Modernism in America Part II


 Modernism in America was very different after World War II. It focused more on functionality and practicality than before. This allowed the movement and its components to be more accessible to the average American. Manufacturing gained popularity as well. Many of the methods for manufacturing parts and equipment for the war were carried over into furniture making. This in turned allowed for more production and more popularity in general. 


Much of the modernist movement focused on flat roofs, glass walls, clean lines, and open floor plans. This style was more popular on the West Coast, but it's basics of clean lines with angular details were popular throughout America. While the buildings were fairly rectilinear and clean the furniture on the inside was more curvilinear in design. This was mainly for the ergonomic aspects of the pieces. The designers wanted to consider all parts of their pieces, making better designs not only visually but ergonomically as well. Because of developments and even more new technology the furniture was mainly composed of plastics, resins, plywood, aluminum, and fiberglass. The plastics allowed for easier curving of seats and details on the furniture. 

Herman Miller and Knoll were both design firms during this time. They designed everything from fabrics to office and residential furniture. Charles and Ray Eames worked with Herman Miller, designing many of their pieces. They enjoyed using plywood, plastics, and molded fiberglass in their designs. The Eames were also very focused on the ergonomics of their furniture.


One Step Further:

Joseph Eichler was one of the architects that helped develop the mid-century modernist residences. He was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Eichler enjoyed working with post and beam construction, which allowed for more open layouts. He also explored with concrete radiant heat floors and glass walls. Unlike older homes, he preferred working with gently slopped A-frame roofs or no slope at all. 
His work is still very popular today and has guided residential design to what it is today. It's interesting to see that despite all of the many homes he created and built they all have very simple construction in terms of walls and ceilings. All of the color and brightness in the spaces has been brought in by the furniture. His use of windows is also very intriguing. I think he does a good job of balancing the huge windows while being conscious of privacy. It reminds me of the Farnsworth in the sense of it's openness but it does not give the same feeling of being exposed. 






Additional Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOQUTK4StAc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi6A618dI_Y












Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 11, 2021 at 4:05 PM

    Kelly,
    Nice post on Modernism in America! I liked how you talked about the direction Modernism took after WWII, which explains most of the furniture and interior design of today. I liked your focus on Joseph Eichler. I did not know much about him as a designer, but from the images shown, I think most of his designs are still used today. Overall great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Erica GonzalezApril 11, 2021 at 9:13 PM

    I really enjoyed how you acknowledged Herman Miller and Knoll into your blog post. Those are huge and very popular design firms that many people throughout America are very familiar with. It's fascinating how the Eames have designed many pieces for Herman Miller that we still see to this day. Great Post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Professor VanderNoordaaApril 12, 2021 at 10:45 AM

    Kelly- Very comprehensive summary of this period. I loved your extra videos. "Reinvigorating a Gable Eichler for a Family" was excellent and gave us a chance to really experience the feeling of an Eichler home. "The obsession with MCM furniture" was also great. This style is so popular- even today. I just love it personally. Very clean lines, interesting forms and comfortable.

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