To The Origins of Mid Century Modern Architecture
The modern American house, with its interlaced spaces, functional zones and cubic forms, was developed in Europe by Le Corbusier and others, modified in America by the works of the Masters, and transformed into a new idiom through its regionalization. The images of the "American house" were transmitted around the world, making it the modern model for the 1950s and 1960s. An essential contribution to the genesis of the 'American modern house' idea was given by John Entenza -publisher of Art & Architecture- that in 1945 conceived the 'Case Study Houses Program' together with some of the most important post-war Californian architects. The houses had to be an example of modern and inexpensive way of building and living for post-war modern families. The first houses included in the program were built in wood -due to the shortage of industrial materials- and their dimensions were regulated by law. Six of these economical houses were built in California by 1948;...