Continuation of Modernism in America

The second part of Modernism formed in the United States took place during the 1950s to the 1970s. During this time, historically, the United States is progressing and is the world leader in design due to the wealth gained compared to other countries after the World War II. 

Designers during this time are one of the most iconic designers due to America being at the peak of technology, materials imported and made in the states, being optimistic, having diverse designs, and having wealth. Additionally, during the time designers were experimenting with different designs in furniture and most designers became successful with their experiments which caused them to be well known. 

RESIDENTIAL

The main architect that was focused on during this time period was Joseph Eichler who created residential homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. With similar ideas of Wright, Eichler created open concept floor plans with glass walls on the exterior. Additionally, Eichler focused and created mid- century modern architecture characterics such as flat roofs, asymmetrical profiles, clean lines, and incorporated indoor spaces to outdoor. An example of a Eichler home using these design elements is pictured to the right. 

                                                                                                                                        Pictured above is an Eichler home

FURNITURE

Office furniture was rising during this time period due to more people employed and the economy running, companies are able to buy out big office spaces for their employees. One design company that was big in designing office furniture was Herman Miller who was established in 1905. An example of a desk used in office spaces from this company was the SW Agleggroup by George Nelson. Other designers that were apart of Herman Miller who created office spaces were Charles and Ray Eames designed conference tables that was used in be places in office spaces for large group gathers in the office. Apart from Herman Miller, Knoll was another company that focused on office system and commercial.

                                                           Pictured above is George Nelsons Desk

Pictured below is a modern application of George Nelsons Desk

A modern application of George Nelson’s SW Aglegroup is pictured. This desk features the same values as the original design due to its no drawer storage idea. These two desks of the modern day application and George Nelsons original design differs is due to the material used as well as the shape of the legs. While George Nelson focused more on molded plywood and plastic; the modern application of the desk is made from wood. 

Pictured below is the Noguchi Coffee Table

Another key design furniture that came form this time period is the coffee table. The coffee table was created during mid 1900s due to the technology advancement of the television. When the television came out, so many were impressed as well as addicted to this new technology. With that, designers such as Isamu Noguchi created the coffee table for people to be used as an eating table for people so they are able to watch tv while enjoying their meal. One of Noguchi famous work was the Noguchi Coffee Table that was made out of glass and molded plywood. 

The lounge chairs also became designed based around the television. The lounge chair allows people to relax more comfortable while watching tv. An example of the lounge chair is the Lounge Chair of 1956 designed by Charles and Ray Eames. The last thing to state about the lounge chair is that it was apart of the human movement that was occurring around this time. The human movement was very important during this time and with the idea of having humans function and sit a different way, it contributed to the idea of the human movement. 

              Pictured to the right is a the 1956 Lounge Chair

While it is not common to the mid- century lounge chairs like Charles and Ray Eames, there are stores that sell modern day lounge chairs that are the same look and design as Charles and Ray Eames. The picture seen is an all black lounge chair with the same material of leather is used, the original lounge chair is made from molded plywood while as the modern lounge chair is just molded plastic. 

Pictured to the left is a modern day application of the lounge chair

                                                 Pictured below is the compact sofa

One of the last furniture pieces to look at are the multi-purpose furniture. These furnitures are pieces that are used as two things such as a couch can convert into a bed. An example of this is the compact sofa created by Charles and Ray Eames in 1954. This sofa turns into a bed which is known as a futon today. This was very impact for this period because it allowed a new way of designing furniture.

ONE STEP FURTHER

A mid-century modern architect and design who was an icon during this period is Eero Saarinen. Saarinen studied at Yale School of Architecture getting a degree in Finnish, Architecture, and Interior Design. While Saarinen accomplished many things in his lifetime, he is most known for his furniture, specifically his chairs. With his style being neo- futuristic and wanting to express curves; he completed a lot of famous chairs such as the womb chair, tulip chair, and executive chair. 

Focusing on the Tulip Chair, it is a sculptural approach to furniture design due to the complex design and curved back and seating. Additionally, the chair is made of an aluminum back and molded fiberglass as its shell. In the original Tulip Chair, Saarinen used the color red as its primary color for the cushioning. 

                                                        Pictured to the right is the Tulip Chair

The modern day application still focuses on the same structural feature; however, the color of the seating cushion is not so much a bright color but rather neutral color. Additionally, the side of the chair has changed with it being no arm rest. By disregarding this feature, it took away the main curvature of the chair. 

      Pictured to the left is a modern application of the Tulip Chair

EXTRA SOURCES

Video on Eero Saarinen Works- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIFTC4i8idg

Short Video Featuring the Lounge Chair- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtSt8Ha60NY