Modernism in America Part 2

  Mid Century modernism focused on flat roofs, angular details, and asymmetrical profiles. Architects started to open up the floor plans as well and were the first to use bi-level structures. Some color schemes that were the most popular with this style were earthy tones like mustard, greens, oranges, browns, and grays. As for furnishings, it was common to include plastics, laminates, and fiberglass to release creativity. One of the architects from this time, Joseph Euchler was a real-estate developer who developed mid-century tract housing subdivisions for American families. He included post and beam construction, open floor plans, glass walls, and concrete floors, with low or no slope roofs. One thing that stood out to me about his buildings was the ceiling windows he included that would allow even more natural light and an amazing view from inside. Furniture and décor such as clocks, grew a lot and became more sculptural and molded materials that were then painted using primary colors. 



One step further:

Charles Eames was an architect and industrial designer who often worked with his brother Ray Eames, an artist and filmmaker. They were a great team as they designed a wide variety of furniture pieces. They experimented with plywood, plastics, aluminum, and molding of fiberglass. I like how the Eames didn’t limit themselves to a specific shape or design range but stayed creative. Their La Chaise chair below stood out to me because of the versatile ways to sit in it, which I thought was very clever. I also like the elliptical table, especially because it is minimal and slick, and I love how low it is to the ground and how long it is.

 

Current Applications:

1. This table below made me think of the elliptical table by Charles and Ray Eames. It is that simple smooth shape, and low height. But what makes it different is the concrete material and a pedestal that holds it up. This cream/ tan color is also very trendy nowadays with soft tones and smooth curves.



2. This couch is a current application of modernism because of its short, long profile as well as its wood legs. This idea is similar to Charles and Ray Eames compact sofa but instead of leather, it is suede. Textures have become a very popular trend, with furnishing made of all sorts of fabrics and materials. I like how this couch back includes a form of pelting, another feature that is apparent in modern furniture.



 3. George Neslon played with modern clocks as well as iconic furniture pieces. This mirror reminded me of his clocks because mirrors have become extremely popular currently, like how clocks were very popular back then. This clock has a midcentury modern style with its fark thick border with an organic shape.


Comments

  1. Meaghan Di PietroApril 9, 2022 at 3:26 PM

    Dezaray,
    I really enjoyed your blog this week, the examples you found for the modern applications were amazing to compare to the works of Charles Eames. I enjoyed how you discussed the various materials he used for his furniture designs, it helps to show there such a wide range of ideas for furniture. Great blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Professor VanderNoordaaApril 15, 2022 at 12:02 PM

    Dezaray,
    Excellent summary of Mid Century Modernism. Just to clarify - Ray Eames was Charles Eames wife. Joseph Eichler did play a prominent Role in this movement. I appreciate your deeper dive into the work of Charles and Ray Eames. Great examples of current furniture that is similar to this era. 50/50 total points

    ReplyDelete

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