Contemporary Design Peer Reviews

Riann's blog really summed up this entire section. The pictures she provided from nowadays have a great touch of contemporary/ post modernism design mixed with elements of todays design style.

Tiziri's blog was very interesting! She focused in on one of the New York Five Architects, Michael Graves. She provided many photos and additional information about the amazing architect and designer.

Contemporary Design

Postmodernism/Contemporary Design began in the 1960's and ended in the early 2000's. Five influential designers have been grouped together and referred to as The New York Five. These five post modernism and contemporary architects are Michael Graves, Charles Gwathmey, Richard Meier, Peter Eisenman and Frank Genry. Graves (1934-2015) embraced decorative detail and strong color and forms. He designed products for Target and his first post modernism building was the Public Service Building in Oregon. Gwathmey (1938-2009) was an architect and educator who is most famous for designing the Gwathmey Residence and Studio in New York. Meier (1932) is an artist and architect that uses geometric shapes and the color white. His most famous designs are the Getty Center and the Douglas House. Eisenman (1932) designs with fragmented exterior and unpredictable design. One of his most famous designs is the Museum of Galicia in Spain. Lastly, Genry (1929) is a Canadian/American architect who designed the Guggenheim Museum, the High Stickling Back Chair and the Wiggle Chair. Each of these designers have each left an influential mark in architecture and interior design history.

Public Service Building, Graves
 



Target Designs, Graves
 





Gwathmey Residence, Gwathmey
 





Douglas House, Meier





Museum of Galicia, Eisenman

Wiggle Chair, Genry

Extra Credit: Additional information about Charles Gwathmey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1PgQ8bfyI




Bucket List

I thought the Denmark presentation was very interesting. And it's especially interesting if the happiest people in the world live there! The first building they discussed was Blue Planet which is an aquarium. Secondly, the Copenhagen Opera House which was built in 2004 has limestone, marble, and 24 caret gold leaf ceiling. Ordupgaard features black lava concrete in an organic shape along with glass. The 8Tallet is in a figure eight setup and has apartments and parks. Next, the Danner House which was built in 1875 is brick with arches and influenced by the Spanish Barque design style. Lastly, the Musikkens Hus was built in 2010 and has multiple concert halls made of concrete and glass. Overall, Denmark seems like a very interesting place full of happy people.

Blue Planet
 

Copenhagen Opera House


 

Musikkens House

Extra Credit: Additional information about Denmark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAAsfu2Oy3Q

 

Mid-Century Modernism Peer Reviews

Riann gave a brief overview of the mid-century modern era with many interesting photographs. I also really liked the video she provided about Eero Saarinen.

I enjoyed all of the photos that Stephanie provided! The modern applications are very interesting to see how designers mix and match the pieces from that time period and todays design style.

Mid-Century Modernism

The Mid-Century Modernism style started along the West Coast and had characteristics such as flat, angular roofs, wide open floor plans, and asymmetrical profiles. This style was also the first to use bi-level structures. A variety of furnishings were used during this time period such as plastics, resin, metal composites, laminates and fiberglass. All of these materials helped to fuel boundless creativity. The color palette varied from earthy warm colors such as olive green, burnt umber, pumpkin and mustard yellow to trendy colors such as pink, gray, turquoise, black and yellow.

 

 

Many well known pieces of furniture were also created during this time. Eero Saarinen created the womb chair, the executive chair and the tulip chair and table. Charles and Ray Eames created the compact sofa, the molded plywood chair and table, the conference table, the molded plastic chair and rocker, the walnut stools, the wire table and chair and the elliptical table.

Saarinen, Tulip Chair and Table

 





Eames Molded Plastic Chair
 





Modern take on Eames Molded Plastic Chair with the Mid-Century Modernism color palette



 

Extra Credit: Tour of a Mid-Century Modern home in California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls3WvDpTAOs

Herman Miller Peer Reviews

I really liked how Haley H went into a lot of detail about the company and the services that come with the furniture. Also, she gave detailed information about each designer and some of their creations.

I enjoyed Stephanie's blog and the pictures she provided. The photos of today's uses were really interesting and I like the new Action Office design from Herman Miller.

Herman Miller Guest Speaker

Our guest this week was Darrell from Herman Miller. Herman Miller is a furniture manufacturer of historic pieces and new designs. The company started in 1906 and has recently received many awards of excellence. When the company first began as Michigan Star Furniture, their slogan was "Cheap & Medium Priced Furniture". Now, cheap furniture is not how Herman Miller should be defined. They produce quality pieces that can get quite pricey. In 1919 D.J. Depree became the president when his father-in-law loaned him the money to buy the company. He named the company Herman Miller after his father-in-law. Interestingly, Herman Miller never actually owned Herman Miller, he was just the one to loan the money. The company chose many designers to create custom pieces such as Gilbert Rohde, George Nelson, Ray & Charles Eames, Alexander Girard, Robert Propst and Bill Stumpf. Many famous pieces came from these designers such as the Marshmallow Sofa, the Coconut Chair, the Chaise Lounge Sleeper, the Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman and the Aeron Chair. Because many of these designs are incredibly popular, there are many knock offs. However, if there is a Herman Miller medallion on the piece itself, then it is authentic. Herman Millers Design Yard and Green House are both located in Michigan and recently have bought out other companies such as Geiger, Nemschoff, Maharam and Design Within Reach.

Past Photographs:

D.J. Depree


The Coconut Chair





Present Photographs:





Herman Miller Green House



Herman Miller Aeron Chair


Extra Credit: Herman Miller Design Yard Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR-R9r5n5NM

Art Deco Peer Reviews

Emma had a ton of information about the Art Deco period! I also really enjoyed the present photographs that she provided. All of them have an Art Deco inspiration with a modern flare.

In Stephanie's blog post I fell in love with the present photograph with the stripped ceiling details. I think that photo really sums up the major characteristics of the Art Deco design period.

Art Deco

During the roaring 1920's the Art Deco movement began to take over. Although there was tension between the functionalists and decorators, many of the same characteristics came out of this time period including being strongly decorative and angular, an influence of Art Nouveau, and a use of zig zags, folding screens, large mirrors, and prominent lighting fixtures. The functionalists believed in mass production while the decorators strived for craftsmanship and handmade designs. The Art Deco design influenced the clothing industry and set a new everyday style. Some of the major designers during this period were Michel Roux-Spitz, Jean Dunand, Maurice Dufrene, Jean Michel Frank, Jaques-Emile Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Paul Frankl, Joesph Urban and  Fredrick Kiesler.

Past Photographs:

Chrysler Building, New York  

Paul Frankl

Paul Frankl

Present Photographs:

 

 

 

Extra Credit: Compares Art Nouveau to Art Deco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_4j2WPzSKU

 

 



Emergence of Modernism Peer Reviews

I really enjoyed the photos that Stephanie provided on her blog. The final photo is a really good example of a modern take on the Barcelona Chairs.

Another blog I found interesting is Tiziri's. She went into depth about Le Corbusier and many of his beautiful designs!

Emergence of Modernism

The Emergence of Modernism began in the early 1900's and included many well known architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. Although each architect and designer has their own style, I found Mies, the German architect, to be very interesting.  His famous sayings are "Less is more" and "God is in the details". Mies was known for using rich materials such as marble, glass, and steel. These materials served as the ornamentation rather than actual décor pieces. Some of his most famous designs were the Barcelona Exhibition, the Farnsworth House, and the expansion of the Caroline Wiess Law Building. Although he had many more influential designs, these three stood out to me and most definitely stood out in this time period. In all three of these designs, we can se that his saying "Less is more" really is applied. He also designed the Barcelona Chair, Stool, Chaise and Table as well as the Brno Chair. The Barcelona series appeared in the Farnsworth House. However, there were complications with his designs. Such simple, day to day activities were difficult in such an exposed home. Problems like were to place a garbage can and were to hang clothes were not taken into consideration when Mies created the layout for the home. Although some problems occurred, his designs are still being produced today by companies like Ikea. Clearly, Mies Van der Rohe made a lasting impact during the Emergence of Modernism.

Past Photographs:

The Barcelona Exhibition
 

The Barcelona Exhibition



Caroline Wiess Law Building

 

Present Photographs:

Barcelona Chaise





Recreation of the Villa Tugendhat

Extra Credit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPYHznP8WP8



 

Frank Lloyd Wright Peer Reviews

Happy's blog summed up this time period perfectly with straight to the point facts. She included several photos, interiors and exteriors, of the emergence of modernism. Her video of the Robie House really showed off the FLW design style.

Holli's blog included not only information on Frank Lloyd Wright, but also an overall glimpse into the time period of the emergence of modernism. The photos she included for the past were very intriguing. The stair cases did not look like the normal Frank Lloyd Wright prairie style that was so common in this period. Overall, very interesting!

Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright was the first major modern architect and also known for developing "American" architecture. Not only was he an architect, but also a designer, writer and educator. Many of his first homes were Queen Ann style but he is mostly known for his prairie style of architecture and design. This design consisted of a hipped roof, a strong horizontal profile, and an integration of the exterior with its surroundings. The interior of many prairie styled homes included a center fireplace, built in furniture, stained glass windows, unique light fixtures, and overall the design focused on family. Throughout his career he designed over 1,000 structures. He worked with Adler and Sullivan and created his own practice designing both residentially and commercially. Some of his famous works include the Winslow House, Prairie House Form, Robie House, Unity Temple, The Rookery, and the Johnson Wax Building. Some other homes I found interesting designed by Wright are the Coonley House, the Edward and Florence Irving House, and the Taliesin West. I recently visited the Edward and Florence Irving House and these are a few of my photos...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past:

Taliesin West

 

 

Coonley House

 

 

 

 

Present:

FLW inspired home in Pinehurst, NC

 

 

 

Extra Credit:

More about the Edward and Florence Irving House...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keuiHtBBq8o

Protomodernism Peer Reviews

I liked that Amanda explained the Vienna Succession and the Deutscher Werkbund Movement. Both the succession and the movement effected the Protomodernism period greatly and the design that went into many of the homes she provided pictures of.

Angie's picture of Piet Mondrian's interior captures his artistic way of designing perfectly. She explains the De Stijl movement focuses on primary colors, shapes, and simplistic designs but are still functional. I think it's interesting that the beds are lowered to the ground which then creates a larger looking space throughout the rest of the room.

Protomodernism

The Protomodernism period was from 1897-1959 and began in Germany and Austria. The rejection from the past historical designs was transformed into a new beginning that changed the way critics looked at design. This movement away from the past is known as the Vienna Secession. A brand new style was introduced that included clean, white, geometric designs, that of course were always functional. Some of the main designers and architects during this period were Joseph Olbrich, Gustav Klimt, Otto Wagner, Adolf Loos, Josef Hoffman, Gerrit Rietveld, Piet Mondrian, Frank Lloyd Wright. Many famous works of art came out of this period including The Kiss by Klimt and the Kubus Chair design by Hoffman. Although the protomodernism design was very prominent around Germany and Austria, Frank Lloyd Wright was an influential designer in the United States. Wright developed "American" architecture and many of his houses were "prairie style" which included sloping roofs and a dominant horizontal profile. Also on the exterior, Wright really integrated the house with the material and the landscaping. The interior of many of his homes focused on family. A center fireplace was present in the main living area with functional built in furniture surrounding it. He also created his own light fixtures which were very geometric along with stained glass windows. The Protomodernism design made its way from Germany to America incorporating white, clean, geometric, and functional designs. 

Past Photographs:

Exterior of the Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago, Illinois

 

Interior of the Robie House, Chicago, Illinois

 

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss

  

Present Photographs:

Proto-to-Go, Los Angeles, California 

Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, California 

 

Extra Credit- Additional information on Frank Lloyd Wright

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvjv3QGeGX8
 

Art Nouveau Peer Reviews

I really liked the photos that Miryam posted. I didn't see many modern applications of painting the curves on the wall, so I really enjoyed the picture with the bed. Also the modern staircase was beautiful and that was one picture I considered using for my post as well!

Another blog I looked at was Alicia's. She had tons of pictures I never saw when searching for the Art Nouveau period which I found very interesting. Not only did she talk about the designers from Europe but also the inspiration that came from Japanese art.

Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau period was from 1890 to 1910 with Belgium and France leading the movement. During this time, design was inspired by nature due to a rejection of academics that was so common in the past. Many vines and free hand curves were used in the Art Nouveau period along with birds, flowers, and insects. One of the main designers during this period was Victor Horta. Not only was he an Art Nouveau designer but also a teacher and an architect. As the most influential designer during this time, many of his techniques included stenciled walls and ceilings, large glass windows, and nature inspired curved lines. The Horta House in Brussels is an extremely popular tourist place that displays Victor Hortas designs including furniture, glass work, and mosaics. A few other designers throughout this period were Henry Van de Velde with many famous chair designs including the Side Chair, Kessler Diplomats Chair, and Villa Esche Armchair. In France, Hector Guimard also designed a side table and chair. Although there were many influential designers during this period, all of them kept the same look in their overall schemes.  

Past Photographs:

Henry Van de Velde Side Chair

Henry Van de Velde Kessler Diplomats Chair, detailed leg showing the free hand curve

The Horta House

Present Photographs:

Leiden Townhouse, Holland

Clapham House, London

Extra Credit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3zIIubmw_s

Arts and Crafts Peer Reviews

I really like how Katie explained who all the designers and architects were at that time. Obviously they were the most important and those designs would not have been thought of without them. The modern applications were very relatable to houses we see nowadays but they still have the Arts and Crafts feel.

The other blog I reviewed was Stephanie's. She really went into detail about the Morris chair. It was, and still is, such an influential piece of furniture so I completely understand why she highlighted it! I thought the modern application of the chair was a great touch as well!

Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts Movement was a time of handcrafted, functional, and simple honest designs. From 1860 to 1910, England began a movement against the Victorian Period and the Industrial Revolution. The switch from very ornate and clustered designs moved to a medieval inspired functionality to accommodate everyday lives. William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, is commonly known for his chair design. The Morris Chair, designed by Philip Webb, was adjustable with a reclining back and made of plain leather or velvet. Because many of the Morris designs were so inspirational, some are still in production today. The Arts and Crafts moved its way into California where many bungalow houses and craftsmen designs can still be found standing today. Even though so many people were influenced by this movement, they still kept the same characteristics. Medieval inspired furniture was hand made of oak, creating heavy pieces, wood joints and hinges were visible, and most importantly, they were simple honest designs with functionality.

Past photographs:

Marston House in San Diego

An oak piece with exposed hinges

Modern applications:

Morris inspired furniture

 

Kitchen



Extra Credit:
A current application of the Arts and Crafts to a modern kitchen design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ERrdgjbbE