Opus Entry

synthesis: this selection of the opus entry is meant to tell the story of the modernist tradition. Modernism is, at its roots-just like every other movement that we have studied this semester. It is different, in my eyes, because for the first time- the reaction (as in ACTION VERBS) -ary measures taken by the architects and designers clearly define how they events in history influenced design.

action verbs

speculate
“…for what I believe history will judge the most remarkable outpouring of artistic creativity since the early Renaissance. Modernism was closely linked to economic and social modernization, and it can hardly be held wholly accountable for the sins of property speculators and government bureaucracies…” (Weston 4).

compose
“…his interiors were marked by the Modernist integration of interior and exterior. At his own duplex in New York City the paving-slabs of the garden continue into the living area to provide continuity.” (Massey 150)

Bringing in the outdoors. Alvar Aalto sought to bring the outdoors in for the patients at the Paimo Sanatorium, as it was believed that the cure for tuberculosis included lots of time spent in the fresh air.

shape
“The new architecture is anti-cubic, that is to say, it does not try to freeze the different functional space-cells in one closed cube. Rather it throws the functional space cells (as well as overhanging planes, balcony, volumes, etc.) centrifugally from the core.” (Massey 71).

Stretch
“He experimented with new materials such as spun aluminum, melamine, vinyl and metals in the design of functional objects, such as chair with a concealed writing-table and magazine-rack, and oven-to-table ware.” (Massey 150)

Energize
“The simple steel framework of the building is sheathed in plate glass and metal screening to create a feeling of openness and interaction with nature…” (Massey 145)

It is hard to Imagine being anything but energized while relaxing in one of Johnson's glass houses, reclining in the most sumptuous of leather recliners

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Paimo Sanitorium- Picture from flickr- http://www.flickr.com/photos/kap_cris/877698036/

Glass House- Photos by Erik Johnson. Article from Time magazine by Richard Lacayo. Posted on blog at http://lookingaround.blogs.time.com/2007/06/22/people_who_live_in_glass_house/