Postwar (Organic) Design Flashcards
Charles & Ray Eames
pioneering use of new materials/technologies - plywood, plastics
transformed way Americans furnished homes
introduced functional, affordable, highly sculptural objects
focused on multi-functional designs
fluid biomorphic forms
Pratt Davis
Chair
steel, rubber tube, cotton cover
1948
Postwar
most basic form, flat packable
Frank Lloyd Wright
Armchair
designed for the Price Company Tower (Bartlesville, OK)
aluminum frame, upholstered seat/back
1956
postwar
space age ideal
Interior view, Eames House
Charles Eames, architect
1949
postwar
Case STudy House, standard industrial materials due to shortage of building materials
expansive, flexible plan, replaced fixed traditional plan
reflects higher art/culture, modernism as was to engage modern cultures
Eero Saarinen & Charles Eames
Armchair
competition winner for Organic Design and Home Furnishings
molded plywood, sponge rubber upholstery
1941
Organic/Postwar
goal to produce single molded plywood chair - dont have technological ability yet, created in 2 pieces, upholstery to cover
Eva Zeisel
Museum Service
Castleton China Co.
glazed porcelain
1946
organic/postwar
Hungarian designer, elevating taste, biomorphic forms, very expensive, not everyone can afford
Charles & Ray Eames
RAR Rocking Armchair
Herman Miller, manufactuer
fiberglass-reinforced polyester, steel, birch, rubber shockmounts
1948-50
Charles and Ray Eames
ESU - Eames Storage Unit
Herman Miller Furniture Company
dimpled birch plywood, zinc-plated steel, perforated metal, plastic laminated plywood, lacquered Masonite, rubber
1949 - 1950
postwar/organic
idea of modular units you could mix and match, aesthetic similar to Eames House
didnt last - expensive to produce, legs made of zinc too soft
Harry Bertoia
Diamond Chair
produced by Knoll International
steel with Chrome finish
1952
organic/postwar
lawsuit btw this design and Eames design for Herman Miller, Eames won bc mockette in Ray’s office
Charles & Ray Eames
Eames Wire Chair
Herman Miller
chromed metal
1951
organic/postwar
lawsuit with Bertoia diamond chair for technology patent
Eero Saarinen
Tulip Armchair
manufactured by Knoll International, Inc.
fiberglass-reinforced polyester shell, cast aluminum base with fused plastic finish
1955-56
organic design
“clean off the slum of legs under the chair” wanted single piece of molded plastic chair, pedestal can’t actually support body needs structural support, elegant, sinous curve
refutes everything about modernism for truth in materials, honesty in construction - paints base white to appear one piece, sculpture
ending point of class, leads to what comes next
Eero Saarinen
Womb Lounge Chair & Ottoman
Knoll International
molded plastic shell, foam rubber, iron rod support
1948
organic design
resting in a nest of pillows, comfort for body, biomorphic
