Modernism Week in Palm Springs

You might notice from previous posts that I have an appreciation of, and am influenced by, Mid-Century Modern design. Next year I am hoping to get to an annual event in Palm Springs in February known as Modernism Week. This ten day long event is filled with tours, films, lectures, and other cultural events celebrating modern architecture and design. In addition to allowing professionals in the field to to network and amateur fans to revel, the conference also raises funds for preservation and for scholarships in the field.

Russell House 

Why Palm Springs you might ask? This desert valley city over 100 miles west of Los Angeles has one of the largest collections of Mid-Century architecture. It also is one of the birth places of modernism in the US. This small town had become a fashionable health resort by the early 20^th century and it started attracting Hollywood movie celebrities in the 20s who were willing to commission innovative architects for their vacation houses. The dramatic physical environment of the desert valley in turn inspired the architects to incorporate ideas from the European Bauhaus movement and the International Style into a form know as Desert Modernism.  According to a local chamber of commerce site:

“Notable for its use of glass, clean lines, natural and manufactured resources and indoor/outdoor spaces, Desert Modernism evoked a lifestyle of simple elegance and informality. Influenced by the dictates of desert living and the intense climate, the style grew out of the architects and designer's adaptive use of inventive materials, modern construction techniques, new (post-war) technologies...and served an enthusiastic and willing clientele.”

Kaufmann House 

Modernism Week 2013 lasts from February 14-24. If you can't make the official event but are out west this fall, there will be an architectural bus tour and other events during DOCOMOMO National Tour Day (DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement) from October 5-8, 2012. At the moment, the full schedule of events during Modernism Week is still being posted but check the official website soon. Most importantly, tickets go on sale online in September, and they sell out quickly for this popular week.

Kaufmann House (back)

Hopefully I'll see you there.

Canal Park

In a previous post, I introduced some of the changes happening in the Navy Yard section of Washington, DC, specifically focusing on the temporary public space known as the Half Street Fairgrounds. I want to also highlight a permanent public space that is under construction nearby which will open in November this year—Canal Park. 

Named after an actual canal that was in use in the area during the 19^th century (but since filled in), this park will cover three narrow blocks that used to function as a school bus parking lot. It is a public/private partnership between the DC government and various developers to create a public space amidst new office buildings, retail, and mixed income housing. The park will include fountains, an ice skating rink, a pavilion with a restaurant/cafe, sculptures, and planned events through out the year. In addition, environmental sustainability is incorporated into the design with LEED building standards used for the pavilion, and a storm water collection and reuse system that will provide most of the water needs for the park.

 

One unique feature of Canal Park is its shape. Running north-south from I Street SE to M Street SE, its half block width (from 2^nd Street SE to 2^nd Place SE) is intersected by K and L streets, forming three rectangular blocks in a vertical line. In fact, one can call it a Linear Park based on its form, as well as the fact that this type of form is often a result of re-using a former industrial area in an urban setting. Basically, a plot of land that was hemmed in by roads or other boundaries becomes available for public use and is turned into a recreational area. With the development that has been ongoing in the area, the park will be well served by both permanent residents with new townhouses to the East, High Rise apartment buildings to the Northwest, and office and retail uses to the South and West. Providing this walkable amenity will hopefully add to the area's identity and unique qualities.

Most urban parks are either much larger areas with significant wilderness (such as Rock Creek Park or various regional ones), or they are very small pocket parks that occupy a single plot of land and do not allow as many different kinds of recreational uses. However, Canal Park is unique even compared to other linear parks in DC. Often these types of parks, such as the eleven mile Capitol Crescent Trail, "combine elements of transportation with recreation” which attracts bikers and day time hikers. Since Canal Park is only one fifth of a mile long, it serves a different function. Probably the most famous Linear Park in DC is the National Mall, but its larger scale often leaves many areas appearing empty unless there is a major event, and its relative isolation from the buildings surrounding it makes for a disconnected experience to the city as a whole. Canal Park probably has the most in common (though is much smaller in scale) with Millennium Park in Chicago in that it is focused on creating a space for people to explore and provides unique experiences. Canal Park is also designed to be more densely attended and to connect more with the urban context at its edges.

I'm excited about the opening in November and will be watching closely to see if Canal Park becomes a successful example of urban public space.

Modern addition for the back of a private residence

Another project in progress. This residence in NW Washington DC includes a basement that was lowered (underpinning the existing foundations) by eighteen inches to give a more generous ceiling height and a new two story addition in a modern simple Scandinavian style. The addition expands the living area on the main level and expands a family room on the basement level for a growing family. The client desired a cohesive design that reflected a simple living style and aesthetic for a small family.

 

More to come. 

Studio Apartment Renovation

Wanted to take some opportunities to show some in-progress designs.

This first project is a gut renovation of a 150 m² studio apartment in a 1960's modern building and when complete will be a luxury efficiency apartment that will be easily convertible for clients with disabilities. The remodel addresses all of the surfaces in the apartment, with new flooring, tile, appliances and cabinets. The ribbon window is west facing providing ample light and expansive views. The design takes advantage of these views through a gently curving wall opening up from the entrance door and takes advantage of custom built in cabinetry providing ample storage.

Photographs of the space before and during renovation.

Conceptual Designs

More pictures to come as the project progresses...

Interfaith Chapel Renovation at The Residences at Thomas Circle

It has been a busy year and we wanted to show some projects that are currently in design and construction.

The first project is the Interfaith Chapel at The Residences at Thomas Circle. This project is a renovation of an existing chapel in a senior retirement community that opened in 1963. A small chapel that exists off the central lobby had not been updated in many years, and was in dire need of renovations and 'sprucing up'. Some of the residents thought it would be a great idea to make the chapel into a space that would effectively serve the diversifying community and create a more welcoming environment within a very small, interior room. Many of the residents did not even know there was a chapel in their building.

 

Through a series of small workshops, it was established that the primary need of the interfaith chapel was to accommodate a variety of religious services. By incorporating flexibility into the design, we were readily able to accommodate this goal. A few strategic design choices created a dynamic and pleasing space. Curtains are planned to cover existing stained glass windows when not appropriate for any particular form of worship. New chairs and a moveable table are designed for the space, and a large closet area for storage also creates needed hidden storage for various items used in the space.

 

The space is made brighter and more welcoming through the introductionof a new drywall ceiling along with upgraded lighting and a new wooden floor. In addition, we designed a glass effect “feature” wall that begins to add visual interest and is a subtle nod to the stained glass existing in the room without presenting obvious religious iconography. The three opposite walls shimmer with a marble stone tile that is lit by linear wall fixtures. These changes provide more openness despite the low ceiling and the existing small room dimensions.

 

Finally, the entrance will be transformed with a new wood and glass door and a double sided fountain that will provide ambient noise while services are being performed. Previously, a nondescript solid door stood in place, but the alterations now make the chapel visible and inviting from the lobby and give the room a more distinct identity.

 

The project is entering into it's fundraising stages now and updates on the progress will come in the near future.