the above six images represent a brief and very limited survey of the work of modern lighting design master gaetano sciolari. the first image below his logo for lightolier is a classic example of his work from the 1950s for italian lighting giant stilnovo. the second image is a classic sciolari design from the 1960s with all the trappings of the decade combined with beautiful sciolari details. the final three images depict three of his most revered designs from the 1970s. the bold shapes, the polished chrome, the heavy volumes, and the obvious late modern space-age ideas illuminate why sciolari is seen as the true ambassador of late modernism. while his designs from the earlier periods of modernism are revered, it is his late modern work from the 1970s that truly defined the era. what a celebration!!!… a glory to behold!
four exquisite examples of the work of modern design genius verner panton of denmark. striking, loud, elegant, he created a language all his own. panton’s work is both a playful and intensely serious study in space age fantasy. his unique and joyous forms are only rivaled by his exuberant color palettes. while many of his pieces were designed in the 1960s, his work connects directly to the design icons of late modernism such as geoffrey harcourt and pierre paulin, as well to the late modern ideology that would define 1970s modernism. from this perspective it is safe to refer to verner panton as the “grandfather of late modernism”.
a stunning, elegant example of late modernism in dallas, c. 1973. with heavy forms and graceful curves the home exemplifies late modernist american residential architecture. it is inspiring to see the juxtaposition of weight and agility that is so often a late modern stylistic staple. while the home could be seen as connected to brutalism, the curved corners and jewel box windows sing of classic late modernism. a piece of modern architecture to remember and celebrate for sure!
three images of the living room of the miller house by the master himself, eero saarinen, and with interiors by design genius alexander girard. this may be the finest example of how mr. girard brought an elegant sense of playfulness to the spaces he designed. I am also amazed by his astounding use of very traditional elements, and how he incorporated them not only into a given space, but into his modern design language as a whole. it is as if the traditional pieces alone are nothing but traditional, but the minute they are applied to girard's spaces they instantly take on the character of his astute, exquisite, playful, modern aesthetic. this is possibly the best inspiration for "transitional" design by a designer who mastered the art form. deserving of all the honor and respect that is rightfully associated with him, alexander girard is a true american genius.
my obsession with 1970s modernism is only made more intense by this fabulous example. in this photo we see the quintessential elements of 70s modern design: the natural, raw materials, the earthy color palette, the connection to the outdoors (by way of glass walls and indoor planters), and all of this mixed with glamorous, space-age furnishings. a true inspiration!
an earlier example of 1970s modernism. note the color palette is more optimistic and playful than the example in the above blog post. here the colors are more closely tied to the late 1960s. but a 70s modern house none the less ... wonderful.
a 1970s modern kitchen with earth tones and natural materials throughout. while the space is dark it is beautifully complimented by the neon 'lighting structure' above the center island. a gorgeous example of the dystopian aspects of 1970s modernism.
santa barbara city hall. definitely one of the most glorious examples of spanish colonial revival architecture I have even seen. a timeless classic that is strongly connected to both the history and the climate of its location. perfection!
interior shot of santa barbara city hall: the tile, the wrought iron, the plaster walls, the color palette... a masterclass in spanish colonial revival.
one more interior shot of santa barbara city hall... magnificent and utterly timeless!