Friday, August 15, 2014

Inspiration: Mid-Century Modernism

At Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear we pride ourselves on the ranges we choose to carry and their collective dedication to form and function; we specialize in clean lines and honest design with minimum fuss.

Mid-century modern architecture is exactly the kind of pared-back school of thought that inspires us. Architects such as Albert Frey, Richard Neutra and Frank Lloyd Wright made this movement popular, particularly in the Palm Springs area of California in the mid-1940s and '50s, that came to be dubbed 'Desert Modernism'. 

Their houses hug their surroundings as well as highlighting them by working around natural obstacles such as rock or trees. Whereas others might simply bulldoze them, these architects incorporate them into the design. 

We look for this same aesthetic in eyewear; no hiding behind logos or unnecessary adornment, just fantastic designs using the best materials available.

House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Interior of a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house

Loewy Residence, designed by Albert Frey, photographed by Julius Schulman 1947

Floating roof gas station, Hannover Germany, 1953

Chuey Residence designed by Richard Neutra, photographed by Julius Shulman

Stahl Residence designed by Pierre Koenig, photographed by Julius Shulman 1959

Tramway Gas Station, designed by Albert Frey, 1965

Palm Springs City Hall, designed by Albert Frey