Architecture Archives - Form Function Art https://formfunctionart.com/tag/architecture/ Original 20th Century Art Pieces Sat, 21 Sep 2019 19:51:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://formfunctionart.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Architecture Archives - Form Function Art https://formfunctionart.com/tag/architecture/ 32 32 Hugh Kaptur: The Architectural Embodiment of the Desert Modern Spirit https://formfunctionart.com/hugh-kaptur/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:25:18 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4466 Image Source – Kelly Peak Hugh Kaptur is the last living midcentury modern architect in Palm Springs. Working alongside names such as E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, Bill Cody, John Porter Clark, and Albert Frey, he helped give Palm Springs its distinct clean-line, low-rise forms.  Originally from Detroit, Hugh Kaptur fell in love with Palm…

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Image Source – Kelly Peak

Hugh Kaptur is the last living midcentury modern architect in Palm Springs. Working alongside names such as E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, Bill Cody, John Porter Clark, and Albert Frey, he helped give Palm Springs its distinct clean-line, low-rise forms. 

Originally from Detroit, Hugh Kaptur fell in love with Palm Springs while on vacation and never left. As one of the major midcentury modern architects of Palm Springs, his influence is felt all over the Californian town. 

A Love of Design

Kaptur, who credits his mom for his choice of occupation, studied architectural engineering at Lawrence Institute of Technology before joining the Marine Corps. Upon his return to civilian life, he found employment at a nursery. It didn’t take long before he realized this was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. His true passion was design. 

Kaptur decided to ask his dad to help get him a job at GM Styling. One of the first GM Styling employees, Victor Kaptur, secured Hugh a job in his division. Although this job only lasted a couple of years, he was able to provide for his family and practice design. 

“Keep the proportions good, keep it pleasing, and it will be noticed through its quiet elegance.” – Hugh Kaptur

Pursuing His Passion

In 1956, Kaptur moved his family to Palm Springs to pursue a career in architecture. He joined Donald Wexler of Wexler and Harrison as an apprentice. Even though he was laid off from this position, he refused to let it stop him. 

Kaptur began practicing architecture in his family garage, creating renderings for other architects. He was also hired by contractors to draw building plans. One of Kaptur’s most famous buildings is the Tahquitz Plaza. A 1970s complex of retail and office space on Palm Springs’ central East Tahquitz Canyon Way, this building has been a landmark destination for locals. Kaptur designed this building with a modernism-meets-Spanish-pueblo style. Appointed as a Class 1 Historic Site, Kaptur himself recently refreshed and restored it.

From Commercial to Residential

While Kaptur created some of Palm Springs most well-known buildings, he is primarily known as a residential architect. Kaptur designed some of Palm Springs’ most notable and beloved homes. A couple of his most famous creations include homes for actors Steve McQueen and William Holden

Most of his homes were designed in the typical midcentury modern style- an open plan with flat planes and clean lines. However, he was also influenced by Spanish heritage and the California way of life, also known as “Desert Modernism.” Kaptur’s homes included large glass windows and patios, along with water features (usually pools). 

Yet his most recognized homes aren’t necessarily what makes his work so legendary. Kaptur’s portfolio includes more than 200 homes in the Palm Springs area. Each of these homes is an expression of the quiet elegance his work reflects. 

“I’ve always called it ‘quiet elegance’. Where you can walk into a home and very quietly it shouts at you.”

An Omnipresent Inspiration

In 2014, Kaptur received his very own star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and has received many awards. Much of his work can be seen during Modernism Week, and some years there are events in his honor. Kaptur’s work continues to influence Palm Springs and other midcentury modern enthusiasts.

To see examples of Kaptur’s work, click HERE.

Watch Quiet Elegance: The Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur HERE.

Enjoy Your Own Midcentury Modern Work

Interested in the simplicity and functionality of mid-century modern? Find the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, by visiting our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and many others.

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Architect Highlight: Vincent Raney https://formfunctionart.com/vincent-raney/ Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:32:10 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4433 The most well-known architects usually make their mark on the world based on one design they perfect. Frank Lloyd Wright was the father of the “prairie style”. Eero Saarinen is widely recognized for his swooping curves. And Vincent Raney is best known for his domed theaters. While domed theaters aren’t the only design Raney created,…

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The most well-known architects usually make their mark on the world based on one design they perfect. Frank Lloyd Wright was the father of the “prairie style”. Eero Saarinen is widely recognized for his swooping curves. And Vincent Raney is best known for his domed theaters.

While domed theaters aren’t the only design Raney created, this particular design is what comes to mind when people hear the name “Vincent Raney”, and for good reason. These theaters were prevalent across the western United States and became an icon of mid-century modern architectural design. However, Vincent Raney did much more than design entertainment venues: he helped soldiers reclaim their civilian lives.

Beginning His Architectural Journey

As a student, Vincent Raney studied at the University of Indiana, the University of Illinois, and the University of Arizona. For a while, Raney worked in Indiana at H.G. Atherton and later went on to work at Frederick H. Reimers, Masten, & Hurd, and William I. Garren in California.

In 1937, he began his own firm. Many of his projects included service stations for the Associated Oil Company of San Francisco, but his specialty was creating multiplex theaters for Snyfy Enterprises. A few of Raney’s theaters are still in use, one of which is the BAL Theatre in San Leandro, California.

Creating a Modern Marvel

Inspired by the Cinerama Theater in Los Angeles, Raney agreed to build a theater that would define the Century Theaters brand until the 21st century. In 1964, Century 21 Theater opened in San Jose, California. Its dome shape was uniquely futuristic, but what’s more fascinating is that it was built on his own land and right beside the infamous Winchester Mystery House. Further down the road, Century 22 and 23 were built.

These theaters boasted a giant, curved widescreen- an experience that delighted both Hollywood directors and movie patrons. While his first domed theaters were built in San Jose, the design became popular in many states.

Unfortunately, many of these theaters have been torn down to make room for more modern developments. However, there are a couple still standing. One is Stargazers Theatre in Colorado Springs, Colorado that is still in operation, but as a premier live music venue. The original, Century 21, is also still standing, but sadly is in quite a state of disrepair. It is possible that this iconic part of San Jose history may be incorporated into the modern development that the city has proposed to be built around it.

More than Entertainment

While Raney may be best known for his domed theaters, he was also heavily invested in creating tract housing, which was affordable housing for GIs returning from WWII. In addition, Raney also designed a home in 1939 for the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island. To encourage home building and home buying after the Great Depression, this house was sold in a raffle with tickets costing $1. In 2004, this design sold for $845,000.

Outside of his passion for architecture, Raney was also a proficient aviator. Not only did he own his own airplane, but was also a member of the Sheriff’s Air Squadron.

Leaving a Legacy

Although he passed away in 2001, his influence lives on. Whether you visit one of his designs in person or enjoy them from your home or office, his careful attention to detail will leave you in awe.

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Vincent Raney, Raymond Loewy, and others.

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Remembering Cesar Pelli: Coloring Skylines around the World https://formfunctionart.com/remembering-cesar-pelli/ Fri, 26 Jul 2019 08:18:09 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4369 Image Source: Joevare Here at Form Function Art, we enjoy architectural, industrial, and automotive art and we know a truly great artist when we see one. With over 300 awards and 13 Honorary Degrees, along with a widely published written work, Cesar Pelli is one such artist. This world-renowned architect passed away last week at…

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Image Source: Joevare

Here at Form Function Art, we enjoy architectural, industrial, and automotive art and we know a truly great artist when we see one. With over 300 awards and 13 Honorary Degrees, along with a widely published written work, Cesar Pelli is one such artist. This world-renowned architect passed away last week at 92 after a lifetime of changing the horizon, both literally and figuratively.

“I see my buildings as pieces of cities, and in my designs, I try to make them into responsible and contributing citizens.”  – Cesar Pelli

From the Plains of Argentina to the Plains of the US

As a young man in Argentina, Cesar Pelli’s parents encouraged his love for reading, math, art, and construction. When the time came to choose a career path, Pelli discovered that architecture incorporated his passion for both art and history. Pelli studied at the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán for a few years, then received a nine-month fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During this time, his wife became pregnant with their first child. Pelli then secured a spot working with one of the most prominent architects of his era. Needless to say, the United States became his home.

Saarinen’s Apprentice

Eero Saarinen is well-known for “pushing material and aesthetic boundaries”, working in both furniture and architecture. It was at Saarinen’s firm that Pelli embraced Saarinen’s emphasis on lean, unified exteriors. This deeply impacted Mr. Pelli’s view of what he described as the “skin” of his designs, for which he would later become famous.

During this time, Pelli was challenged to create something beautiful out of the necessary structural elements of the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy National Airport (can we add a link to this?). The resulting gull-winged building with its flowing lines has been delighting and inspiring travelers since its completion in 1962.

After a decade at Saarinen’s firm, Pelli decided to capitalize on the “explosive growth and experimentation for builders in Southern California.” He then took a job at the architectural firm DMJM.

Trailblazing with Glass

At DMJM Pelli experienced creative freedom, although within the boundaries of time and budget. It was here that Pelli executed his experiments with different glass facades. Some of his most famous projects during this time were the Pacific Design Center, San Bernardino City Hall, and the Federal Aviation Administration Building. Each of these buildings are admired and recognized because of their mirrored glass that reflects the cityscapes around them.

Beginning in 1976, Pelli experienced a busy and exciting season. He became Dean of Yale’s school of architecture, won a commission to expand and renovate the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, and began his own architectural firm. While his redesign of the MoMA Building was not a universal success, it launched his firm into the commercial architecture space.

“In my opinion, a tall building has to have a crown, it has to end on something that suggests that the building is in dialogue with the sky.”

Buildings in Dialogue with the Sky

One of his firm’s most notable projects is the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These dual towers, at 1,483 feet, held the title of World’s Tallest Building from 1998-2004. While he was proud of this feat, his greatest accomplishment for this project was incorporating geometric patterns and aesthetics central to Malaysia and Islamic culture. The Petronas Towers are linked by a sky bridge about 500 feet in the air. Although practical in function, the sky bridge also serves a cultural purpose. Not only does the bridge provide an extra means of egress, it also forms what seems to be a gate. In Asian cultures, this symbolizes a portal to a higher world.

“Many architects will go to other countries and design an American building, and I believe that is a mistake. One needs to respect the country or the other place, otherwise, all of our cities end up looking the same…We wanted to make a building that is looking towards the future but with roots in the past.”

In 1995, the American Institute of Architects awarded Pelli the Gold Medal for the Petronas Towers. His dedication to preserving culture and inspiring people are central to his success.

A Legacy Lives On

Upon inheriting his father’s love of architecture, Rafael Pelli began working at his father’s firm Pelli Clarke Pelli. He now leads the company forward in designing buildings that capture cultures, emotions, and the skyline. If you would like to see more of Pelli’s work, this article highlights some of his most recognizable buildings.

Add Architectural and Industrial Pieces to Your Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern industrial and architectural pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

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McDonald’s: Modernizing a Classic https://formfunctionart.com/mcdonalds-modernizing-a-classic/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:38:50 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4359 Image Source – McDonald’s Media Library When you think of fast food, what comes to mind? More than likely, it’s McDonald’s. McDonald’s restaurants are undeniably an American classic. Travel into just about any town and you will see the familiar sign inviting you in for a burger and fries. However, McDonald’s is not only known for…

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Image Source – McDonald’s Media Library

When you think of fast food, what comes to mind? More than likely, it’s McDonald’s. McDonald’s restaurants are undeniably an American classic. Travel into just about any town and you will see the familiar sign inviting you in for a burger and fries. However, McDonald’s is not only known for its food. Believe it or not, it’s also known for its architecture.

Speedee Design

In order to highlight the quick service that made McDonald’s famous, they needed a store design that would both allow for speed of service and catch the attention of hungry customers. The McDonald’s brothers hired Stanley Meson who created the original building design in 1953. Dubbed “The Red and White”, Dick McDonald felt the roof was too flat and had the iconic Golden Arches added. The Red and White design lasted for about 16 years, but some are still operational today.

The Mansard Roof

In 1969, franchisees began transitioning their restaurants over to the Mansard Roof Design. This new adaptation of the traditional Mansard Roof, in contrast to the Red and White, gave a more sophisticated feel to the restaurants. While this style of restaurant is still in existence today, it has undergone many updates since its inception. However, the Golden Arches remain only in the signage.

Upgrading and Modernizing

In recent years, McDonald’s has attempted to rebrand itself to appeal to a younger generation. From McHives to implementing sustainability initiatives, this classic American brand is making some changes for the better.

As a matter of fact, one of these changes is at the McDonald’s global flagship store in Chicago. It is getting a surprisingly modern and clean facelift. No more brown and beige textiles. Instead, Ross Barney Architects have designed this building to include “cordless phone charging, a mini-arboretum with harvestable apple trees, and 27-foot windows to keep them and the whole interior well-lit”.

It appears as though McDonald’s is going back to its mid-century roots. In addition to simplifying operations, the brand is also simplifying its architecture. Time will tell if these changes are enough to reclaim its spot as the top quick-service restaurant. In any case, these new restaurants will look good trying.

Add Industrial and Architectural Pieces to Your Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

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Holiday Inn: From Frustration to Innovation https://formfunctionart.com/product-spotlight-holiday-inn/ Fri, 21 Jun 2019 18:10:54 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4341 Family vacations are what memories are made of- new places, new foods, and fun adventures that are sure to be remembered at every future family gathering. Growing up, our vacations were filled with travels all over the country, but ours always included an architectural tour of some kind. My father made sure of that! With…

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Family vacations are what memories are made of- new places, new foods, and fun adventures that are sure to be remembered at every future family gathering. Growing up, our vacations were filled with travels all over the country, but ours always included an architectural tour of some kind. My father made sure of that!

With each piece that I collect, I look for more than your typical mid-century modern style. I look for pieces that have the ability to speak differently to each person that views them, pieces that evoke memories. One of my favorite examples is this rendering of the Holiday Inn in Birmingham, AL.

Most everyone has stayed in a Holiday Inn, and probably while on vacation with family. While you may recognize the sign, you may not know the story behind these famous travel accommodations. There was an incredible amount of thought and ingenuity that went into creating one of the most well-known lodging companies.

A Frustrated Traveler

As Kemmons and Dorothy Wilson traveled with their 5 children in 1951, taking them from Memphis to see the monuments of Washington, DC, they encountered some incredibly frustrating lodging complications. Not only were rooms cramped and uncomfortable, but the Wilsons were charged extra for each child.

With each hotel stop on the way to DC, Kemmons became convinced that he could create something better. It was then that he decided to “reinvent the lodging industry.”

Innovating for Future Travelers

During each stay, Kemmons measured the dimensions of the rooms and took other notes on what would best serve a traveling family. While a comfortably sized room would be a must (12 x 26, with bathroom), each motel would also include a swimming pool, an ice machine, a free in-room TV, a restaurant, and a telephone. Also, there would be no additional charges for children under 12. These things would not only become standards in all of Kemmons’ motels but standards across the lodging industry.

Introducing the Holiday Inn

Named after the Bing Crosby movie, the first Holiday Inn opened in Memphis in 1952. With plans to build 3 more, Kemmons encountered a financial obstacle, causing him to rethink his business strategy. Kemmons decided to partner with Wallace Johnson, and together they decided to franchise Holiday Inns. The first franchise location opened in Clarksdale, MS in 1954. After that, the business took off and there were 2 Holiday Inns opening every week by 1962.

Innovating for the Lodging Industry

Not only did Kemmons revolutionize comfortable lodging for travel-weary families, but he also helped modernize the lodging industry as a whole. Through a partnership with IBM, Kemmons created the first centralized reservation system for the hospitality industry. Called Holidex, this allowed guests to make their own reservations. In 1995, Holiday Inn was the first hotel to let guests make their reservations online.

A Travel Mainstay for Your Collection

While the innovations are notable, the thing people remember the most about Holiday Inn is their stay. And what better way to commemorate these memories than your own, original rendering of one of the first Holiday Inns?

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

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An Interview with David Repp of Rediscovered Paper https://formfunctionart.com/interview-david-repp/ Tue, 21 May 2019 21:42:07 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4288 An Interview with David Repp, Owner of Rediscovered Paper It is always a privilege to meet and get to know other mid-century modern art enthusiasts. David Repp and I have gotten to know each other over our shared appreciation for Raymond Loewy’s art and mid-century modern architectural pieces. Even though it was our mutual admiration…

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An Interview with David Repp, Owner of Rediscovered Paper

It is always a privilege to meet and get to know other mid-century modern art enthusiasts. David Repp and I have gotten to know each other over our shared appreciation for Raymond Loewy’s art and mid-century modern architectural pieces. Even though it was our mutual admiration of architectural art that connected us, his knowledge of the art world has been a tremendous help to me. As I am learning and growing in the art business, he has become somewhat of a mentor for which I am grateful. I believe you will appreciate getting to know him as much as I have.

Eric: Where did you grow up?

David: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Eric: What did your parents do for a living?

David: My dad was an Electrical Engineer and my mom was a Housewife.

Eric: How did you get started in the art business?

David: I started out collecting for fun. When I began to accumulate more than I needed, I began finding other collectors and sold off some of the inventory. Once I started selling at design shows, I found myself in the business of selling art.

Eric: What was the first piece of art you purchased?

David: A rendering of the Advertising Center Building in San Francisco at Bush & Montgomery Streets in downtown San Francisco by Douglas Dacre Stone.

Eric: Why did you start an art business?

David: I enjoyed finding new art and realized that passing some of it on to other collectors was a way to prune the collection and acquire the means to obtain new material, which is always exciting.

Eric: Did you encounter any obstacles in the creation of your business?

David: No major obstacles – I had a day job to cover my costs so this was a hobby that eventually evolved into a business.

Eric: How did you land on “architects, antiques and emerging/mid-career contemporary design”?

David: When I landed in San Francisco many years ago, I interviewed for a job with a regional movie theater circuit. On the wall behind the guy interviewing me was a stunning rendering of their flagship theater in Northern California – a wonderful streamline/deco design in charcoal and that made me aware of design art. Once I had some excess time on my hands, I knew what I what to start looking for.

Eric: Has your taste evolved over the years of being in business?

David: My eye and tastes evolved to appreciate more decades and styles of design, as well as entirely different fields of design and not to just look for the obvious pieces. I learned that a quick sketch can be just as desirable as a highly polished piece, even though it took much longer to execute. Eventually, I started looking for artwork by industrial and automotive designers. Just about everything that gets built or manufactured begins as a design on paper and, given enough time to age, will become desirable art.

Eric: What do you wish you had known when you started out?

David: The names of certain designers and architects who were still alive at that point in time.

Eric: Who inspires you the most in the art world?

David: A safe answer to this would be Frank Lloyd Wright. I never had an original work on paper by him but had several artifacts, fragments and the like that I never tired of looking at. I no longer own them but look forward to the next one that crosses my path.

Eric: What’s your go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant?

David: Toto’s Pizza in San Bruno on the El Camino Real – ¾ baked light cheese – extra tomato sauce.

Eric: What’s one thing you can’t stop talking about?

David: Art

If you would like to find out more about David and Rediscovered Paper, you can visit his website at www.rediscoveredpaper.com.

Expand Your Own Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

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The Williamsburg Bridge: Rebuild or Restore? https://formfunctionart.com/product-spotlight-williamsburg-bridge/ Mon, 22 Apr 2019 20:03:18 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4192 Built in 1903, the Williamsburg Bridge was (at that time) the longest suspension bridge in the world. At the time of its opening, the Williamsburg Bridge was the first connection between the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Boasting a total length of 7308 ft and a span of 1600 ft, this bridge was…

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Built in 1903, the Williamsburg Bridge was (at that time) the longest suspension bridge in the world. At the time of its opening, the Williamsburg Bridge was the first connection between the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Boasting a total length of 7308 ft and a span of 1600 ft, this bridge was one of the last designed for the horse and carriage.

Adaptation and Disintegration

Chief Engineer Leffert Buck had originally designed the bridge so that traffic would adapt to it. However, it became clear within the first decade that the bridge needed to adapt to traffic.

Within the first ten years, engineers noticed that heavy traffic was causing the bridge to sag. To remedy this, they installed more steel to support the heavy subway cars and two supports were added under each of the unsuspended side spans.

Another issue that became evident as early as 1964 was the fact that Buck had not used galvanized steel to build the Williamsburg Bridge. Galvanizing metal allows it to oxidize without the formation of rust. Because of this decision, the bridge fell into disrepair, with reports of rust raining down on pedestrians.

Inspection and Rehabilitation

In 1988, it was discovered that there was massive corrosion of the steel cables, beams, and supports. This critical situation led the NYCDOT to debate whether to replace or repair the bridge. Replacing it would have cost $700 million, but the repair would only cost $250 million. Needless to say, they chose to repair the bridge, which brings us to the piece in our collection: The Williamsburg Bridge by architect Der Scutt.

Architect Der Scutt’s ink and watercolor 1988 Williamsburg Bridge Architect Der Scutt’s ink and watercolor 1988 Williamsburg Bridge Williamsburg Bridge close up title card

“A Spectacular Landmark”

Der Scutt not only wanted the Williamsburg Bridge to be “a spectacular landmark”, but also planned to enhance the structure by covering the towers in “five-foot-by-seven-foot reflective panels with fine silicon joints, giving the appearance of a warm, cinnamon-colored reflective jewel in the East River, bringing a new elegance and new life to the surrounding areas in Manhattan and Brooklyn.” Now drivers could enjoy their travels and check their hair.

Not only would the bridge be covered in mirrors, but it would also boast 3 three towers, one of which would be a restaurant and another a museum. These establishments could be accessed by glass elevators. That would have been spectacular, indeed!

Not Meant to Be

Although Scutt’s design was not chosen as a Williamsburg Bridge replacement, it is a gorgeous piece to own. The drawing provides a fantastic story of the possibilities that could happen when rehabilitating landmarks.

About the Artist

Der Scutt, a modern architect, designed several of the most notable buildings in Manhattan. Although he passed away in 2010, his legacy lives on through his work in New York City. To own a piece of what could have been, visit our GALLERY.

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Frank Lloyd Wright: America’s Architect https://formfunctionart.com/frank-lloyd-wright/ Wed, 17 Apr 2019 21:47:43 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4183 Image Source – Allison Meier Sixty years ago on April 9, 1959, Frank Lloyd Wright passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 91. Although the world lost an incredible architect, his work and principles still make this world better and more beautiful. Chances are, if you ask someone to name a famous architect,…

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Image Source – Allison Meier

Sixty years ago on April 9, 1959, Frank Lloyd Wright passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 91. Although the world lost an incredible architect, his work and principles still make this world better and more beautiful.

Chances are, if you ask someone to name a famous architect, they will immediately respond with Frank Lloyd Wright. As one of the most famous architects both nationally and globally, his work and ideas have influenced American architecture for almost a century. Known for embracing change and pushing conceptual and technological boundaries in his field, Wright desired to create truly original American architecture.

The Early Years

As a preacher’s kid, Wright traveled quite a bit growing up. His father moved from one ministry position to another for many years. When Wright was 18 his parents divorced, forcing him to help provide for his family financially. He began studying at the University of Wisconsin and took a job working for the dean of the engineering school. When his studies were complete, Wright moved to Chicago and began working for a prestigious architecture firm.

New Styles of Design

At 22, Wright was married. Excited to build his family home, Wright negotiated a contract with his employer to gain the necessary money. This home in suburban Chicago was modest, yet imaginative, as Wright began experimenting with geometric shapes in its design. Wright began taking residential commissions outside of his normal architectural work, which enabled him to leave his job with the firm and set out on his own.

Home on the Range

Resolute in his mission to create homegrown American architecture, Wright spent sixteen years setting the standards for what became known as the “Prairie Style.” These homes echoed the long, low horizontal prairie on which they were built. With low-pitched roofs, deep overhangs, no attics or basements, and long rows of casement windows, these Prairie Style homes became some of Wright’s most important work.

In Response to the Great Depression

With a deep financial crisis waging war on the American economy, Wright saw the need for more affordable housing. In response to this need, Wright began designing homes that would address both economic trends and cultural changes. This design became known as “Usonian”. With Usonian homes, Americans were able to buy and enjoy homes that were both beautiful and affordable. Wright spent the rest of his career designing Usonian homes for clients with varying budgets.

Architecture that Nourishes Everyman

What made Wright such a notable architect was his passion for creating homes that were “functional, eloquent, and humane”. In addition, Wright felt strongly that architecture was not simply about buildings. Architecture is about nourishing the lives of the people in them. His belief that every person should live a beautiful life in beautiful circumstances led him to create the affordable architecture he is most known for.

Mid-Century Modern Art for Your Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin your own art collection or add to an existing one, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern architecture pieces that will enrich your art experience.

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Architectural Drawings as Fine Art https://formfunctionart.com/architecture-as-fine-art/ Wed, 20 Mar 2019 15:10:30 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=4074 With today’s buildings drafted and designed on computers, hand-drawn designs are a rare commodity. Even before computers came into the picture, most architects didn’t sketch their own renderings. So when you find a picture created by the original architect, you have come across a treasure. Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Most collectors…

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With today’s buildings drafted and designed on computers, hand-drawn designs are a rare commodity. Even before computers came into the picture, most architects didn’t sketch their own renderings. So when you find a picture created by the original architect, you have come across a treasure.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Most collectors of architectural drawings look for pieces by architects they know of. Often they will buy art that they can show off and explain to their friends.  In addition, buyers aren’t always architects themselves.  Children that dream of becoming architects often grow to have an appreciation for architecture as I did thanks to my father.

Fine art is defined as “art (such as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects.” In the eyes of these collectors, architectural renderings by the greats are indeed beautiful. They are able to appreciate the lean and linear features of technical drawings.

Art and Science Together

Architecture is art and science enclosing a space,” David Jameson states in an interview by Art & Antiques. I believe this is an excellent description of how these two seemingly opposite ventures can come together to create something beautiful. These pictures must be both visually appealing and scientifically balanced.

Drawing as a Lost Art

In his article for the New York Times, Michael Graves mourns the loss of imagination that occurs when architectural drawings are only created by a computer. “In a handmade drawing, whether on an electronic tablet or on paper, there are intonations, traces of intentions, and speculation. This is not unlike the way a musician might intone a note or how a riff in jazz would be understood subliminally and put a smile on your face.” Those are the details that give each hand-drawn piece its personality, its intrigue.

Begin Your Collection of Fine Art

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin your own collection or add to it, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original pieces by Raymond Loewy and several other artists. Each piece has its own intonations and speculation, and both aesthetically and scientifically interesting.

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The History Behind FFA https://formfunctionart.com/the-history-behind-ffa/ Sun, 10 Feb 2019 19:32:39 +0000 https://formfunctionart.com/?p=3908 Inspiration From Familiar Sources I grew up in a family surrounded by architects. Our household looked like the studio set of Madmen amid all the Midcentury Modern furniture. As a young boy, I would spend Saturdays at work with my dad sitting at a drafting table on the 21st floor of the Southland Life building…

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Inspiration From Familiar Sources

I grew up in a family surrounded by architects. Our household looked like the studio set of Madmen amid all the Midcentury Modern furniture. As a young boy, I would spend Saturdays at work with my dad sitting at a drafting table on the 21st floor of the Southland Life building in downtown Dallas.

My love for modern design grew from my exposure to commercial designs I watched my dad develop. The long, strong, horizontal lines have always caught my eye. To me, they create a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. I think Frank Lloyd Wright used a lot of parallel lines in his work because he wanted his designs to blend in with nature and the surroundings.

“Watching my dad and his colleagues create elevations and presentation drawings was fascinating.”

Architecture In The Family

My dad, Bob G. Moore, graduated from the University of Texas in 1948 and landed a job with a small architecture firm in Abilene, Texas. The firm name was Boone & Pope and one of the partners of the company was my brother’s Godfather. Our dad and all 3 Godfathers in our family (3 boys) were architects. My exposure to engineering and design was early and often. We moved to Dallas, TX in 1963 approximately one month before the world witnessed the live assassination of JFK. Prior to my dad’s death in 1992 his last job was serving as a project manager on the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank from 1989-1992. He was one of 15 Dallas Fed employees that worked on the building until completion in 1992

dallas university

Watching my dad and his colleagues create elevations and presentation drawings was fascinating. These finished concepts were used to help the clients visualize the completed structure and help sell the concept to investors. Architectural renderings were never intended to be collected or sold for profit. As computers and CAD software became more widely used, the art of perspective drawings was replaced by technology.

The Art of Form Function Art

All of the items on this web site are available to buy and consist of original vintage design art, architectural renderings, industrial designs, and automotive illustrations. Above all, our drawings are either original or were created by delineators hired to make something close to the original. Also in the collection are some Googie style & Atomic age drawings that have amazing detail and in some instances look like a photograph.

Although I didn’t follow exactly in my dad’s footsteps I have his enthusiasm for engineering, design, and architecture in my DNA. I want to share that passion with the world through Form Function Art, LLC.

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