Mid-Century Modernism on Film

For those of you lucky enough to have traveled to Palm Springs for the annual Modernism Week, congratulations!  Since I was trapped by snow and work, I could only wish that I could have been there.  Perhaps, next year!  In the meantime I eagerly anticipate the following Design Onscreen films titled Desert Utopia: Mid-Century Architecture in Palm Springs, and William Krisel, Architect  when both are available for viewing in a theater nearby and on DVD.


Desert Utopia: Mid-Century Architecture in Palm Springs from Design Onscreen on Vimeo.


William Krisel, Architect from Design Onscreen on Vimeo.

Design Onscreen premiered various films during the annual celebration.  Visit Design Onscreen for more information on their films.

Wexler Weekend in Palm Springs

Every time I think of Palm Springs, I evoke images of Frank Sinatra or some other cool movie star sipping cocktails by the pool of a hip mid-century modern home.  Located over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, California, Palm Springs became an  oasis for modern architecture in the desert.  One of Palm Springs' most celebrated mid-century modern architects is none other than Donald Wexler. 

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, working for the famed Richard Neutra in Los Angeles,  and moving to Palm Springs in 1952, Wexler eventually began designing signature mid-century modern homes such as, the Alexander Steel Home.  By the way, he also designed the Palm Springs home for the aforementioned Frank Sinatra among others.

For those of you who can leisurely find the time to travel, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation is sponsoring the "Wexler Weekend" from January 22-24.   Unfortunately, the film screening of "Journeyman Architect: The Life and Work of Donald Wexler" is sold out; however, you can view the following clip to get an idea and to whet your visual taste buds.


Journeyman Architect: The Life and Work of Donald Wexler from Design Onscreen on Vimeo.

Fortunately, this is a great opportunity to get prepared for the upcoming  Modernism Week 2010 in Palm Springs.