Las Vegas Googie

Here is a video that shows the abundance of Googie architecture in Las Vegas.  I make no secret that I am a fan of Googie.  Ever since I first watched The Jetson's, I have been nostalgic for the future we never had.

Googie, as well as Populuxe, architecture began in the Los Angeles area in the late 1940s.  The name originated from John Lautner's Googie's Coffee Shop design in LA.  The style represented an outlandish but futuristic style of architecture that occasionally incorporated Polynesian or Tiki themes as well. Space travel and atomic energy were key design motifs of the period and were featured most often.




Googie architecture spread across the United States in all types of structures from bowling alleys and car dealerships to restaurants and gas stations.  Unfortunately, Googie architecture is looked down upon by many as being considered gauche.  Quite often these buildings are demolished or are in decrepit condition.  Fortunately, many local and national preservation groups are working to preserve some of the more historic examples.

Architecture+Design Film Series 2010 in Denver

If you are in the Denver area during September and October 2010, be sure to check out the Colorado screening of the following films as part of the Architecture+Design Film Series:

- Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio on September 15
- Oscar Niemeyer, A Vida E Um Sopro on September 22
- Studio Gang Architects: Aqua Tower and Philip Johnson: Diary of an Eccentric Architect on September 29
- William Krisel, Architect on October 6
- Contemporary Days - The Designs of Lucienne & Robin Day on Ocotber 7.

According to the Architecture+Design website, folks can watch "the best in films on architecture and design at five special screening events, including stimulating discussions with dynamic filmmakers, architects, and design experts, plus receptions at Denver's liveliest venues."  Moreover, there will be "a new exhibition of architectural drawings at Emmanuel Gallery on the Auraria Campus."

So, mark your calendars and enjoy!

Saint Louis Patina: Modern STL Launched

Saint Louis Patina: Modern STL Launched: "A group of local preservationists and friends have launched Modern-STL, a new non-profit dedicated to protecting modernist architecture in S..."

Eero Saarinen: More than Modern

I am currently on the road, but I could not pass up an opportunity to write something about Eero Saarinen on his 100th birthday.  Eero Saarinen passed away in 1961 as the decade was just getting underway.

Nevertheless, his architectural legacy lives on eternally in the design of his avant-garde structures such as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (the Gateway Arch) in St. Louis, the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York City, Dulles Airport Terminal which serves Washington, DC, The Miller House in Columbus, Indiana, John Entenza's own Case Study House 9, and countless other equally remarkable business, residential, public, and religious buildings.

His highly successful contributions to modern furniture include the futuristic Tulip Chair and table (featured on the set of the original Star Trek series) and the comfortable Womb Chair and ottoman.


Eero Saarinen:Shaping the Future from Scotty K on Vimeo.


Eero Saarinen may be long gone, but his creations continue to live and serve to inspire.  Enjoy!

John Lautner: Modern Visionary

Today is as good a day to discuss John Lautner as any other day, especially since this is his birthday. Unfortunately, John Lautner passed away in 1994; however, many of his architectural works of art live on for all to enjoy. Originally from Michigan, John Lautner became an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin in 1934. As a consequence, much of his earlier work was influenced by Wright. Later, Lautner developed his own unique style of architecture. Lautner moved to Southern California in 1940 to work on a few of Wright's projects. Later he decided to stay and set up his own practice.

His homes have such a unique design and appearance that many have been used on television and in movies such as: the Malin Residence or Chemosphere (Body Double, a similar style in Charlie's Angels (2000), and Current TV's set design), the Elrod Residence (Diamonds are Forever as Willard Whyte's Las Vegas home), the Sheats-Goldstein Residence (The Big Lebowski), the Garcia Residence (Lethal Weapon), and the Reiner Residence also known as Silvertop (Less Than Zero)

He is also known for Googie's Coffee Shop, which gave rise to the Googie style of architecture that epitomizes the futuristic look of space travel (some argue that the Chemosphere was the inspiration for The Jetsons). The Arango Residence situated overlooking Acapulco, Mexico is perhaps his most celebrated design.

For those of you desiring to learn more about John Lautner please see Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner on DVD (2009 the Googie Company), and Lautner by Barbara-Ann Campbell-Lange (Taschen 2005).

 

Military Modernism: The Wherry/Capehart Housing Acts

Following World War II, some “15 million” service people returned stateside to restart their lives in the new post-war society.  Developers all across the nation were scrambling to build new and affordable  housing for the expected housing need. Developers like Joseph Eichler in California, and Charles Goodman in DC were busy adapting the new technologies developed during the war to modern home construction.  Even though peace was at hand, the political realities of the emerging Cold War demanded that America also garrison large numbers of soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors. 

Military bases everywhere were poorly situated to handle the surge in population.  Housing shortages were at a critical level.  As a result, two government programs came into existence.  The first was created by Senator Kenneth Wherry of Nebraska.  Senator Wherry introduced a bill on March 5, 1949 to to build military housing on bases throughout the US.  Developers obtained “low-interest loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration on lands leased from the Army.”1 The military ensured that installations where Wherry homes were built became permanent bases. After forty years, each “Wherry” sponsor was to transition the project over to the Government. 

Unfortunately, many of these homes were built rather poorly, and of varying architectural styles.  In the end, some “264 Wherry projects were built for three military departments, totaling 83,742 units.” 2  Still, more housing was required.

 A restored mid-century era home at Fort Lewis, WA

The second effort was headed up by Indiana Senator Homer E. Capehart.  The Capehart Housing Act was passed on August 11, 1955.  This act allowed for larger floor plans combined with newer building restrictions. Modernist ranch designs figured into several of the single-story types.  “Privacy, preservation of the natural environment, and integration of the neighborhood into existing facilities were also key issues in Capehart housing, as well as a move toward more single-family and duplex-style housing.” 3 Wherry houses were also incorporated into the Capehart program which continued until 1964.

In 2001, the military realized that many of these Wherry/Capehart homes were nearing 50 years of age, and becoming candidates for historic preservation.  Unfortunately, many of the Capehart houses have been demolished as bases are closed.  The situation has become dire for many of these houses since the military has privatized housing.

Sources:

Capehart Wherry Era Military Housing

Solutions to the Postwar Housing Crisis 

Happy Birthday, Charles Eames

On this day in 1907, Charles Ormond Eames was born St. Louis, Missouri. Charles Eames was a great American architect and designer who, along with his wife Ray, made a lasting impact in all facets of furniture, film, design, and architecture.

Image source

The Eames are perhaps best known for their cool sleek furniture designs such as the Eames Lounge and Ottoman, the Lounge Chair Wood (LCW), and the Lounge Chair, Metal Legs(LCM). Eames designed many other chairs as well as storage units. Charles and Ray Eames pioneered the use of many construction materials like molded plywood, plastic, fiberglass, and metal during and following World War II. Eames believed that affordable and functional modern furniture should be available for all Americans. 

One thing is for certain, the furniture that Eames designed and built has stood the test of time. These classic pieces can fetch quite a hefty sum regardless of whether they are brand new or antique.

In 1945 editor John Entenza invited Charles and Ray Eames to be part of the Arts & Architecture magazine Case Study House program. Their house was Case Study House 8 (CSH#8), located in Pacific Palisades, California.  Charles Eames, along with fellow friend and architect Eero Saarinen, designed John Entenza's home (CSH#9) which is at the same location.

The Eames also produced many films such as Powers of Ten and Image of the City. They also worked on various exhibitions, most notably of which was Glimpses of the USA in Moscow.

Charles Eames died in 1978 followed by his beloved wife Ray in 1988. Nevertheless, their designs will live for many generations.