When I was a girl one of my favorite houses sat on the edge of a ridge. It was a low slung home, with cedar shingle siding painted a warm, earthy color that blended with the landscape. I loved the house's big, plate glass windows; there was a delight I found in looking straight through the house to the ridge view beyond when we would drive past.
Of course, at the time I didn't realize it but the house had many modern design elements. Years later I still love that house and I still find myself drawn to modern buildings. And God, in His perfect plan, purposed for me marry a modernist, the son of an architect. I've been getting a first-rate education in all things associated with 20th century modern architecture and design ever since!
The professor tells me that I've always been a modernist at heart, that he just drew it out of me, refined it so to speak. However, I'm not quick to label myself a modern purist (wasn't it Deb who observed that there is "a romantic at the modern homestead"). I love a broad spectrum of styles, each one different but all embracing a purposeful purity of form and function.
Lately, here at Modobject at Home we've talked a lot about the influence of modern design on products and furniture (modobjects!) and we've even touched a bit on modern art, but somehow architecture has been overlooked. So, I've added a new category, "spotlight on architecture" where I plan to periodically show local examples of various architectural styles.
Now remember, we live in a small, southern town so I'm not drawing from a rich, diverse pool, but even here in this college town there is beauty in buildings that I think should be shared. So, will you join me? Once every week or two we'll take a look at some of the unique buildings I see every day and talk about their design.
In the photo:
Eames House, 1945-1949
Pacific Palisades, California
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames
Image courtesy of Great Buildings.
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8 comments:
Count me in this educational venture! quickly remembering I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO TODAY (snort. NOT. sorry : )
While attending university I boarded with a (Texas educated!) architect and his family. They were restoring a midwestern bungalow, furnishing with modern pieces. Probably that was when I learned the NAME 'Eames' goes with the style you are featuring here.
This house looks like the elementary/high school I attended in the mid-1960-70s. Daring architecture for the rural midwest!
However, in the pic, all those floofy plants muddy the style, don't you think?
off to work,
deb meyers
argh, the exclamation points. see, i'm rushing... dm
I'll be looking forward to it!
What a fun idea! I find myself wanting to go inside, too! :)
Sounds like a great idea! Although I live in Los Angeles, I grew up in a small town in rural Indiana and remember some great examples of mid-century architecture. Banks, S&L's, schools, libraries, office buildings, churches, and a few homes in New Castle were some of the first buildings to give me a feel for the clean lines that I have grown to love. I look forward to your posts.
What fun!
i studied some architecture as part of my BFA, and must say i wished i had paid attention more...here's my chance!
I used to want to be an architect... that was long ago before I recognized my math abilities (or lack thereof). However, I still appreciate the beauty in the designs very much. Great post!
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