Post Modernism

History:

Post Modernism was a style to replace the International Style. After World War II, the invention of the jet made it easier and much more accessible to spread new and upcoming styles world wide. There was also an increased speed of communication in the sense of magazines, books, and television. These multiple factors helped evolve Design work into an international profession.

One of the most prominent architects in this period was Louis I. Kahn from Philadelphia. Little is know about his works prior to the 1940's and 1950's. He was educated in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania in 1924 and went on to teach at Yale in 1947. There he was labeled as a theorist-philosopher. He primarily worked in the International Style until his late 50's when he began introducing his signature style to the world; his style was something that the world of design had never seen before. His designs earned him an international reputation. His main concerns were revolved around the use of the materials and how the how the natural light in a space can create a certain nature about a space and reveal previously unnoticed forms. He is acknowledged as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His works include the Yale University Art Gallery and the Richards Medical Research Laboratories.

Another major architect of the Post Modernism movement was Cesar Pelli. This Argentine/American architect designed some of the world's tallest buildings. He is the Dean of the University of Yale School of Architecture. Some of his most famous works include the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the twin tower's of Pelli's Petronas Center in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia.

Another highly popular design style was Contemporary Design: Hi-Tech. The heightened use of new technologies in the world lead to the creation of this style; the term Hi-Tech has been applied to the style because of its heavy reliance on advanced technology. The use of steel, concrete, and class were the most predominant materials used. More than fifty percent of any cost of a modern project is produced by electricity, telephone, plumbing, or air-quality systems. Some of the most influential designers of this period included Richard Buckminister Fuller, Charles Eames, and Norman Foster.

Current Applications:

Discussion Blogs:
I read Racheal's blog and she was very to the point about the description of what contemporary design is and then established her opinions on it. Her current applications were very supportive.
I also read Paige S's blog and I like how she broke down and defined each separate style of contemporary and post modern design and then followed it up with visual evidence.

Additional Links!
This link shows 50 different living rooms that apply the contemporary style.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJKSRYPrutM

Rise of the Interior Decorator

History:

The profession of interior decorating began as an effect of the 1925 World's Fair in Paris. Its first appearance was strongly influenced by the Art Deco Period. The contributors to the movement were separated into two groups: decorators and functionalists. An ensemblier was one who would create an ensemble by choosing objects and combining objects that in doing so would creating pleasingly aesthetics choices. The functionalists, on the other hand, were much more grounded in theory. The contributing factor towards the need for more interior decorators was that there was an influx in the wealthier classes of people who wanted their homes to reflect their status of wealth. It was only most fitting if they had a professional along side them to make this even more proper.

Elsie de Wolfe (1865-1950) was an interior decorator who originally had pursued a lifestyle of acting. She was educated in New York and Edinburgh. She was very talented in transforming Victorian Interiors into light and bright spaces using a variety of French furniture. Her most prominent contribution to the field was solidify that interior design was a completely different field from architecture.

Another major icon in the interior design field was Dorthy Draper (1889-1969). She was a writer of a syndicated news column who relied highly upon her social connections to promote her business. Her stlye was fun and appealing. She was known for using traditional furniture in nontraditional ways. Common style characteristics of hers included the use of dramatic black and white on the walls, floors, and upholstered pieces. She also incorporated the use of modern baroque and very vivid colors.

Current Applications:

Discussion Boards:

I reviewed Sammy N's blog and I really liked her video of the Schindler house as well as her current applications of Modernism in America. 

I also reviewed Katie's blog on her continuance of Modernism in America. I really liked how she elaborated on her previous blog. Her current applications were also amazing examples of the current applications. 

Additional Links!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO2vuOxz6YU