Post-Modernism/Contemporary Design

Contemporary design is a style to replace the International style. The development of technology and transportation between countries had evolved during this time, making design more convenient between all continents. One of my favorite designers from this design era that we discussed in class is Charles Eames. I enjoy Eame's designs because the spaces he created brought the industrial look indoors for residential homes while still keeping the cozy feel of a home. Below are examples of some of Eame's exterior and interior designs of his own home and studio:

Current Applications of Contemporary Design:

For contemporary design I viewed Paige's and Samantha's blogs. Paige discussed the different movements of contemporary design along with the green aspects that were introduced during this time. Samantha reflected on the common designers during this period, Kahn and Pelli, and their significant works during this period. Both blogs discussed different aspects from the contemporary design era and I found all tpoics very interesting and different from my own.

References:

• http://ideasgn.com/architecture/designer-home-charles-and-ray-eames-house-studio/
• http://www.inmagz.com/wallbank/25208-inspirational-modern-industrial-decorating-design.jpg
• http://cdn.decoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/modern-industrial-loft-design-idea.jpg
• http://0.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/modern-interior-design-wood-furniture-1.jpg

Rise of the Decorator

"I am going to make everything around me beautiful -- that will be my life." - Elsie de Wolfe

This quote is by far my favorite quote from this period. It establishes the role of an interior designer or in that time, the interior decorator. As design blossomed from Art Deco and onward, the role of an interior decorator became more precedent. With Elsie de Wolfe and Dorothy Draper leading the way, design blossomed from just architect, the spaces came to life with interiors that told a story. Examples of such spaces from both women are below:

Dorothy Draper

Elsie de Wolfe

Current Applications of Interior Design:

For this section I viewed Alex's and Sammy's blogs. Alex discussed Billy Baldwin as another main designer during this time, I found that extremely interesting because he was a big part of the Interior Decorator era. Sammy discussed both designers that I had discussed, Dorothy Draper and Elsie de Wolfe and their importance to design. I found both blogs very interesting to read because both touched on different topics.

References:

• http://www.topdreamer.com/dorothy-draper-interior-designs/
• http://www.architecturaldigest.com/blogs/the-aesthete/2012/10/bathrooms-steven-meisel-elsie-de-wolfe-david-hicks
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/515943701031856253/
• http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/ib/robert-stilin-home-EDC-1212-01-lgn.jpg

Modernsim

Modernism first surfaced in the early twentieth century with architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Irving Gill, Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra, William Lescaze, Philip Goodwin, Edward Stone, Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Philip Johnson, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Eero Saarinen, and so many others. With such brilliant architects, the ideas of modernism pushed the limits of design. Some of my favorite works were those of Frank Lloyd Wright, as he is one of the most famous for his designs and also very well-known in the Midwest. 

Above is an image of a day school in Elgin, IL designed by Frank Llyod Wright in the 1920's.

Above is an image of Frank Lloyd Wright's infamous La Miniatura house.

Below are images of furniture that were commonly used in Frank Lloyd Wright homes and are currently used today in modern design.

For Modernism I viewed Megan Y.'s and Allison's blogs. In Megan's blog she discussed multiple architects like Irving Gill and Rudolph Schindler, I liked viewing her blog because she discussed multiple architects and gave a different view from my blog. In Allison's blog she also discussed Frank Lloyd Wright and his works in the Midwest, she mainly discussed the Hollyhock house which I found interesting because I did not discuss that house in my blog. Both blogs were very interesting and different from my blog entry.

References

• http://www.wbez.org/blog/lee-bey/2011-07-14/elgin-day-school-close-leaving-uncertain-future-campus-designed-frank-lloyd-
• http://millardhouse.com/mhouse237/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/a_splash-2.jpg
• http://st.houzz.com/simgs/1bc1af650d4208f3_4-1850/asian-dining-chairs.jpg
• 
  

Art Deco

Through newer developments of design the 1925 World's Fair in Paris introduced the ideas of Art Deco design. The Art Deco design was established as a fashion oriented design and was inspired by the Art Nouveau style. The main parts of Art Deco design included: chevron, zig-zags, screens large mirrors, and prominent light fixtures. Furniture design often fixated on rich materials, often materials that drew attention. Below are images of Art Deco from Eileen Gray's works and furniture design. You will notice the chairs in the both images, Eileen was well known for her signature furniture design.

Current Applications:

Below are images of Art Deco design today.

This week I viewed Allison and Emily N.'s blogs. Allison also discussed the distinct characteristics of this design periods along with the unique furniture styles. Emily discussed the symmetrical pattern characteristics and the repetition of this design. Both blogs were very interesting and gave me different views in to the overall idea of Art Deco.

References:

• http://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/10/eileen-gray-movie-to-tackle-le-corbusier-murals-controversy/
• http://shepardsgrove.blogspot.com/2011/11/notes-on-eileen-gray-modern-intuitive.html
• http://homedesign2you.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Ultra-Modern-Art-Deco-Design-Interior.jpg
• http://vargov3d.com/images/living%20room%20in%20Art%20Deco%20style_2.jpg

Emergence Of Modernism

Modernism is a word we all know so well. From the movements leading to the use of straight lines, Modernism rose and became one of the most design pushing eras. From the works of Mies van der Rohe to Frank Lloyd Wright, modernism opened a path for future design eras.

One designer I found most interesting during this time era was, of course, Frank Lloyd Wright. His design and technique was most intriguing to me. Last semester I was able to tour Wright's Dana Thomas home and was amazed by the creative design he produced for his client. The use of clean lines, stain glass, light, and beam exposure was most prominent in this space, as well as Wright's other designs as we say in the class lecture. A home that I have found interesting is the home that Wright created was in River Forest, IL, called the Winslow House. Below are images of the classic modern home that was created in Wright's early years.

Below are images of Frank Lloyd Wright furniture that are used today in designs inspired by the particular design era.

For the emergence of modernism I viewed Nicole K. and Sammy's blogs. Nicole talked about Mies van der Rohe and showed the design pushing Farnsworth home. Sammy discussed Frank Lloyd Wright also and how he had so many different works and projects, she also discussed the De Stijl era and the uniqueness of that. Overall both blogs discussed topics that were unique to this era and displayed the common design that accompanied this era.

References:

• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/William_H._Winslow_House_Front_Facade.
• http://38.media.tumblr.com/bb70021321a65bfe026ca00902fb28d1/tumblr_mlay1nO5oO1rxpjszo1_500.jpg
• http://intranet.ehai-cva.com/uploads/img/b6b4257ca0090b5af8a3b6b6513a2480377994b1.jpg
• http://www.prairiemod.com/.a/6a00d8341bf72a53ef019b01fb3b12970d-580wi
• http://www.artandcointv.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/franklloydwright.jpg
• http://www.interiordesign.net/media/photos/115/115060-copeland-furniture.jpg

Deutscher Werkbund Movement

The Deutscher Werkbund movement was an era based on German design and seen in Germany and Austria between 1892-1910. This movements purpose was to have the highest quality for the mass produced product in their designs. Deutscher Werkbund was the equivalent to the Arts and Crafts movement and went against the Art Nouveau's style of artistic design. The overall design were more idealistic and simple compared to past designs.

Above is the image of the Werkbund exhibition of 1914, I chose to display this image because I think it is a great example of this movement. This building shows the unique features of this movement while also being simple, idealistic, and functional.

The above image is an example of one of Josef Hoffman's furniture designs during the Deutscher and Werkbund movement. This chair displays the common design of this movements style.

The below images is a current application example of Josef Hoffman's furniture designs.

For this design movement I viewed Ali and Sammy's blogs. Ali discussed her fascination with the design work of Joseph Olbrich and I found that part of her blog very interesting as she explored his many different design elements. Sammy discussed the many different designers of this time, Olbrich, Klimt, and Wagner and their impact on the Deutscher Werkbund style. Overall both of these blog posts were interesting and broadened my views on the Deutscher Werkbund design era. 

References

• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Taut_Glass_Pavilion_exterior_1914.jpg
• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Ngv_design,_josef_hoffmann,_adjustable-back_chair_(stitzmachine)_1905_circa_02.JPG
• http://famous-design.ru/image/data/divany/sovremennye/NBFKA/1279704249897_hz-fileserver3_1022497.jpg
• http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/780/200/388/388200780_214.jpg

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is a very intricate and unique style of design. This new form of design went against the traditional aspects of past designs, such as the Arts and Crafts movement with its artistic-naturalistic design and styles. One of my favorite designers from this period was Victor Horta because of his influential residential designs. After seeing the video of Horta's design I chose photos of some of my favorite designs of the famous Tassle House in Brussels, which are below:

The above two images display the iron work and detail of the Art Nouveau style. This is probably one of my favorite features of this time. The intricate and detailed design in the iron and wall decals show a focus on the artistic nature of this period not only with the designs but also with the featured architecture.

Below are images of the Art Nouveau style being used in current applications.

For the topic of Art Nouveau I read Natalie and Justine's blogs. Natalie also discussed some of Horta's designs along with the different style of chairs during this period. I found the variety of chairs very helpful and insightful in learning about the style of Art Nouveau. Justine showed the variety of styles throughout locations, between Belgium, France, and Spain. From her blog I learned the different design elements from each country that was involved.

References:

• http://helenjtaylordesign.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/victor_horta.jpg
• http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02016/horta-museum_2016515b.jpg
• http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/836-630x472.jpg
• http://www.decor4all.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/interior-design-style-modern-art-nouveau-decor-17.jpg

Arts and Crafts Movement

After the Victorian era, there was the Arts and Crafts movement in a rebuttal to the style. The Arts and Crafts design was based on going against the previous style of Victorian design. After comparing the Arts and Crafts design against the Victorian style, the difference is based on the minimalism of the Arts and Crafts style along with neutral colors and the use of more wood. To summarize what the Arts and Crafts movement is, there are the eight characteristics: completely handmade, wooden joints are visible, based on medieval/Gothic design, influenced by shaker furniture, predominate wood, simple-honest designs, very heavy furniture, and large exposed hinges. What I love specifically about this design movement is the architecture and all the characteristics involved in the Arts and Crafts movement.

The above image displays the architectural features of the Arts and Crafts design.

The above image was also displayed in the class powerpoint. It is a great example of how wood was used during this period and also how minimalist the designs were overall. 

Above is an image that displays the Arts and Crafts movement with the sleek lines and rectangular shapes, if you notice the chairs, they're a significant part to this design era.

The above image is a great example of the Craftsman furniture design, with the exposed joint and hinges along with the wood used.

Above is a cabinet that displayed the great features of the Arts and Crafts design.

For this section I viewed Nicole and Flor's blogs. Nicole also discussed the characteristics of the Arts and Crafts design, she brought of the use of Japanese design which is a feature I did not discuss in my blog and I found it very interesting. Flor discussed the designs of William Morris and his influential designs to this era, I found that topic to be very interesting and helpful to explain the characteristics of the overall design.

References

• http://coloradogambler.com/trails-end-behold-the-bungalow-the-arts-and-crafts-movement-provides-housing-for-all/
• http://www.mstoneandtile.com/stone-fireplace-mantels/fireplaces-in-time-arts-and-crafts-movement/
• http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5263222/list/how-arts-and-crafts-style-beautifies-todays-interiors
• http://www.decortoadore.net/2008/11/arts-crafts-interiors.html
• http://www.charlieroe.com/arts%26crafts/cfa-voysey/cfa-voysey-chairs-tables/cfa-voysey-dining-furniture-1.html