- Published: January 3, 2022
- Updated: January 3, 2022
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 2
Modernism The design of mid century modernism from East to West recorded major changes at the end of Second World War. These changes ranged from the use of new material used in building to the knowledge on the construction styles that was ready accessible at the end of Second World War. Designs in the mid-century also included several plans that borrowed a lot from the Second World War. These plans were in terms of furnishings and internal designs, which matched the modern architectural expressions. As argued by Quinn, houses constructed during this time were characterized by use of new materials, low profiles and they had a horizontal structure (176).
Most modern homes had sliding doors, open floor plans, innovative design, and they were all built using the angular shapes. These modern houses are completely different from the previous houses that were built in ranches (Quinn 176). The main idea behind these designs developed because of modernism was to develop a modern outstanding architecture that did not present anything in the past. Evidently most of the constructions are a complete change from the past.
Quinn says that these modern designs reflected modern social way of life in that the structures attempted to interlock the environment outside with internal living area (176). The use of glass walls made people get in contact with their natural environment. The use of open floors integrated their living experience with modernity during that time. Large spaces in the houses were to be used for various purposes within the residents. Architects during this time were in a position to use different techniques and materials when doing their constructions. Use of natural lights was very important during this time and most houses were built with the aim of allowing the penetration of natural lights in the homes (Quinn 176).
Most of these modern homes were furnished using devices and domestic device ranged from roast collections, broilers, toasters, bicycles, mix masters for every member of the family, to storage rooms for all these equipment. The leading principle in the mid-century modern designs was production with conceptual creativity that was achievable through natural objects within the environments (Quinn 176).
Therefore, the following are the major characteristics of mid-century modern designs; the utilization of steel, huge flat windowpanes, clerestory frames, decorative curtains, cantilevered rooftops, flat ridges, flat rooms, influence from Japan, half-done walls, assembled block, and amalgamation with natural surroundings (Quinn 176). These features varied depending on the design of the house. They used furniture using walnut, teak, burl and rosewood, carbon-based bean forms, resin, fiberglass, steel, brass, and the fabrics selected were frequently from wool and smooth in texture (Quinn 176).
Finally, it is arguable that mid-century modern design was prosperous and affluent with a resurgence centering on the design of the environment. Others grew up in this environment while others were the inventors of the design. It is extremely critical to note that there is a modern generation who are embracing past historical object and the reminiscence of it. This is why other companies aimed at producing their original past from their archives making it difficult to explain the designs made during this time.
Work cited
Quinn Bradley. Mid-century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details. London: Conran
Octopus. 2004. Print.