contemporary': Architecture and interiors of the 1950s - Softcover

Jackson, Lesley

4

14 ratings by Goodreads

9780714837574: contemporary': Architecture and interiors of the 1950s

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714837571 ISBN 13: 9780714837574

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 1998

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This book is the first to explore fully the so-called 'contemporary' style that dominated architecture and design from the late 1940s to the end of the 1950s. It was an era of optimism and confidence, where new ideas in architecture and design flourished alongside the emergent consumer culture.

Emanating mainly from the USA, the 'contemporary' style was fresh and liberating, manifesting itself in the picture window and the open plan, in new forms of furniture from Scandinavia and stylish light fittings from Italy, and most tellingly in the contemporary kitchen with its fitted units and mod-con appliances. This book examines the fresh and liberated design ideas of this buoyant era with an acute eye and open mind.

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Review:

"Seek inspiration in... Contemporary... The familiar abstract textiles, open-plan interiors and cheesy kitchen ads that dominated the decade are all pictured here in this nostalgic and comprehensive guide to Fifties style."―Living Etc.

"This book provides a full definition and examination of the 'contemporary' style... Far more than a collection of Fifties nostalgia, Contemporary’ - Architecture and Interiors of the 1950s provides an entertaining and revealing survey of trends in taste and interior design at a time of economic regeneration and social renewal."―Perspectives

"Persuasive re-evaluation of Fifties design... The book’s clean images even make the Le Corbusier-inspired high-rise blocks of Roehampton look appealing."―Independent on Saturday Magazine

"Goes beyond the usual suspects... to include Modernist expressions around the world... A masterful job."―The New York Times

"An informative book whose presentation accurately reflects the era's colour and confidence."―Design Review

Synopsis:

This text provides a definition and examination of the so-called "contemporary" style that dominated architecture and design from the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. In those years of increasing promise and prosperity, a fresh and liberating style was hallmarked by open-plan interiors and vibrant fabric design, manifesting itself in the picture window and the open plan; in vibrant fabric design and printed wall coverings; in new forms of furniture from Scandinavia and stylish light fittings from Italy; and most tellingly in the "Contemporary" kitchen with its fitted units and "mod con" appliances. Included is work by Charles Eames, Pierre Koenig, Arne Jacobsen and Lucienne Day. More than a collection of 50s nostalgia, this book provides a survey of trends in taste and interior design at the time of economic regeneration that affected not only people's homes but their communities and public buildings.

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