Monday, January 24, 2011

Kansas City Design Week - February 4-11 2011

Please join KCMODERN in supporting Kansas City Design Week, February 4-11, 2011. KCMODERN will be planning and executing four great tours featuring Kansas City Design on Saturday, February 5, 2011. But don't just participate in the tours. There are a whole week of events and we are sure that you find a at least a few that will appeal to you!

www.kcdesignweek.org
















Saturday, December 4, 2010

BRUCE GOFF- "A Creative Mind"- Road Trip Part One

I was heading to Norman, Oklahoma to see the Bruce Goff- A Creative Mind Exhibition, more about that later, and was running about an hour early for the Friends of Kebyar (see http://www.friendsofkebyar.com/) reception at an exquisite Bruce Goff designed home in Oklahoma City. I decided to go west to Edmond, OK , about 12-15 miles and check out the Hopewell Baptist Church...built in 1948 with help from experienced welders from nearby oil fields. I had heard a non-profit group had formed to save and protect the church and I wanted to see what condition it was in...

As you can see the "Oil-Rig" architecture has seen better days.
A recent hail storm (up to softball sized) left its mark as it did throughout the area.

I know it doesn't look like much now , but it has great possibilities and represents Goff's work utilizing found items. The sanctuary had lighting made by Goff from tin pie pans.
Below: Classic Bruce Goff detailing in the spire and skylight...

From Edmond, I proceeded to Oklahoma City and the Pollack-Warriner House (1957 & 1980). The owners have owned the house for many years and definately are at one with the house...


View toward entry through gate...I love the interplay of smooth against rough, solid and void, light and shadow and on and on...this house is a metaphor for creativity...the house is a square plan with the dramatic hip roofs defining the space within. The fiberglass roof on the upper deck over the garage/studio is a visual delight and a local landmark. Typically, water plays a role in Goff's design... I can't help but think of the Fred Jones Art Museum where the Bruce Goff Exhibition is, designed by Hugh Newell Jacobson, his "villages"...similarities in concept...?

Below: Entry to the left


The dark green and off-white marble tile looks great in person and reflects the square plan and diamond elements...



Above: The kitchen is sizeable and extremely functional with beautiful hardwood cabinets stained ebony...




Below: My good friend David Milstead, Architect and Director on the Board of Friends of Kebyar, sporting one his great t-shirt designs. He was elated from spending the night in the Bavinger House the night before. You'll see the Bavinger House up close in a future post.





Above: Gate design is very cool and used for tables and benches in the yard.

Below: Early dusk effort to photograph indirect lighting and uplights in the blue glass cullets.


The evening reception was held at the Warriner's "No Name"Art Gallery in downtown Oklahoma City with great food, wine and company...it was great seeing old friends Tony Thompson, Eddie Jones and David Milstead among others and meeting/making new aquaintences. Below, Herb Greene listens and watches an internet presentation from India on preserving Nari Gandhi's work. He was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright and took his influence back to India to realize some fantastic organic residences and buildings.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Tonight- Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner


This is your last chance to join us for this one time special presentation of Infinite Space. Infinite Space, a new documentary feature film, traces the lifelong quest of visionary genius John Lautner to create “architecture that has no beginning and no end.” It is the story of brilliance and of a complicated life – and the most sensual architecture of the 20th century.

Date:
November 4, 2010 (Movie Start 7:00pm)
Location:
Tivoli Theater
4050 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
Fee:
$10, At door $12(cash only)

Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner Trailer

Register for Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner



Friday, October 29, 2010

Marcel Breuer House Tour and Martini Modern Party at Wendt Designed and Built House

I'm late in getting this post up! I thought I would show some random photos of the Marcel Breuer designed house we had on tour recently. Built in 1954 and still owned by the original owner this is a fantastic time capsule of a house featuring original Breuer designed furniture as well as other iconic pieces. The photos below show a seldom seen rear angle of the house and deck. Lucky to get these shots before approximately 100 attended the tour.




The photo below is a perspective study of a house being built down the street, inspired by the Breuer house.

The house featured below is the Bob Wendt designed and built house in Town and Country Estates in Prairie Village, KS. Constructed in 1961, this lavish and large 2 bedroom house was a wedding gift. It has incredible hardwood paneling and custom built cabinetry.


Walls of glass everywhere... below the new addition connects nicely with the original house.



Friends enjoying a great day for a Martini Modern House Tour and Party! Below, one of the owners talks about his experience in the house and construction of the addition. This was a great event with great people, great food, great martinis and great architecture!!

To see more Bob Wendt houses check him out on the right...

Monday, October 18, 2010

Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner - REEL Design Film Series

It is time to purchase your tickets for part 2 of the REEL Design Film Series.

KCMODERN
has teamed up with the
AIA Kansas City, AIGA – Kansas City, Kansas City APA as part of the Kansas City Design Alliance to bring this great film that will be of interest to all lovers of Mid-Century Architecture and Design!


Join us for a special presentation of Infinite Space. Infinite Space, a new documentary feature film, traces the lifelong quest of visionary genius John Lautner to create “architecture that has no beginning and no end.” It is the story of brilliance and of a complicated life – and the most sensual architecture of the 20th century.

Date:
November 4, 2010 (Movie Start 7:00pm)
Location:
Tivoli Theater
4050 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
Fee:
$10, At door $12(cash only)

Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner Trailer

Register for Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Mark your Calendars for the REEL Design Film Series Schedule

KCMODERN has teamed up with the AIA Kansas City, AIGA – Kansas City, Kansas City APA as part of the Kansas City Design Alliance to plan a great series of films.

October 7, 2010 - Typeface