Post-Modernism: 1960's-Present

In 1966, Robert Venturi wrote Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. His motto was "Less is a bore." He embraced decorative ornaments and historical design concepts. His works include the Vanna Venturi house and the Chippendale chair. The New York Five (Peter Eisenman, Michael Graves, Charles Gwathmey, John Hejduk, and Richard Meier) also got their claim to fame during this period. Michael Graves embraced decorative details, as well as strong colors and forms. He designed the Public Service Building in Portland, Oregon. It was the first post modern building. He also designed products for Target. Charles Gwathmey is well known for his residence and studio in New York. Richard Meier incorporated geometrics into his design by using the color white. He designed Getty Center in L.A. and also the Douglas house in Michigan. Peter Eisenman focused on deconstructionism. He designed the Aronoff Center for Design and Art in Cincinnati along with the Museum of Galicia in Spain. Frank Gehry was a Canadian/American architect. He designed the Guggenheim Museum in Spain. He also designed the high sticking/high back chair and the wiggle chair. Rem Koolhaas designed Maison Bordeaux. I.M. Pei designed the Pyramid Lourve in France. Some design trends in Post-Modernism include L.E.E.D. and Biophilic Design.

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Extra Credit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt1_BgCN6lU

Peer Reviews

Megan's blog was very well organized. Her pictures perfectly exemplified the movement. 

Rachael's blog was well written. Her extra credit videos were very interesting as well. 

Mid-Century Modernism: 1950-1960

Mid-Century Modernism was characterized by flat roofs, angular details, asymmetrical profiles, expansive walls of glass, clean lines and wide floor plans. It was also the first to use bi-level structures. It was very popular in California. It used a warm earthy color palette but also used trendy colors as well. The furnishings of this period were made up of plastic, resin, metal components, laminate and fiberglass. Some important designers of this period and what they designed are: 

Joseph Eichler- built over 11,000 homes later known as "Eichler homes"

Eero Saarinen- tulip chair, womb chair, St. Louis arch

Charles and Ray Eames- Eames sofa, elliptical table, walnut stools

George Nelson- coconut chair, marshmallow sofa, platform bench

Isamu Noguchi- Noguchi table

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EXTRA CREDIT: 

http://youtu.be/xM22B6IotYY

Peer Review: Herman Miller

Scott's blog was very informative and descriptive. I would have liked to see a few more pictures.

Ashley's blog was very well done. Her information flowed together and her pictures were awesome. 

Herman Miller

Herman Miller was founded in 1906 and was originally named the Michigan Star Furniture Company. In 1909 it changed to the Michigan Furniture Company. D.J. Dupree became president of the company in 1919 and his father-in-law, Herman Miller, gave him money to stabilize the company. Therefore D.J. changed the name of the company to Herman Miller. In 1933 the first line of modern furniture was exhibited in Chicago. Designer George Nelson created the Herman Miller logo along with various chairs for the company. Ray and Charles Eames were designers for the company. They designed everything from leg splints to the Solar Powered Do Nothing Machine. Alexander Girard was the firm's textile designer. Max Dupree took over the company. Robert Propst came up with the idea of action office for the company. Bill Stumpf created the most popular chair for the company. The company is located in Zealand, MI and Holland, MI. 

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Peer Reviews

Scott's blog was very informative and his video was very interesting.

Ashley's post was well thought out and her pictures were excellent.

Art Deco: 1920's

The Art Deco movement began at the world fair in Paris, France in 1925. It quickly traveled to the United States. World War I had just ended and people wanted to move away from functionalism. Art Deco is primarily associated with furniture, lamps, textiles, and jewelry. Many Art Deco designers incorporated exotic materials into their works such as ebony, shagreen, zebrawood, and ivory. They were also fascinated by skyscrapers. Designers of this period include Eileen Gray, Paul Frankl, and Joseph Urban. 

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