Modernism Week Discovery: Walter S White

Walter S White – Modernism Week Discoveries

73271 Buckboard Trail, Palm Desert Photo George Gutenberg
Photo George Gutenberg

As we suit up for MW 2017 to learn more about this genre, it might be good to recall that we’ve learned a lot in the past.

One such discovery at MW 2016 was the little-known Mid-Century Modern architect Walter S White who did memorable structures from Palm Springs to Indio, as well as work in Colorado and Los Angeles. He was first introduced to us in a blog by Professor Volker M. Welter, in 2015, who later did a lecture on the architect at MW 2016.

Professor Welter also authored “Projects and Inventions in Architecture”, published by the Art, Design and Architecture, UCSB.  This book provides a thorough review of his work and working life with details, background, drawings, locations and photographs. It can be ordered here. Thus the architect has been moved from being little known to well recognized.

Clicking here will show a map developed by Prof.  Welter showing his known and suspected projects. Continue reading “Modernism Week Discovery: Walter S White”

Modernism Week Fall Preview

Modernism Week Fall Preview 2016

Modernism Week Fall Preview October 21-23, 2016

 

The Modernism Week Fall Preview is an abbreviated version of the ten-day 2017 Modernism Week February 16 -26, 2017, founded in 2009, that brings visitors from all over the world.

Many of the ten-day event historical tours, social gatherings, lectures and other functions are available at the Fall Preview. It’s reported that the Coachella Valley had 60,000 international visitors for Modernism Week last year. This preview weekend provides a wonderful opportunity to attend and enjoy the events without the congestion of the main event early next year. Continue reading “Modernism Week Fall Preview”

More Palm Springs Modernism Events in March

While Modernism Week just ended, don’t despair.  More Modernism-focused events continue this month with the Beg Borrow and Steal exhibit at both Palm Springs Art Museum locations through June 2;  the Black & White photography exhibit at the Villa Fontana, March 23; the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation’s Leisure Life Weekend, March 22-24; and the Meet the Museum membership drive event March 29, through which members are invited to dozens of art exhibits and special events throughout the year.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Beg, Borrow And Steal

Beg Borrow and Steal is the first exhibition to be installed simultaneously in the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert in The Galen building.   The exhibits are ongoing through June 2. Continue reading “More Palm Springs Modernism Events in March”

Palm Springs Modernism Week Has Something For Everyone

Palm Springs Modernism Week, Feb. 15 – 24, offers a plethora of events, lectures, tours, films and adventures for the novice to the connoisseur.

Modernism Week is a celebration of Mid-Century design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs.  You can begin to absorb the vibe merely by walking around the neighborhoods and along North Palm Canyon’s Uptown District. Continue reading “Palm Springs Modernism Week Has Something For Everyone”

PS ModCom Launches New Tour App, New Modernism Week Events

Palm Springs Modernism is alive and well this fall as a new architectural tourism App is launched in September, Palm Springs Modernism Week kicks off with its new MODSHOP store space at the Raymond-Lawrence Gallery, and aficionados can get early taste of Modernism Week in October during DOCOMOMO, a national tour day.

Whatever’s APPropriate

In a timely collaboration with Palm Springs Life Magazine, the Palm Springs Modern Committee (PSModCom) launched a multi-platform electronic application, Palm Springs Modern: Mid-Century Architecture Tours, now available from the App Store for iPhone and iPad and from Android Market.

The $5.99 tour app is in HD-720p format and features three tours of over 80 architecturally significant modern homes and commercial buildings throughout the greater Palm Springs area.  The APP also presents in-depth profiles of 12 leading Modern architects whose contributions have shaped the architectural landscape of Palm Springs. Continue reading “PS ModCom Launches New Tour App, New Modernism Week Events”

Movies Make Palm Springs The Place to Be & Places to Stay

The Palm Springs International ShortFest, June 19-25, once again draws film buffs, stars, directors, and filmmakers to Palm Springs during what is known as the “shoulder season.”

This means lower hotel rates and great restaurant deals are in effect, so it’s the perfect time to explore Palm Springs without the huge crowds and high costs.

It’s also a great time to submerge in the Modernism experience by staying at one of the Mid-Century Modern boutique hotels, taking a city tour of the many Desert Modern public buildings and neighborhoods, exploring on foot the treasures of the Uptown Design District, and dining in hip retro restaurants with an ultra-modern vibe. Continue reading “Movies Make Palm Springs The Place to Be & Places to Stay”

Get a Taste of Modernism During Restaurant Week, June 1-10

Come to the desert during Restaurant Week, June 1-10, and get a taste of Modernism.

Many of Palm Springs hippest restaurants offer both cuisine and vibe that brings back America’s post-war era of optimism and creativity, reinterpreted to today’s trends.

Submerge yourself in the whole retro experience by taking a tour of Mid-Century homes and public buildings, scouring for the perfect chair along Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, and then dining at some of Palm Springs ultra-chic, revamped spots.

Here are a few cool retro places in Palm Springs: Continue reading “Get a Taste of Modernism During Restaurant Week, June 1-10”

What’s After Modernism Week in Palm Springs? Plenty!

While Modernism Week just ended, there are plenty of great events that highlight the desert’s modern lifestyle.

For fashionistas and foodies, it’s Fashion Week El Paseo 2012, March 16-24 and the companion Food+Wine Festival Palm Desert, March 23-26, all in the big white tent on Larkspur between El Paseo and Shadow Mountain in the heart of Palm Desert.

Fashion Week showcases the newest collections of top designers and fresh ideas by emerging designers from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.  The event is produced by Palm Springs Life Magazine and has grown to be one of the most popular fashion events.

Guests enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the “ultra lounge” before each night’s runway show. Pre-parties, after-parties, trunk shows, in-store and charity events add up to a whirlwind week of breathtaking fashions and innovative programs. Continue reading “What’s After Modernism Week in Palm Springs? Plenty!”

Palm Springs Modernism Week Events at Forefront in February

Palm Springs Modernism Week is one of the country’s most popular annual events for architects, modernism art and design fans, and mid century modern culture buffs.
The seventh annual Modernism Week, February 16-26, 2012 brings thousands to Palm Springs for 11 days of double-decker bus tours, lectures, films, exhibits, a vintage fashion show, and parties that celebrate the architecture and culture of the 1950-60s era. Modernism Week offers more than 75 events including some firsts for the Coachella Valley. Continue reading “Palm Springs Modernism Week Events at Forefront in February”

Famed Architect Barry Berkus (1925-2012) – At Modernism Week 2011

Mid-Century Modern in Palm Springs

During Modernism Week 2011, Park Imperial South on South Araby Drive in Palm Springs celebrated its 50th birthday and invited the public to tour its 31-unit condominium community.  Created in 1960 by one of the nation’s most noted residential architects, Barry Berkus, AIA, Park Imperial South’s remarkable Mid Century Modern design still thrives and remains virtually untouched.

www.parkimperialsouthps.com         www.modernismweek.com

Berkus guided the tour and presented his take on modernism’s mark on architecture in Palm Springs and across America.  A video archive of the design tour and Berkus’ discussion is posted here. Continue reading “Famed Architect Barry Berkus (1925-2012) – At Modernism Week 2011”