What is Desert Modernism? A Picture Dictionary of Modern Architecture
Architects working in southern California and the American Southwest adapted ideas from the European Bauhaus Movement to the warm climate and arid terrain.
Desert Modernism was a mid-twentieth century approach to modernism that capitalized on the sunny skies and warm climate of California, and the American Southwestern "sun belt". With expansive glass and streamlined styling, Desert Modernism was a regional approach to International Style architecture. Rocks, trees, and other landscape features were often incorporated into the design.
Some defining characteristics of Desert Modernism:
Design minimalism
Expansive glass walls and windows
Dramatic rooflines
Wide overhangs
Steel and plastic combined with wood and stone
Open floor plans
Outdoor living spaces incorporated into the overall design
Architects Associated with Desert Modernism:
William F. Cody
Albert Frey
A. Quincy Jones
John Lautner
Cliff May
Richard Neutra
Dan Palmer & William Krisel
Donald Wexler
E. Stewart Williams
See Examples of Desert Modernism:
Examples of Desert Modernism may be found throughout southern California and parts of the southwest U.S., but the largest and best-preserved examples of the style are concentrated in Palm Springs, California. Landmark buildings include:
Kaufmann House (shown above) in Palm Springs, California. 1946. Richard Neutra, architect.
Grace Lewis Miller House in Palm Springs, California. 1937. Richard Neutra, architect.
Edris House in Palm Springs, California. 1954. E. Stewart Williams, architect.
Frey II House in Palm Springs, California. 1963. Albert Frey, architect.
Bob and Dolores Hope House in Palm Springs, California. 1979. John Lautner, architect.
Loewy House in Palm Springs California. 1946. Albert Frey, architect.
Arthur Elrod House in Palm Springs, California. 1968. John Lautner, architect.
Tramway Upper Station in Palm Springs, California. 1963. E. Stewart Williams, architect.
Palm Springs Desert Museum (now the Palm Springs Art Museum). 1976. E. Stewart Williams, architect.
Also important were the Alexander houses, sophisticated mass-production homes built by the Alexander Construction Company - and typically designed by William Krisel, for Palmer & Krisel, Architects - in several tracts around Palm Springs, California.
Related Terms:
The Moderne, or Streamline Moderne, House Style
Bauhaus Architecture
The International Style
Mid-Century Modernism
John Porter Clark
William F. Cody
Albert Frey
William Krisel
John Lautner
Richard Neutra
Donald Wexler
E. Stewart Williams
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