Architecture
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I want to live in a Bauhaus home!
Contemporary Bauhaus Residence on the Carmel by Pitsou Kedem Architectsphoto via YatzerThank goodness the Bauhaus movement survived down to our modern world of industry, with its teachings methods that stressed the need for rational, and practical approach to design. The Bauhaus aim as we know it, was created to bring together all the arts under primacy of architecture. And so today, when I go through a number of shelter magazines, books, and online design websites that highlight this much beloved design principal in the 21st century, all I can say is: Thank you Walter Gropius!
Contemporary Bauhaus Residence on the Carmel by Pitsou Kedem Architectsphotos via Yatzer
BauBike by Michael Ubbesen JakobsenPhoto via www.yatzer.com
Bauhaus, Dessau, Germanyphoto via Emdelight
Photo via Backinistral
Photo via www.telaviv4fun.com -
Contemplating the Genius of Place & The Places of Geniuses
Midlands, EnglandAfter our marathon visit to Liverpool, prudence dictated that we sleep until respectably late hours, and then spend the remainder of Friday a bit closer to home. We gathered at Anne and David’s, and inspected Anne’s exquisite back garden (all photos of which were taken by Anne)……and then proceeded to Julia and Roger Aldridge’s for tea, where Julia and her cats Tim and Henry gave us a tour of her yard (photos of which are also Anne’s).
As you can see, my British friends make sublime gardens!Our plan for the afternoon was a visit to the ruins at Witley Court,Great Witley, Worcestershire. Inevitably, since the buildings we’d bewandering through are roof-less, the skies, which had been reticent all morning, finally unleashed drenching rains: the afternoon would be soggy.Rather than rewrite what has already been well-stated, I quote from the English Heritage guidebook, “Witley Court” :“Once one of England’s great country houses, Witley Court was largely gutted by fire in 1937. The owner, Sir Herbert Smith, decided not to rebuild, but to put the estate up for sale. Witley was never lived in again and was subsequently stripped and abandoned. Yet, as a ruin, it remains deeply evocative. Today it offers a rare opportunity to see the bones of a mansion that has grown over the centuries, from a substantial Jacobean house, based upon a medieval manor house, through expansion under the first Baron Foley and his son in the 1720’s and 1730’s to the addition of two massive porticos by Regency architect John Nash. It finally reached its peak of grandeur in the 1850’s with the extensive remodeling commissioned by the first earl of Dudley from the architectSamuel Daukes. Lord Dudley’s immense wealth, generated largely by his industrial enterprises in the West Midlands, enabled his family to live an extraordinarily opulent life. It also funded the creation of an ornate formal garden at Witley designed by William Andrews Nesfield, the leading garden designer of his day. An army of servants was involved in servicing the property and family, further swollen during the lavish house parties attended by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and his circle.”
Witley Court in its heyday
Today’s ruins and restored gardensWe first popped inside the Witley Parish Church, a still-functioning place of worship that’s attached to the manor house ruins. The Church is a rarity in England: the baroque style of its interior is more typical of Italy and southern Germany.
A fine Rococo InteriorLeaving the Church, we approached the magnificent ruins
Ruins of Manor House to the left; Parish Church to the right
Archway leading to the West Wing
The Conservatory, also known as The Orangery, was one of the largest in England. AG
South Parterre Gazebo. AG
Fountain in ACTION. Perseus and his winged steed Pegasus are riding to Andromeda’s rescue. Sea monsters snap at their heels, but the hero and his lady fly off, in a spray of water! How’s THAT for watery entertainment. The fountains are activated, once every hour, and run for 20 minutes. AG
A Dog-Walker’s Paradise. AG
Anne and Janet strolling by Cupid, who is riding a dolphin
These photos of Witley’s ruins say it all: rarely have I been to a place that so exemplifies
the concept of sweet melancholy. - 1stDibs, Architecture, Decorative Arts, Gae Aulenti, Influential Women Designers, Musée d'Orsay, Paris
In A Class By Herself
Gae AulentiInfluential Women Designers: Gae AulentiIf I’m not mistaken, you’re the kind of person who truly enjoy unparalleled design, and that’s why I believe you’ll be pleased to see the striking work of Gae Aulenti splashed all over this blog today. Many of you may already know that Gae (pronounced Guy) was the Italian architect who sadly passed away on November 1st. She was known for, and responsible for some of the most extraordinary designs of the 20th Century. One of which being the famous Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Virtually every single piece of her iconic furniture and lighting designs are in high demand right now. This is no big surprise since most artists are even more famous after death (I am by no means suggesting that she wasn’t while she was alive). The beloved designer, who died a few weeks after her 84th birthday, was one of the first female Post War Italian architects and is best known for transforming old buildings into modern museums, including Paris’ Musée d’Orsay and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Her undisputed legacy includes a trove of modern residential and commercial furniture designs that showcase her collaborations with such illustrious manufacturers as Poltronova, Knoll, Artemide and Casabella.
The renowned online furniture store, 1stDibs, is featuring a number of American, and European dealers, who carry Aulenti’s works including her signature Tavolo con Ruote (Table With Wheels), produced by Fontana Arte, one of which is in the New York Museum of Modern Art, aka MOMA).With the design zeitgeist pointing to a renewed interest in the works of late 20th century designers and architects, Aulenti’s furniture, lighting and accessories are So Chic – to be sure. And once again, So Hip!
Gae Alenti for Vistosi: A set of four Vistosi suspension lightsItaly, 1950s, blown Murrina technique, circa: 1960-70 Italy, 1stDibs.com
Gae Aulenti for Kartell: Pair of 4794 Lounge Chairs made of rigid expanded polyurethane foam, Italy. Circa 1972, Converso
Gae Aulenti: “Means” armchair for Poltronova Italy, circa 1967. Metal frame, fabric covering featuring a pattern of orange and brown circles specially designed for this model. Compasso
Metal table lamp by Gae Aulenti (RUSPA)Image via Archie ExpoMusée d’OrsayMusée with a viewPhoto via: Prezentit.com -
My Kind of Town
The Empire State Building
Illustrated by OllywoodDeco CityNew York, once again, took center stage in the world’s scene this week. Hurricane Sandy came, and left a devastating impact, not only in this great city but throughout the east coast. New Yorkers are no strangers to tragedy, and overall, they are to be saluted not only for the spirit they showed, but also for how they handled the latest dark chapter in their lives. This hurricane was the biggest storm that ever hit the big apple, and nothing can take away the tragic consequences that it left in the lives of so many whom were directly affected. But in the face of this horrible experience, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty that still surrounds us, whenever I walked down the streets of this whistle stop. I marvel at its famous skyline. The sheer size of it all is simply astonishing!
The prodigious Art Deco architecture that is now an intricate part of so many of our lives is a clear reminder that in a resilient town like this one, New Yorkers themselves have an uncommon knack of being survivors. In the face of adversity, they too can become a beacon of hope that is synonymous with these prominent buildings. Sandy baby, you can never take that away from us.
The Wonder City
Historical: The 1934 State Fair in the Big Apple
Never overshadowed: The Chrysler Building under fog. New York is arguably one of the most popular jazz cities in the world
Gotham City: Every town needs a hero. We love this poster of the 1989 film BatmanIconic: An Art Deco poster from the 1930s
The Chrysler Building
A stunning illustration of the new World Trade CenterNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
America’s Prettiest Towns
OUR TOP 5 FAVORITES from FORBES MAGAZINEGo steep into America’s history by way of some of the most charming towns. Revisit America’s sometimes grim, and powerful history. From colonial-era homes, the legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Castillo de San Marcos, and other good old fashion atmospheres.Newport, Rhode IslandNumber 1Did you know that Newport, Rhode Island has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation? You can found them downtown Newport Historic District, one of three National Historic Landmark Districts in the city.
Old San Juan, Puerto RicoImage via JogormanNumber 2Colonial Fact: San Juan, Puerto Rico is the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico. Besides its romantic appearance, the city’s true character is its narrow, blue cobblestone streets and flat-roofed brick and stone buildings. Many of them dating back to the 16th and 17th century when Puerto Rico was a Spanish possession.
New York’s preferred upstate getawaysTarrytown, New YorkNumber 3Since it is located in the Hudson River, you’ll still be in a New York state of mind when you visit this warm and charming town. Fun Facts: Back in the days, Tarrytown became a favorite residence for many rich New Yorkers, including John D. Rockefeller, who first moved to Tarrytown in 1893.
Historical St. Augustine, FloridaThe Castillo de San Marcos is St. Augustine’s biggest attractions,and the oldest structure in the entire city!Number 4Despite being a popular tourist attraction, this city still managed to keep its relatively quiet and serene atmosphere. Its Spanish colonial-era buildings as well as its elite 19th century architecture will have you swooning – at first site. St Augustine’s historic center is anchored by St. George Street, which is lined with historic homes from various periods. According to their website, “most of these homes are reconstructions of buildings that had been burned or demolished over the years, though a few of them are original.”.jpg?w=960)
Lake SacajaweaLongview, Washington
Number 5This is a great town to visit – all year round, and it has a great history. Did you know that The Longview area was first settled by European-Americans, led by pioneers Harry and Rebecca Jane Huntington, in 1849? Yes indeed. Longview was then named Monticello in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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The Hoover Dam: Why Is It Art Deco?
A TIME TO SOAREven though I have an ardent connection for everything art deco, I’ve often wondered why a place like the Hoover Dam is all art deco. Don’t get me wrong – this is by no means a complaint. My initial research led me to believe that when the design was first presented, it was severely criticized by many as being too plain and unremarkable for a project of such immense scale.Dedication Plaque by Henry Yim
And I think we can all agree that this is a grandiose piece of architecture. The Hoover Dam graceful curve and Art Deco style contrasts with the stark landscape of the Black Canyon of the Colorado River over which it was built. Back in 1935, Los Angeles-based architect Gordon Kaufmann was brought in and assigned to streamlined the design, and he applied an elegant Art Deco style to the entire project (this was done with some much needed help from Denver artist Allen Tupper True).
MajesticDetails of the Art Deco Hoover Dam StatuePhoto credit: Saint 1604’s Photostream, via Flickr
Soaring FigurePhoto credit: Prof. Moreaus Photostream via FlickrKaufmann also incorporated motifs of the Navajo and Pueblo tribes of the region, as well as sand paintings, textiles, baskets and ceramics. Sculptor Oskar J.W. Hansen designed many of the sculptures that you see today when you visit this magnificent, and majestic place. My husband visited HD back in the late 90s and was quite taking by the sheer beauty of his surroundings. This architectural wonder has been compared to the great pyramids of Egypt and belongs to the sagas of the daring. Sadly, many men have lost their lives building this great monument. Gordon Kaufmann, who was also known to design the Los Angeles Times Building, simplified the Dam’s design with a strong reference to Modernism and Art Deco. Fabulous!NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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The Weekender: Shanghai: the Art Deco pearl of Asia
Please join me in welcoming our guest blogger, Richard Rabel. Richard is a New York-based interior designer and art advisor, with a keen eye for some of the most exquisite objets d’art and design. A multi-linguist with a ten-year career as a senior officer and specialist in a London-based international auction house, twenty years of art and design study and over thirty years of international travel, Richard has lived in seven countries and has had access to some of the most exquisite and exclusive spaces. From San Francisco to Mexico City, Sao Paulo to Geneva, Istanbul to Delhi and Sydney to Shanghai, the breadth of his travels has cultivated his eye and contributed to defining his exacting taste and modern aesthetic.Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s was a bustling international city with government officials and businessmen from England, France and Germany rubbing shoulders with Russian aristocrats exiled from St. Petersburg, American gangsters from Chicago, not to mention the glamorous remnants of China’s Imperial Court. So it is no surprise that with money flowing freely into this capitalist hub, fashion and styles from the West followed too.
The star of the city was (and still is) the Bund, a riverside promenade graced by hotels and offices of the foreign banks and businesses that made Shanghai the most important city in Asia in the first half of the 20th Century. But where did this melting pot of aristocrats, starlets, international business moguls and government officials converge? They did so at The Cathay Hotel, built in 1929 and one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture and decoration in the city.
Can you imagine the feeling as you came in from the crowded, grimy streets into the elegant octagonal lobby? This was the most luxurious hotel in the city and was known for the jazz band that played in the 9th floor restaurant. The interior was decorated with Italian marble and Lalique glass, while the furnishings were imported from France. This was the jazz age on speed!
Photos courtesy Fairmont Hotel Group
Today, after a half century of communist ownership as the Peace Hotel, the Canadian Fairmont Hotel group has restored the hotel to its previous glory and has once again, made this THE hotel to stay in Shanghai. History repeating itself!Written by Richard Rabel from the Modern Sybarite™NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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The Weekender: Chateau du Portail
Sometimes in life it’s the little things that matters on a grand scale. Whether your weekend calls for complete solitude, celebrating life with your friends and family, or simply indulging in the arts and fairs that we often find in big cities, why not make this one an extra special fabulous one?We picked out these photos from our friend Claude at Chateau du Portail, because they speak to us of past sun-drenched weekends, when we use to enjoy nothing more than the simple divine feel of the country side, and the serene quietness they convey, as we eagerly enjoyed life to the full.
Chateau du Portail, France -
Marie Antoinette: The Trendsetter and Her Domain
The Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s former domain, is a masterpiece neoclassical architecture situated in the grounds of the magnificent Chateau Versailles. Whenever I visit this part of France, I’m reminded how this charming piece of architecture is as celebrated today as it was hundreds of years ago. It is an exemplar of the history of taste and of the arts in the 18th century as a page of France social and political history that went through a glorious renovation in 2006, with the help of a generous $6 Million donation from their sponsor Montres Breguet. I can talk quite a bit about this little gem of a place.
Marie Antoinette whose full name was Josepha Johanna von Habsbourg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria, Imperial Princess, Royal Princess of Hungary and Bohemia, Dauphiness of France, Queen of France and Navarre
Where do I start? How about the château itself, which was designed so that the royals could avoid the presence of their servants, or the troupe l’oeil wood panelling which were used for the less important rooms as a cost-saving measure? Everything about the Petit Trianon embodies the pefection of an era and society, its style and technical expertise. While Versailles represents power and splendor, the Petit Trianon represented serenity and privacy.Let’s talk briefly about the lady who once occupied this house, Marie Antoinette. So much has been written about her, but little ever mentioned about how as a member of royalty, she was without a doubt THE trendsetter of her time. She was a lady who valued her privacy, and dressed skillfully but casually for a woman in her position. She craved independence and often dressed like a maid or shepherdess. Whether she was with her close friends and sometimes in front of her real maids, she imitated lives that were so different from her own. Her straw hats adorned with flowers was so different from the demands of traditional fashion that they appeared scandalous to those who would have certainly liked to see less of a simple woman and more of a Queen. This kind of defiance certainly didn’t help her case, and she began to slowly lose favor with the French people. Marie Antoinette’s quest for beauty and her aspiration to reach a form of authenticity and purity eventually led her to develop a lifestyle that would leave its mark on the history of trend setting.
Le TrianonNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
The Eiffel Tower for Auction
Like New York City is often defined by its tall sky scrappers, Paris is also defined by the magnificent Eiffel tower gracing the Parisian sky. The tower was originally build for the Exposition Universelle, a World’s Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution in 1889, and had a permit to stand for 20 years only. Can you imagine not being able to experience this architectural icon in the 21st Century?Detail: A series of sketches have been uncovered by a young British student showing the building of the Eiffel tower. This picture shows the summit with stairs leading to the lighthouse at the very top.This week, I was pleasantly surprised to find an article about a self-taught English artist by the name of Warwick Herbert Draper, who drew some of the most amazing sketches of the Eiffel tower as a young student. These intricate sketches were drown between 1887 and 1890, when Draper was a student in the city of lights. They came to life recently by his grandson John Ritchie who found them tucked away in a folder in the family ancestral home. They will be auctioned at Duke’s of Dorchester on September 29, 2011. To read the complete article on Warwick Herbert Draper’s sketches, go to the Daily Mail UK.
Toil: A gang of riveters at work during the construction of the tower. Drawn in black pen, the 17 sketches show the entire process of the tower being built.(www.dailymail.co.uk)
This drawing shows people entering their names at the Figaro newspaper office on the second level of the tower.(www.dailymail.co.uk)
The Eiffel tower remains the most popular paid-for tourist attraction in the world
since it’s opening more than a century ago.
NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
