Palm Springs in California has made its name over the years, to attract a lot of people from all over the world to the Palm Springs Modernism Week taking place from February 13th till 23rd, 2014. This yearly event celebrates various cool parties, mid-century modern architecture and designs, special touring of homes and other adventures.
Retro Martini Party
In addition to the Bus Tours showing architectural significant homes which runs on a daily basis four times during modernism week, the famous Estate of Annenberg at Sunnylands is open to the public for touring and the Convention Center in Palm Springs is holding the popular Modernism Show. Another event which should not be missed is the Exposition of expanded Prefab Showcase and Modern Living which include:
Modern Mambo! Modernism Week After Dark Opening Night, February 13, 2014
The Caliente Tropics Hotel built in 1964 kicks off the Modernism Week with a Mambo party considered to be the hottest one west of Havana. Originally being the home of the Congo Room in Palm Springs, the hotel is being changed into a Mid-century modern Mambo club where you can dance Mambo to the music of DJ Alf Alpha and live music bands playing hot rhythm from the era of latin Mambo.
Modernism Week Featured Home 2014: The Christopher Kennedy Property, February 15-17 & 20-23, 2014
Modernism Week presents a new event of modern and mid-century modern architecture with world known designers. Luxe Interiors & Design in collaboration with other world known designers transform a mid-century modern residential property designed by Sand Sackley. The property is the idea of famous Palm Springs designer Christopher Kennedy who is the originator of the project. It will be open for public viewing and be used for a few exciting events.
Honoring Architect Hugh M. Kaptur, AIA
Hugh M. Kaptur, AIA a well known architect from Palm Springs will be honored with a special ceremony on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, held at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Baristo on February 14th. The ceremony takes place publicly and a reception will follow at the Palm Springs Historical Society.
Mr. Kaptur is also part of an independent film documentary “Quiet Elegance – The Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur”. This film will be shown for the first time during the Modernism Week on February 17th with a Question and Answer session following. The modern homes of Hugh M. Kaptur in Desert Park Estates & Racquet Club South will be featured on the tour as well and celebrates the relationship between architect and The Ranch Construction Company on February 21st.
Walther S. White property shown at Modernism week 2014
During the Modernism Week this very special one of a kind Mid-Century Modern Collector’s home will be shown on the tour on February 15th, 2014. Walther S. White known as a respected architect and industrial designer shows his work using light, comfort with steel, glass and concrete to create a special living space. The high rising ceiling with its clerestory windows between rooms creates space an openness and lots of light. A typical mid-century interior block wall runs through the house and continuous to the outside past the patio where it meets another wall with pierced concrete blocks so typical for mid-century modern. The pool, spa and patio invite for lounging, swimming and sunbathing. Original restored mosaic tiles in the bathrooms and the pebble floor entry add to the authenticity. The garage is supported by steel I-beams. The lot is big enough to add on a separate guest casita. US Santa Barbara is in possession of the original drawings in their archive.
Ralph Haverkate