Blog Ten - Modernism in America Pt. 2

 Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Mid-century Modern Architecture was known for having flat roofs, angular details, and asymmetrical profiles. They had expansive walls of glass, clean lines, and wide open floor plans. It was very popular on the West Coast. They were the first to use bi-level structures and were known for connecting the indoor spaces to the outdoors. 

Color Scheme

The color scheme of this period is very warm and earthly tones. Mainly olive green, burnt umber, pumpkin, and mustard yellow. These colors created nature-inspired interiors. This period also included more trendy colors such as pink, gray, turquoise, black, and yellow. 

Furnishings

Furnishings during this period were mainly made of plastic, resin, metal composites, laminates, and fiberglass. All these materials allowed for endless creativity in furniture design. Many unique furniture shapes were created at this time. The most well-known furniture designers of this time were Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi. The leading furniture manufacturers of this time were Knoll and Herman Miller. Knoll was a design firm established in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll. It designed office systems, furniture, textiles, and commercial accessories. Many famous designers created designs for Knoll. Herman Miller was a design manufacturing company that was established in 1905. George Nelson became the director of the company in 1945. They offered office furniture and equipment, and modern home furnishings. They also partnered with many famous designers. 

Charles and Ray Eames

Charles Eames studied Architecture at Washington University. He became a very well-known architect and industrial designer. He studied and taught at Cranbrook Academy for many years. Ray Eames studied at Bennett Women’s College and later Cranbrook Academy. She became an artist and filmmaker. They both had a great impact on the lifestyle of the average American family. They considered Ergonomic factors in furniture design. They designed furniture for Herman Miller. They used modern materials such as plywood and plastic in their furniture designs. They also used molded fiberglass and had aluminum-framed furniture. 

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One Step Further:

Joseph Eichler was born in 1900 and passed away in 1974. He was a well-known real estate developer in California. He developed mid-century tract housing subdivisions for the average American family. These consisted of post and beam construction, open floor plans, glass walls, and concrete floors. He was largely influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and built over 11,000 houses.