The Emergence of Modernism

Driving forces during this time ( 1900- 1950's) to change design were among other things; the ending of the first world war and also new technological advancements such as automobiles, photography, and skyscrapers. As most design movements it was a rejection of the old historical design styles. An inspiration during the time was emerging technology, because of this the industrial style was embraced. During this time great architects were part of the movement that helped change the direction of design. One of these architects was Mies van der Rohe, he was German-American whose phrase was, "less is more." He was a director of the Bauhaus but also helped bring modernism to the next level in the United states.
Below is a link to information about the 2013 winner of the Mis van der Rohe award:
http://inspirationist.net/winner-of-mies-van-der-rohe-award-2013-special-guest-of-riff-2014/

Mis van der Rohe's famous Barcelona Chair

Today Knoll sells Mis van der Rohe's design for modern inter-
iors. This was a chair so well designed that it transcends time.

Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House (1951) brings in its surroundings with
its glass walls, while still being a modern style structure, using simple
materials.

The designer of this building won a Mis van der Rohe award for their design.
It does not directly copy his design as the chair above but instead is inspired
by him, which is the best way to design. It is apparent that the designer was
channeling Mis van der Rohe with this modern day building. (link above info)

Peer Reviews:

Kiera Ferguson: I enjoyed the modern examples she used to illustrate how we still are inspired today by these designs from a different tine, it helps back up what we learned in class. I also enjoyed the information on Walter Gropius and how he did not study architecture but opened his own business.

Marisa Smith: I enjoyed reading about Mis van der Rohe from her perspective since he was also who intrigued me to write my blog post about. Although we wrote about the same person we touched on different aspects of his design, I like how she approached his use of materials along with texture. 

Protomodernism

1897- 1959

Protomodernism was a style that rejected the aesthetics of the past and ornamentation. An interesting designer of the time was Josef Hoffmann. He was an architect and designer for fifty years, who lived from 1870-1956 and worked with textiles, metals, and furniture. He was inspired by the arts and crafts movement but had a style very much his own. He used geometric lines and was known for his cube and square design. A lot of the furniture that he created is still replicated and also used as inspiration for many furniture pieces today.

Video on a furniture collection to show even more of his furniture:

               

Josef Hoffmann Original Barrel Chair         

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lf1r3P1DHA

Peer Reviews:

Erin Kelly: I enjoyed that you chose to 

include Frank Lloyd Wright and Gerrit

Rietveld, it showed a variety of designers from the same style (protomodernism) they both fall into the same category yet you can see distinctive differences between them. 

Demi Pas: I saw that she also provided information on two separate designers. I enjoyed not only the information on Otto Wagner but also the images 

she used to portray his style, 

there was something 

very architectural about 

her blog post.  

                                                 

                

Modern interpretation of the Barrel Chair, it retains the 

similar shape but has cleaner lines.

                        

        

                         Kubus Chair (keeps in line with his geometric

                         tendencie and his love of cubes) Repeating cube 

                         shape with circular feet. Lounge chair upholstered 

                         in leather. (original) 

                       

                         A modern sofa almost completely replicates Josef Hoffmann 

                        with only a change to the legs that are now also cubes as well. 

                        The piece is timeless as it seamlessly fits in to a current interior.

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau meaning , "New Art" in french, was a design movement that began in Britain but was lead heavily by Belgium and France. The movement, like many movements, was a reaction to the previous design ideals. Art Nouveau rejected Victorian style and any imitations of historical styles. Why do what has been done? Art Nouveau was focused on bringing in natural elements. There was decorative ornamentation based on natural forms, modern techniques (electricity), use of modern materials (iron and glass) and used painting and sculpture. 

The images above showcase the whimsical nature of the Art Nouveau movement. They bring in the natural elements not only in subject but also through movement. Below are examples of modern interpretations of Art Nouveau. Note the curvilinear lines used in both in the fireplace, the stairs and in the furniture in order to capture Art Nouveau. Natural elements are brought in to the spaces by using actual plants but also by following a vine-like movement within interior elements. 

https://aboutartnouveau.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/documentary-about-alphonse-mucha-2004/

Peer Reviews: 

Becca: I loved the designer she looked at in depth. I thought it was very unique because usually when thinking to be inspired by nature you are not thinking of the sea or coral reefs, the first thought is usually what is right outside. 

Lisa: She provided many interesting videos on the topic and it really helped to support her blog post.