A few weeks ago we checked out the documentary Eames: The Architect and The Painter and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I am an artist and a designer, however, did not study “design” in school, so I really don’t have much context outside of general aesthetic appreciation for well designed objects.  The documentary was a great insight into the iconic brand, which is much more than just a chair!  You get a view of the operation- from Ray’s integral and often unsung involvement in all things Eames, to Charles and Ray’s films, advertisements and strong connections with corporate giants and the US government.  If you are interested in design, American history, or have just run out of things to watch on your instant queue, definitely add this to the list! {and Bill Cunningham New York too!}

It was the Eames House, Casey Study 8, however, that really grabbed me!  Case Study 8 was one of roughly two dozen homes built as part of The Case Study House Program organized by Arts and Architecture magazine.  In a challenge to the architectural community, the magazine announced that it would be the client for a series of homes designed to express man’s life in the modern world. These homes were to be built and furnished using materials and techniques derived from the experiences of the Second World War. Each home would be for a real or hypothetical client taking into consideration their particular housing needs.

The first plan of the Eameses’ home, known as the Bridge House, was designed in 1945 by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. The design used pre-fabricated materials ordered from catalogues, a continuation of the idea of mass-production.  However by the time that building began in 1948, Charles and Ray had redesigned the house to preserve the meadow they had fallen in love with.  The new design integrated the House into the landscape, rather than imposing the House on it. – via Eames Foundation

There is obviously so much more that this house has to say!  I pulled images from the web but I just don’t get the same feeling that I did when seeing the house on the film.  Now I am super intrigued to further explore this house but also check out the others that were a part of the project!  Find out more about the project here, order the book, or take a tour of the houses still standing in CA!

Filed under: art