Post-Modernism: Michael Graves

              The New York Five was composed of 5 architects, Peter Eisenman, Charles Gwathmey, John Hejduk, Richard Meier, and Michael Graves. Michael Graves was an American architect recognized as one of The New York Five. He was known for his contemporary designs and prominent iconic examples of Postmodern architecture. Graves embraced more decorative details, strong colors and forms, He graduated from Harvard with a master's in architect in 1959 and believed that design should be available for the masses and not only for the wealthy. Graves not only designed buildings but as designed domestic products sold my Alessi, an Italian housewares maker. In 2003, Graves became paralyzed from the waist down due to a spinal cord infection.

       Michael Graves directed his firm 'Michael Graves & Associates.' He originally created modernist residences but later moved from modernism to postmodernism and urbanism. One of his most famous buildings is the Portland Building, in Portland, Oregon. It's considered as the first major example of postmodern architecture.

     Graves later received a number of commissions. He completed buildings such as the Humana Building, Denver Public Library, as well as various buildings for the Walt Disney Company. Graves ended up winning the Rome Prize in 1960 which he had not been expecting to win so early on in his career.

  

  

International Modernism - Dubai

      Personally, I have always wanted to go to Dubai. The way that the juxtaposition between futuristic skyscrapers and a traditional religion creates a peaceful modern lifestyle has always been interesting to me. The fact that the citizens of UAE have embraced the modern world and all that it introduces and yet don't stray from their religion, it's a perfect example of the mentality that in my opinion, other Muslim countries should adopt. Then again, my point of view could be considered slightly biased seeing as how I am what I like to call "an Americanized Muslim."

       Back to today's presentation, I really liked Amanda's introduction to the country and the meaning behind the different colors. I was kind of shocked yet intrigued when she mentioned that the color black was seen as a symbol of dignity and elegance. I also thought it was slightly comical that the people of Dubai decide to put the various colors into their city rather than in their clothing.










      Out of all of the buildings that were mentioned, I thought the Burj Khalifa was the most interesting because it towers over the city at a height of 2,717 feet and includes a mosque and a pool. A building that holds both a mosque and a pool, would be unheard of in Algeria as well as other North African countries.

       In my opinion, Dubai is a place that brings the elegance to the Islamic culture. They keep it modern but stay true to the Islamic influences of architecture.

Peer Review

Rachel: I really liked her pictures and her information was easy to read. Her extra credit videos were interesting as well.


Paige: I liked how Paige focused more on the chairs versus interiors. It was different and refreshing compared to the others.

Mid-Century Modernism

       Mid-century Modernism started in the 1950s and continued well into the 60's. Common architecture features included flat roofs with angular details and asymmetrical profiles, expansive walls of glass, clean lines, wide floor plans. the style was also the first to use bi-level structures and connect indoor spaces to the outside. Mid-century modernism was extremely popular on the West Coast of the United States. The color schemes were based in nature-inspired earth tones and ranged from olive green and burnt amber to pumpkin orange and mustard yellow. Trendy colors such as pink, turquoise, and purple were used as well.

      One of the most influential designers of this period was Eero Saarinen, a Finnish American architect who emigrated to the United STates with his father. Eero  soon assumed the dictatorship at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Michigan but it wasn't until after World War II that he gained an international reputation for his sculptural furniture and structures. He worked often with Charles Eames, particularly with molded furniture forms.

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EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Peer Review

Riann: Her blog was super easy to read and I liked how she included pictures of the Herman Miller headquarters.

Scott: I like how Scott divided up the sections in his blog. His information flowed well even in that format. I also would have liked to see more images.