Modernism Week
PS Modernism Week 2014 Celebrates Scene and Style
Palm Springs’ Modernism Week: Scene and Style
Palm Springs’ Modernism Week: Beyond the Architecture
Palm Springs’ Modernism Week 2014 came to a close on February 23rd, but the last party wasn’t limited to only celebrating architecture, as designer Trina Turk offered the final lecture before the closing soiree in a manner that perfectly married style and estates.
Inspired by the multicultural mix of architecture and landscape in Southern California, Turk’s style––and voice––was a natural fit in wrapping up the activities (at the Annenberg Estate, no less). However, Turk’s appearance wasn’t the only style vibes being given off this past week; if you didn’t attend, here’s what you missed.
MODERNISM WEEK MUST: SHOP
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The most obvious spot to have done any P.S. shopping during Modernism Week was at the Modernism Week Show & Sale. Tightly curated, the space had pieces that were deemed the best of each showroom present. While it wasn’t limited to only mid-century modern dealers, the items were all easy to mix-and-match within that style realm. Take Neil Rasmussen’s exhibit, for example: his antiques blend modern design and American western influence. Based in Menlo Park, many of his pieces end up in the surrounding neighborhood of mid-century modern Eichler homes.
By hurrying to purchase your usa cheap viagra samples you completely overlooked the fact that there could be some serious underlying medical condition. I hope those methods can give the cialis tabs prostatitis patients a little help. Male impotence can be quite worried for a man to satisfy his passion craving libido. order generic cialis L-arginine is naturally-occurring in foods such as meat, dairy, various oils & tropical stuffs like coconut that been using for optimal performance, & if one disregard this essential food class in errand of sugar, grains & certain other starchy carbs, your health stuffs & weight are approximately found definite to bear. viagra without prescription Another favorite for furniture during Modernism Week was the Modernism Yard Sale. Held in the Paul Kaplan Group parking lot, the space attracted vendors selling everything from modern furniture to jewelry, and last year’s even boasted a 1960’s trailer––something the Kaplan Group knows a little about, as Matthew Reader, an agent, won best vintage camper for the 2014 Vintage Trailer Show.
While art is present at the Modernism Week showroom and the yard sale, a larger selection housing Warhol’s, Dali’s, and artists that are more contemporary sits directly adjacent. Although technically not related to Modernism Week, the Palm Springs Fine Fair concurrently exhibits with the Modernism Week Show & Sale. They’re both in the Palm Springs Convention Center, maximizing your culture and, well, shopping experience.
Not everything in Palm Springs’ Modernism Week was something saved from the mid-century, though. The Prefab Showcase and Modern Living Expo was an amalgam of architects’ and designers’ expert commentary morphed into an outdoor show space, more geared towards the incorporation of modern technology into your residence. Many of the products of the event were made to highlight green or smart technology, demo-ing ways you can modernize your current (or future) mid-century modern home.
MODERNISM WEEK MUST: MARTINIS (AND MORE)
If you weren’t planning to rescue another piece of furniture, there were plenty of reasons to party during P.S. Modernism Week. Our insiders picked a favorite for this year’s event: the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation Retro Martini Party. Touted as one of the most refined soirees of Modernism Week, 2014’s PSPF event was held at the Walt & Lilly Disney Residence in Smoke Tree Ranch.
Another event that quickly sold out was the Palm Springs’ Modernism Committee Annual Gala. Crafted around a Moroccan-motif, the party took place at the Bougain Villa, a residence that eventually became a collab between Modernism Week 2014’s honoree Hugh Kaptur, and the renowned Albert Frey.
If you were staying and playing after dark, there were––and are––various P.S. events for every taste. Single-gal in your twenties? Peruse this guide. Looking to re-live the sixties? You should’ve been at the Purple Room’s Monterey Pop Fest. Supper club-meets-music, the Purple Room hosted events nearly every evening during this week’s gathering. In fact, remembering all of this has us already wanting to go back.
Tell us, what were your favorite events? What are you already planning for next year?
PA Modernism Week 2014: The Insider’s Architecture Guide
The Insider’s Architecture Tour: Palm Springs’ Modernism Week
Palm Springs and mid-century modern-everything has basically become synonymous. The two are so inherently linked that Modernism Week, the celebration of architecture that defines this desert city, has become one of the best places to view––and buy––modern real estate.
If it wasn’t already obvious to anyone that’s visited, Matthew Reader, agent at the modern architecture-niche agency, the Paul Kaplan Group, and 10-year Modernism Week veteran, sums up why this event pairs so perfectly with Palm Springs. “ The coloring of our natural environs lends to much of the shadow and light play within details of even lesser buildings,” he says.
These details are what has made this year yet another success for the festival and the real estate. After all, as Reader says, “The buildings are impossible to ignore, even if you’re not a great aficionado of architecture.”
But even those familiar with architecture can run into an obstacle navigating a city this dense with gems; so, here’s Reader’s insider picks for the best Palm Springs’ architecture of Modernism Week 2014:
PALM SPRINGS’ ARCHITECTURE INSIDER PICK 1: ALBERT FREY
“The private residence of Albert Frey is always a standout,” Reader says. “The location––on the mountainside behind the art museum––affords it spectacular views, and being built into the mountainside with the rock protruding into the home is an early example of the lines between Palm Springs indoor-outdoor living being blurred.”
Frey has always been an iconic designer of Palm Springs, producing notable landmarks such as the Palm Springs’ City Hall and the Aerial Tramway, but this house is especially recognized for its small, compact space. “I love the built-in furnishings, and the hi-fi is a favorite…the efficient galley kitchen is another great feature of this love letter to compact living.”
PALM SPRINGS’ ARCHITECTURE INSIDER PICK 2: THE SIVA HOUSE
Another favorite of this year’s festival is the crown jewel, the 1959 Siva House. Also known as the Russell house, it was envisioned by Detroit-transplant Hugh Kaptur. The residence is truly emblematic of what we think of as mid-century design, in that its focus (like Frey’s), isn’t on what’s inside but rather the perfect marriage of both the indoor and outdoor space.
Carved into a spot above Palisades road, the endless panels of glass look over the assorted Palm Springs landscape, with blocks of color mirroring the bright interiors: golf course, second homes, and mountains abound. The interiors were picked from the Palm Springs’ mid-century furniture scene: think Maloof end tables, a Hans Wegner daybed, and Nakashima barstools.
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PALM SPRINGS’ ARCHITECTURE INSIDER PICK 3: THE LOST & SAVED
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Reader also suggests visiting the Edris House, and even the sad, oft-maligned Town and Country Center. “It’s certainly one of the loveliest designs by A. Quincy Jones,” Reader says, “It’s really a disappointment that the owner does not take more of an interest in it or make it available to someone who cares.”
This degradation of P.S. landmarks isn’t uncommon, unfortunately. While many lectures at Modernism Week touch on this subject, Gary John’s talk is the standout. “It’s one of the most eye-opening and informative presentations that I’ve see,” shares Reader, adding that it’s an event he makes a priority to attend each year.
If it’s been tricky to get spots on many of the tours or watch the lectures, there are also resources to either get first draft (sign up as a Palm Springs Modernism Committee member) or download the newest Palm Springs architectural tour app. It details over 80 mid-century landmarks by location, or architect. This app is an important supplement to any Palm Springs’ trip, regardless of season, because like John’s lecture, it really touches on the triumphs (and disappointments) of preservation efforts in the city.
While it is heartbreaking to read about the landmarks that have been destroyed by arson or simply a really horrible re-design, the degradation of some properties make the standout saved ones even brighter. Our favorites include the Tramway Gas Station and Fire Station No. 1, both rehabilitated landmarks in Palm Springs.
PALM SPRINGS’ ARCHITECTURE INSIDER PICK 4: GROW YOUR OWN
Perhaps the easiest way to enjoy the architecture in Palm Springs is to do the obvious: get your own place. Palm Springs is the perfect second-home option, thanks to the year-round sunshine and ability to preserve key mid-century modern architecture. For purchasing, the usual suspects are always stand-outs (think Wexler/Harrison, Albert Frey, A. Quincy Johns, Stewart Williams, Palmer/Krisel), but options such as renovated Alexander Construction Co. residences are also a safe investment.
Note that investing in modern real estate should always be done through an educated agent; many of these homes have been renovated and stripped down to the bolts, so it’s important that whichever piece you do chose to invest in strikes the right balance between modern and thoughtful updates.
Now that Reader has shared his favorite architectural gems, tell us, which sites do you plan to visit (or have visited) during Modernism Week? We’d love to hear.
