via LOHA renovates the Julius Shulman Home and Studio.

This interesting article leads to a debate on the purity of Mid Century Modern design. Here is what I attempted to post:

“There are purists that would prefer a historic house be preserved to exacting standards. However, this is not historic Williamsburg or Buckingham Palace. Personally, I don’t like the terms “dated” or “outdated” when it comes to design unless their central function is no longer adequate to the times. Nevertheless, good design is always inspiring whether we are talking about an ancient greek temple or a house by Soriano. The fact that people buy and live in the house means that it will be around for a while longer.”

What I mean in particular can be exemplified by the notion of changing a light fixture. Why would one, in a Mid Century Modern house, replace a fixture meant to match the design elements of the house simply to “update” a “dated” item. A case for such a change is made if the original design is flawed or the fixtures never quite worked to begin with. Obviously, if the fixtures have degraded or are too time consuming or expensive to repair, then they must go. Yet, just as is the case for an American Gothic or Greek Revival design, why would one put coach lights on a modernist house or ultra-modern fixtures on an Arts and Crafts dwelling? There are rare times when one wishes to make an artistic statement or irritate the neighbors that such flippancy works well. Most of the times it doesn’t.

I greatly admire many architectural designs throughout the history of western civilization. Just as I admire the work of mid-century architects, when Mid Century Modern homes are “updated” to beige or gray, stone plastered boredom of 21st century styles, to me, the changes are as out of place as any significant alteration of any other period in architecture. Even so, where I might stridently object regarding public buildings, how can one object to a private residence where individuals must live and be comfortable. This is the pink flamingo or the lawn jockey on the lawn. Live and let live.