Modernism in America (part two)

 As I explained in my pervious post, Modernism in America was a period post World War ||. Many European countries were still trying to recover from the war. Modernism started in Germany and France, then rapidly spread to the rest of the world. The 1950s saw a continuation and exploration of modernist principles and forms, and technological innovations played an important role. The ideas of the Bauhaus, and the designers who developed them, greatly influenced the beauty, functionality, and benefits of Modern design to the way we live and work. They push the limits of material, form and function in architecture, textile, and object design.

This time period involved very iconic interior and furniture designers. It was the experimentation in future design because of the manufacturing processes. Modern materials included mold wood, plywood, and molded plastic. There was diversity in design and playfulness. Mid-century Modern included flat roofs, angular details, and asymmetrical profiles. They also married indoor spaces to the outside and wide-open floor plans. They include warm earthy, natural tones such as olive greens, pumpkin, mustard yellows.

 




A step Further: Two very iconic, successful modern designers during the post modernism period were Charles and Ray Eames. Charles Eames (1907-1978) was and Architect and Industrial Designer. He studied Architecture at Washington University and studied and taught at Cranbrook Academy. Ray Eames (1912-1988) studied at Bennett Women’s College and Cranbrook Academy. They truly make a great husband and wife design team. They had a huge influence on the lifestyle of the average American family. They designed furniture for Herman Miller. Their teamwork led to a whole new look in furniture. It was a combination of art and science, style, and function. Their designs were lean, modern, playful, and functional. They were experimental with the development of the molded plywood chair. They included modern materials such as plywood, plastics, molded fiberglass, and aluminum framed furniture.

“The role of the designer is that of a very good,
 thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” -Charles Eames

- “I think the most difficult thing is to keep the big idea-to be able to look critically at the work.”-Ray Eames



Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 11, 2021 at 8:48 AM

    Erica,
    I loved your post on Modernism in America. Charles Eames is one of my favorite designers and I loved how you explained his furniture designs being a turning point in design and how it eventually ended up with Herman Miller, who is a furniture manufacturer that we still use today! Overall, I think you did a great job explaining how influential modernism was in America as the time, but how those designs are still relevant to most of the furniture and interior design we use today.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kelly MunsellApril 11, 2021 at 1:04 PM

    I really liked your focus on Charles and Ray Eames. I think their designs and style are very interesting. Herman Miller is such a big design firm, then and now. It's interesting to see how much they've kept of the Eames' work. It hasn't really changed much over time and I think that says something. To have designs that have not gone out of style shows that they were on to something with their work. Great information!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Professor VanderNoordaaApril 12, 2021 at 10:49 AM

    Erica,
    Great summary and photos! I love that you included a color scheme. Focusing on Ray and Charles Eames was a great choice. I really enjoyed your post!

    ReplyDelete

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