Art Deco and Industrial Design Discussion

This week I looked into Allison and Katie's blogs. I enjoyed reading Allison's blog and how she talked about the comfortableness in furniture for the human body within Art Deco design. Katie delved into Eileen Gray and her furniture pieces, describing the specific characteristics.

Check out their blogs here:

Allison--> http://history2as.blogspot.com/2014/10/art-deco.html
Katie-->http://history2krk.blogspot.com/

Industrial design and Art Deco

Thanks to the moves in industrial design and technologies starting in the 1920's around the time of WWI, yet another new design style had emerged. Art Deco is known for it's fashion inspired look and luxurious feel. The 1925 World Fair in Paris exhibited the new styles, showcasing through interior design. Originating in France, the Art Deco style moved on to other countries, including the US, at the beginning of WWII.

Design style characteristics

Deriving from a sense of fashion, this design style was not concerned with functionality or new technologies. It was highly decorative and influenced from the prior styles of Art Nouveau. Popular characteristics include interiors with large mirrors, prominent light fixtures, metals, black lacquer, and glass. Rich materials were used, such as leather, ivory inlaid wood, ebony, tortoise, and more. Patterns often seen included zig zag, chevron , and skyscraper mimicked patterns.

Many famous architects and furniture designers of this time include: Michel Roux-Spitz, Jean Dunand, Maurice Dufrine, Jean Michel Frank, and Eileen Gray.

Several famous and large buildings in the US demonstrate complete Art Deco design concepts.

Rockefeller

Radio City

Chrysler Building

Modern day applications

Notice colors, materials, large mirrors, black lacquer. 

Modernism Discussion

This week I looked into Megan and Alex's blogs. I enjoyed looking at the images Megan included of modern day applications within interiors influenced by the De Stijl movement. Alex's blog mentioned Frank Lloyd Wright and his ties to nature within his designs. She had a great image of one of his works, in which the building was infused with the surrounding environment.

Check out their blogs here:

Megan--> http://history2mcy.blogspot.com/2014/09/modernism.html
Alex--> http://history2aar.blogspot.com/

Looking at the Emergence into Modernism

Modernist architecture is attributed to the modernist movements that sprung about at the turn of the 20th century. New architectural styles emerged, as well as many architects and designers that are renown today. The new technologies in industry and materials, as well as a want for growth in new developments led to the style movements created within.

Frank Lloyd Wright

One of the greatest pioneers of the modernist movement is in thanks to Frank Lloyd Wright. He sparked his own architectural practice in 1893 in IL. His designs were based on "organic" architecture, non-historic precedence and original design. He developed a square grid system in which to organize privacy within a home. This grid system is still used today in many ways.

Several of his most famous first structures are here in IL and include, the Robie House, the Rookery, and the Unity Temple.

The De Stijl movement

This design movement also started at the turn of the century, originating in the Netherlands. Meaning "The Style," this design focused on a utopian ideal of harmony and order. Clean horizontal and vertical lines created simple visual compositions. The use of black and white is most prevalent, with the primary colors as sole pops of color. Most noted is architect Gerrit Rietveld and his Schroder House built in 1924. The interior shows clear lines and use of black and white with primary pops of color. The interior also had movable walls for flexibility within the spaces.

International Style

These emerging design styles often became coined into one term, international style. Radical design movements of simplifying form and removing ornament drove this style. The 1932 MoMA exhibition held in NYC is considered the most influential exhibition in the history of architecture thus far. New building materials such as glass, steel, and concrete were mainly used. Honest construction, transparency of buildings, and mass-production techniques were all considered in these new structures. Notable architects include: Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies VanDerRohe, Walter Gropius, and Le Corbusier.

Publication that influenced MoMA exhibition 1932

Villa Savoy, Le Corbusier

Right: Le Corbusier Left: Student of Le Corbusier

Modern day applications...

Trump Tower, Chicago

Werkbund Discussion

This week I enjoyed looking at Rachael and Samantha's blogs. Rachael delved into and showed examples of Josef Hoffman's furniture style and functionality, and then showed gave examples of modern pieces seen today. Samantha talked about how the Werkbund movement took the quality and style of the arts and crafts period, however used mass production in coordination with design professionals and product manufacturers.

Rachael's blog--->http://history2rap.blogspot.com/

Sam's blog--->http://history2sjn.blogspot.com/

Putting in Work. Deutscher Werkbund.

Deutscher Werkbund was the German Association of Craftsmen formed in 1907. The Werkbund emerged after architect Joseph Maria Olbrich left Vienna and moved to Darmstadt, Germany, after Ernest Louis invited him to start up an artists' group.

The Werkbund Ways

Known as the largest and most influential design reform organization in Europe, the Werkbund consisted of a number of architects, artists, and business owners. The Werkbund wanted innovation in the domestic environment, and hoped to unite deep German values within forces of industrialization.

Quality was very important and honest materials and great workmanship was expected. Sachlichkeit was the functional new approach to design. Uncluttered, unornamented, and functional designs were the new thing. Women played a prominent role in teaching other women and shop girls about the new reform. Women felt the need to modernize their taste within this machine age.

Werkbund Exhibition

The first exhibition was held at Rheinpark, Cologne in 1914. It opened May 15th and was scheduled to last until October, however was shut down early due to World War I outbreaks. One of the most popular items in the exhibit was the Glass Pavilion by Bruno Taut. It was a prismatic concrete dome with colorful inlaid glass that acted as mirrors. It is Taut's best known work of architecture. 

Bauhaus

Another contribution from Werkbund was Bauhaus. An art school for crafts and fine arts, operated from 1919 to 1933. Bauhaus became known for architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and 

typography. Bauhaus had sites in Weimar and Dessau. 

Modern Application

Art Nouveau Discussion

Several other blogs I viewed were Chanel's and Rose's. I liked how Chanel talked more about Henry Van De Velde and mentioned that he designed his own home. Looking through Rose's images, I enjoyed seeing the Carson's department store storefront, located in Chicago. It was a great example of showing how we can really see this style within a city close to us.

Chanel's blog--->http://history2cac.blogspot.com/

Rose's blog--->http://history2rk.blogspot.com/

Looking for something new! Art Nouveau

It was a time of calmness and economic growth in Europe which led to the great development of the Art Nouveau styles from 1890-1910. Headed by France and Belgium, traditional designs were thrown out. The admiration for Japanese styles stayed, and painters such as Van Gogh and Edvard Munch were looked at for inspiration.

Design Characteristics

Rejecting the traditional and academic styles that were popular, new designs incorporating natural forms and curved lines became quite the trend. Art Nouveau is not solely a style of architecture. It encapsulates all types of art and design ranging from graphic art, jewelry, interior design, furniture, and other household goods. 

Art Nouveau is one of the first artistic movements in which graphics were mass-produced rather than printed traditionally one by one. One example is when a paris based artist, Alphonse Mucha, used lithography to mass produce posters for the streets of Paris. 

 

The architecture of this time made great use of emerging technologies such as the innovation of exposed iron and bent glass. 

Modern-Day Applications

Let's Do Arts and Crafts!

The Arts and Crafts Movement started as a reaction against the Victorian Period. Flourishing in 1880 through 1910 and even influencing the 30's, it was headed by the artist, poet, and designer William Morris. The design styles were formed in the British Isles and focuses on anti-industrialism and quality.

In North America and the United States, Arts and Crafts was less of a Movement, more focused solely on architecture and interior design from 1910-1925. While Europeans thought of Arts and Crafts in terms of revolting against industry, the United States took it as an opportunity to rekindle craft production.

Design Principles

The Arts and Crafts design style strove to provide simple and clean aesthetics. No excessive decorations are used, unique and non-mass produced items are popular. The use of natural materials, wood, stone, and brick is common. Built-ins and woodwork are extensive. Fireplaces, low-pitched roofs, exposed beams, stained glass, and coordinating fixtures are also common styles. Many interiors reflect some qualities of Japanese design as well. 

Modern Day Application

Discussion - French Design

The first blog I looked at was John's. He posted about French Renaissance style. I enjoyed reading about his findings about the chateau.

Here's his post: http://www.history1jpe.blogspot.com/2014/04/french-renaissance.html

 I also looked into Flor's blog post which was also on French Renaissance design. She focused on how politics really controlled the arts and designs of the time, and how kings and rulers lived in castles.

Check out her post here: http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/2014/04/french-renaissance-neoclassic.html

French Rococo Style

   This new style began in the early 18th century in Paris, France. It was a movement away from the stern and symmetrical Baroque designs toward more fluidity and gracefulness. This new movement was mostly headed by women with power, such as King Louis XV's mistress, Madame de Pompadour. She was highly involved in the new flourishing arts of France. Her time was spent amassing personal furniture and creating growth within the porcelain industry in Serves. The time of Louis's reign is said to be the pinnacle of French architecture and interior design.  

Madame de Pompadour

Major Style Characteristics

        This new style was breaking away from the straight lines and guided rules of the Baroque period. Rococo style was enraptured in feminine qualities and curved, natural lines. Lighter colors and pastels were most common, along with gilding in gold and white. Ornamentation from previous times was still popular, however, in a more subtle and elegant way. The name Rococo is said to be derived from French terms rocaille (stone) and coquilles (shell) due to the use of these in many motifs of the time.  

Interior Architecture

          Rooms were built in rounded shapes with tall and elongated walls and windows. Although more subdued, the ornamentation within interiors still included intricate mirrors, light fixtures, and some wall details.  

Furniture

    Furniture layout was still similar to the Baroque in which the pieces were lined against the perimeter of rooms.

French Rococo as seen Toady

Discussion - Spanish Renaissance

Looking into Megan's blog post, I enjoyed reading more about the popularity of iron grilles in interior and exterior applications.

Here's her post: http://www.history1mmd.blogspot.com/2014/03/spanish-renaissance.html

I also enjoyed watching a video on Pedraza, Spain in Megan S's blog post. It went into detail on what life was like in the community at that time.

Here's her blog post: http://www.history1mes.blogspot.com/

Spanish Renaissance

     Emerging from the Italian renaissance of the 14th century, the spread to Spain came about in the 15th and 16th centuries. The 1490's is roughly the year of the beginning of the Spanish Renaissance.

     The beginning of the Renaissance is linked to the historical political life of the Catholic Monarchs within Spain. They were among the first to leave the Medieval ways. King Charles I was fond of the new art and became a direct patron toward many new Renaissance artists of the time.

     Renaissance paintings were commonly oil and images of interiors were portrayed according to the laws of perspective.

Architectural Styles

     As a result of humanism and the revival of Classical architecture, the evolving styles of Florence, Rome, and Italy made their way to Spain. The style was spread by local architects, and the influence of South Italy was mixed with Gothic traditions and local design. A new style called Plateresque was born. The intricately decorated facades on these new Renaissance structures reminded people of the work of silversmiths or "Plateros" of the time. Although the Plateresco style is often seen and spoken about, an almost completely opposite and muted style called Purism had also emerged. This style of architecture included extremely plain and naked designs focused on overall geometric and mathematical perfection in structure.

Great works of great architects...

• El Escorial - Historical residence of the King of Spain in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial located roughly 30 miles northwest of Madrid. This site acts as a royal palace, monastery, school, and a museum. King Philip II of Spain appointed Juan Bautista de Toledo as architect in 1559, and together they designed El Escorial as a monument of Spain's Christianity. Groundbreaking began in 1563, unfortunately Juan Bautista did not live to see the completion with his death in 1567. The project was then passed down to his apprentice, Juan de Herrera. The structure was completed in 1584, less than 21 years in total construction time. 

• The floor plan of the entire structure is in the form of a gridirion due to the popular belief that St. Lawrence was martyred by being burned to death on a grill in third century A.D.. However, this grid-like interior was commonplace for large palaces and structures of the time. Another persuasive theory on the design of the layout was that it was formed  and extensively modified off of the Temple of Solomon in ancient Jerusalem. Intersecting passageways, corridors, and courtyards show the intricacy of the overall layout design. 

• El Escorial was mainly constructed from locally quarried gray granite. Beautiful works of art are dispersed throughout the entire complex. Many artists were commissioned to complete projects within the building. 

      

Inspired Designs Today

 

Discussion - Italian Renaissance

Emily had a great post in which she mentioned how the furniture of the time was very expensive and finely crafted, yet people from all societal classes purchased these items.

Check out her post here-->http://www.history1ean.blogspot.com/2014/03/italian-renaissance.html

Flor's blog post was really neat in how she went into detail on the decorative elements of walls. She talked about the patterns and vertical and horizontal elements. 

Read her post here -->http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/2014/03/italian-renaissanceneoclassic.html

The times of the Italian Renaissance

      The European Renaissance was headed earliest by the Italian Renaissance. A period and time of great change and vast achievement, began in the 14th century with Italy and lasted until the 16th century. This time was the transition between medieval and early modern times of Europe. This rebirth, called 'Renaissance' is a french term that wasn't coined until the 19th century through the work of historians. 

     Beginning in Tuscany in central Italy, the rebirth began spreading and centering within large cities such as Florence, Sienna, and eventually Venice. Strong economic growth and newly linked trade lines created rekindled a network economy within Europe, which hadn't been around since the 4th century.  

      The Renaissance peaked in the mid 16th century as invasion from foreign countries plunged into the turmoils of the Italian wars of the time. The Renaissance ideas and dreams persevered on into other European nations. 

Development

    Florence's leading family went from the Albizzi's until the late 14th century, to the Medici's who controlled Europe's largest bank, and then ruled the next few centuries. Cosimo de Medici was held high among citizens for his hard work in bringing about prosperity and stability to Florence. Cosimo's grandson Lorenzo ruled Florence from the age of 21 and is now known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent." Lorenzo was part of the first generation to be completely schooled with notions of Humanism. He is known as being one of the greatest patrons for the arts of the era. 

    The populations of this time were vastly different. Social inequality was very high as the wealthy were beyond middle class and controlled much of the economic flow. Two thirds of the population was made up of peasants who lived on as if the Middle Ages had simply continued. For these very reasons, it is said that the Renaissance is completely responsible of the wealthy members of society in which art patronage rested on them. 

Architecture

     Some of the earliest structures showing Renaissance architectural characteristics include:

• San Lorenzo - One of the largest churches in Florence, located within the center of the market district. Constructed by the leading Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century to replace the 11th century Romanesque church. Is the burial place of many principal members of the Medici family. 
• A proportional relationship between aisle and nave was attempted
• Use of spherical elements within vaulted areas
• Use of dark colored pietra serena or "serene stone"
• Attempts to use all of the classical orders and design elements

• Pazzi Chapel - Also located in Florence, Italy. Is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. Was completed in the 1460's, nearly two decades after the death of the architect Brunelleschi. Erected by the Pazzi family during the middle of a war with a neighboring city, the money and wealth dedicated to this chapel showed the importance of this structure to the family. 
• Struggle to bring coherence to columns, pilasters, arches, and vaults
• Tall, blank, round headed panels
• Use of dark colored pietra serena or "serene stone"

Inspiration in Today

Life and Design of The Americas 2000 B.C. - 1521 A.D.

       Civilizations of the Americas that we are looking into include the Olmecs, Mayans-Toltecs, Aztecs, and Incas. Ranging from areas in Mexico, South America, and Peru.

A little bit about the culture...

       These civilizations lived in climates with tropical, humid weather with mountanous areas. The people were diverse, from nobles to commoners, leaders, farmers, divine peoples, and sports athletes. Religion played the most major role during this time period. Ceremonial/sacrificial centers and temples paved the cities layouts and oriented towns. Pyramids were built for the many gods.

Looking into the different civilizations...

• Olmecs - Flourished from 2000 B.C. - 300 B.C. when they suddenly ended. The Olmecs were the first major civilization within Mexico. They developed their own hieroglyphic writing, discovered rubber, and created the very first calendar for the Western hemisphere. They preferred realistic art, and their most precious work was jade stone. The jaguar was their chief deity symbol. It is said that the Olmecs practiced human and infant sacrifice. Common people lived in mud houses while those higher up lived in decorated homes. 
• La Venta - One of the first examples of a city with a main focus around its temple. The ceremonial center has a most interesting feature with its giant stone heads sculpted from giant basalt boulders, which can be seen throughout the area. 

 

Serpentine stone mosaic pavement. Often near burial sites.

Olmec heads, sculptures, altar, tomb, and depiction of sacrifice.

Sculptures depicting a dead, half jaguar baby that is limp for sacrifice.

• Teotihuacan - Lived from 250 B.C. - 900 A.D. when the city was deserted. The city is named "Place of the Gods" and has an overall ceremonial center that is two miles in length with a central spine road feature and a pyramid of the sun and pyramid of the moon. They also had a temple of the feathered serpent. The city was laid out on a grid, there were no city walls needed to defend these powerful people. People of Teotihuacan delved in decorative pottery and used motifs such as birds and flowers in nature as well as abstract designs. 

• Mayas - From 300 B.C. - 1521 A.D. these people lived for roughly 1,800 years. Everything was destroyed after the Spanish conquest. 
• Chichen Itza - Ceremonial area meaning "mouth of the well of Itza." There is a 75 ft high pyramid called Castillo. Jaguar thrones and ritualistic furniture were popular pieces.