everyone ___ By Howard Bosler     The most interesting thing about William Krisel, besides his love for the butterfly roof, is his down to earth approach toward modern architecture. Since he has just recently passed away, I thought a look at Mr. Krisel is in order. About Mr. Krisel…Continue reading Krisel, Modernity For Everyone

International Style Design Elements

Through all the “ism” in art and architecture, modernist design in architecture refers to the mid-century of the 20th century. So many buildings and residences set the stage for contemporary modern designs of today. Many of the iconic places so familiar to us have exerted incredible influences on current design to such a degree, that…Continue reading International Style Design Elements

The Binotto House.

The Binotto or Circular House

Since an article just appeared in MCM Groovy covering the Aluminaire House, which is a modernist prefab house meant to be assembled from manufactured parts, the Circular House of Serge Binotto comes readily to mind. Serge Binotto was an assistant to the French designer, Jean Prouve, who, if one is familiar with mid century modern…Continue reading The Binotto or Circular House

Visiting the Aluminaire House

Early on in my post secondary education I studied architecture. The notion that one can, in artistic fulfillment, create a work that not only others see, but also encapsulates them usefully for work, endeavors or domestic desires, brings a different sort of satisfaction over the embellishments that painting or other two-dimensional productions provide. In my…Continue reading Visiting the Aluminaire House

The Anderson House by Al Beadle.

Al Beadle: Modern Master

I have included information about the architect, Al Beadle, in other articles. He has the distinction of not only an Internationalist style, but also the designer of the only Case Study structure outside the State of California, this being the Case Study Apartments #1, also known as Triad. Beadle is very familiar to me, in…Continue reading Al Beadle: Modern Master

Entrance to General Electric Showcase House.

General Electric Showcase House

Some of us may have heard of Ronald Reagan. He was not only President of the United States, but also before a downgrade in working positions, he did some acting in Hollywood and also as a spokesperson for some commercial interests. One of those spokesperson jobs included General Electric. In fact, Reagan hosted General Electric…Continue reading General Electric Showcase House

Minimalist Interior

Minimalism Revisited

This article is largely a response regarding another article that I produced, mostly as an amusement. The original article was an example of minimalism in itself. Perhaps an apology to the readers might be appropriate, but I have refrained from doing so simply because of my self-indulgent attitude toward humor whether anyone else sees any…Continue reading Minimalism Revisited

Seattle's Century 21 Exposition.

The Century 21 Exposition

The Seattle Century 21 Exposition held a unique position among the World Fairs in that the exposition actually drew a profit. Perhaps this encouraged those in New York which held its own exposition just two years later.  Although the one in New York left considerable influence on the ideas of modernism in America, the Seattle…Continue reading The Century 21 Exposition

General Motors Building, New York City.

Edward Durell Stone: From Inside Out

Edward Durell Stone, best known as the architect of Radio City Music Hall and the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, does not get a lot of mention these days, even though his structures had tremendous influence on architecture in the United States, and though many in the arts community might be…Continue reading Edward Durell Stone: From Inside Out

Jean Prouvé Petrol Station

Jean Prouve

Born in Paris to a creative family and imbued with the spirit of design, Jean Prouvé could only have become the prolific designer and architect. His father, Victor Prouvé,  was an artist and his mother, Marie Duhamel, a pianist. His father and mother were abundantly involved in an artistic circle which heavily influenced Jean. Jean…Continue reading Jean Prouve