Mid-Century Modernism

Mid-Century Modernism architecture is characterized by flat roofs, angular details and asymmetrical profiles, expansive walls of glass, clean lines and wide open floor plans. It was the first to use bi-level structures and married indoor spaces to the outside. It was extremely popular on the West Coast. Common color schemes included warm, earthy tones created nature-inspired interiors (olive green, burnt umber, pumpkin and mustard yellow). Trendy colors included pink, gray, turquoise, black and yellow. Furnishings were commonly made out of plastics, resin, metal composites, laminates and fiberglass. All these materials helped to fuel creativity. One notable designer of this time period was Joseph Eichler. He was a real-estate developer in California who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. He developed Mid- century tract housing subdivisions for the average American family. It had post and beam construction, open floor plan, glass walls, concrete floors (radiant heat) with low slope- no slope A-frame roofs. He built over 11,000 homes. Another notable designer was Eero Saarinen. He was a Finnish/American architect/Industrial Design who worked with Charles and Ray Eames. He also produced furniture with Knoll including his famous Tulip Chair. Charles and Ray Eames worked with Herman Miller and were two very eccentric designers. They designed a who array of things ranging from coat hangers to very famous chairs like the their lounge chair and the aluminum group. Another important designer from this period was George Nelson. He was one of the founders of American Modernism. He was the Directer of Design for Herman Miller and also had his own company, George Nelson Associates, Inc.. With these two companies, he shaped much of the 20th Century's most iconic Modernism furniture. He designed pieces such as, the Coconut Chair, Marshmallow Sofa, and Swag Leg Group. Isamu Noguchi was an American artist, designer and landscape architect who worked for Herman Miller. His most famous piece of furniture is the Noguchi table.

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Extra Credit:
http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/1044237/video-explore-the-hidden-treasures-of-noguchi-museum
A video about the Noguchi Museum

Peer Review:

Paige P- She summarized the period well and her pictures were great. I liked how she split it up into sections by designer and shared pictures of their work. 

Amanda V- I liked how she summarized the whole period and then had little blurbs about the individual designers.