Design Archives - Page 2 of 26

Women in Architecture: Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky

Posted on November 29, 2023March 4, 2024 by Hunter

As part of our ongoing “Women in Architecture” series, we’re turning our attention to Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky — an architect whose visionary designs and commitment to social consciousness have left an indelible mark on the field. Her story stands out as a testament to creativity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to innovative design. Join us as we dive into the extraordinary life and career of this influential figure:

The Life of Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky was born on January 23, 1897, in Vienna, Austria. Growing up in this vibrant city, she was captivated by its blend of historical charm and modern ambition, fostering a deep appreciation for architecture from a young age. The dynamic cityscape became a canvas for her budding architectural imagination.

Frankfurt Kitchen, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, 1926. Credit to Wikipedia Commons and Minneapolis Institute of Art Archives

Her educational journey began at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, where she faced the challenge of being the first woman to attend the school. Undeterred, Lihotzky excelled in her studies, laying the foundation for a groundbreaking career. In school, she studied under the famed Australian architect, Oskar Strnad and before graduating, was awarded a handful of prizes for her work.

Notable Works and Achievements

Schütte-Lihotzky’s architectural legacy is defined by designs that transcend mere structures, becoming narratives of history, environment, and society. Much of her early work involved designing settlements and affordable housing projects across Europe. Eventually, she was approached by German architect, Ernst May, to help construct an affordable public housing project called New Frankfurt.

Perhaps her most groundbreaking contribution to New Frankfurt is the Frankfurt Kitchen, a marvel of efficiency and modern design. This kitchen was a pioneering attempt to apply scientific principles to domestic kitchen design. It aimed to optimize space and workflow, featuring built-in storage, sliding doors, and specialized work areas—a revolutionary concept that transformed the way we think about kitchen spaces.

A floorplan for Lihotzky’s Frankfurt Kitchen, University of Applied Arts Vienna

Later in her career, Lihotzky provided her expertise to projects across the world, from the creation of the kindergarten schools in Bulgaria and Germany to consultant jobs in China and Cuba. Alongside her revolutionary work, she has received various design awards and achievements, including the Architecture Award from the City of Vienna in 1980 and the Austrian Decoration for Science and Arts in 1992.

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky’s enduring legacy lies not just in her architectural creations but in the inspiration she provides for architects, especially women. Her life’s work serves as a reminder that architecture is a powerful medium for storytelling, heritage preservation, and the design of a sustainable future.

Women in Architecture: Ada Louise Huxtable

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Hunter

As part of our “Women in Architecture” series, we’re examining the life and work of luminary architectural critic, Ada Louise Huxtable, who proved that a pen could be as mighty as any structure.

Born in 1921 in New York City, Ada Louise Huxtable pursued her passion for architectural history, culminating in a master’s degree from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts. However, her broadest impact came when she broke a glass ceiling as the first full-time architecture critic for The New York Times, in 1963. This was a cultural shift, bringing architectural discourse from the drafting tables to the dining tables of everyday readers.

Will They Ever Finish Bruckner Boulevard?

Amid the changing skyline of New York City, with events like the heart-wrenching demolition of Penn Station and the emergence of modern architectural wonders, Huxtable offered crisp, hard-hitting, pointed, and elegant critiques. She ventured beyond aesthetic judgment, assessing structures for their context, their dialogue with the urban environment, and their societal implications.

One of the hallmarks of Huxtable’s career was her advocacy for architectural preservation. She awakened a sense of loss in the public, making them realize the cultural and architectural wealth embedded in historic structures. But her criticism wasn’t just limited to the annals of the past. Contemporary designs, when lacking in vision or disconnected from their surroundings, didn’t escape her discerning eye.

While her newspaper columns reached a vast audience, Huxtable extended her influence through her books. Over the span of her career she authored several titles, dissecting architectural trends, urban developments, and the intricate relationship between society and design. With books like Will They Ever Finish Bruckner Boulevard? and Frank Lloyd Wright: A Life among others, she penned a total of seven significant works, each contributing to architectural discourse.

Because of the depth and breadth of her contributions, Huxtable earned recognition across numerous fronts. In 1958, she received a Guggenheim Fellowship. In 1970, she became the first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, an accolade that underscored her trailblazing efforts in the field. Alongside this, she secured a MacArthur Fellowship, firmly cementing her position as one of the foremost voices in architectural criticism.

Huxtable continued to spearhead architectural preservation efforts well into her later years. And in spite of passing at the age of 91 in 2013, she serves as a powerful reminder of how a single voice can challenge us to see, think about, and engage with our built environment in deeper and more meaningful ways.

The Soleri Bridge and Plaza

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Hunter

Modern structures that serve as both functional and breathtaking forms of art speak to us at Optima®, including the Soleri Bridge and Plaza at the Scottsdale Waterfront, in close proximity to Optima Sonoran Village®. The bridge and its adjoining plaza, envisioned by the renowned artist, architect, and philosopher Paolo Soleri, have become emblems of Scottsdale’s artistic soul, resonating deeply with locals and tourists alike.

The bridge is an architectural spectacle that functions as a dynamic, organic solar calendar. Anchored by two towering 64-foot pylons, its south side spans 27 feet, tapering to 18 feet on the north. Its precise alignment with true north allows it to play a mesmerizing game with the sun. The 6-inch gap between the pylons lets the sun cast an ever-changing shaft of light, marking solar events as the seasons shift. On the summer solstice, the sun at its zenith leaves no shadow, while on the winter solstice, the shadow stretches its longest, almost reaching the bridge itself.

Soleri Solar Calendar and Solstice Shadow. Photo: Jennifer Gill

Adjacent to the bridge, the plaza is an expansive 22,000-square-foot expanse, adorned with monolithic panels reminiscent of the aesthetics of Cosanti and Arcosanti. Each of these earth-cast panels, crafted meticulously over eight months using desert earth, water, and cement, weighs 3,500 pounds, and bears the intricate handwork of Soleri and his personal assistant, Roger Tomalty. The panels frame the plaza and lead towards the Goldwater Bell assembly, a fusion of Soleri’s commitment to architecture and ecology.

The story behind the project is as captivating as the structures themselves. A luminary in his field, Soleri has brought to life a concept he terms “arcology.” The bridge and plaza exemplify this philosophy, sharing an appreciation for our inherent connection to the sun and nature. Despite designing bridges for six decades, the Soleri Bridge was a first-of-its-kind commission for the then 91-year-old maestro.

Initiated by Scottsdale Public Art in 1990, the journey of the bridge and plaza from conception to completion was one of evolution and collaboration. As the canal’s surroundings transformed over two decades, so did the bridge’s design. The addition of the Waterfront Residences and commercial areas in 2007 provided the bridge with a context. Following funding and city approvals in 2008, the project took flight.

Soleri Bridge and Goldwater Bell. Photo: Yisong Yue

The unveiling of the bridge on December 11, 2010, was nothing short of a spectacle. A thousand-strong crowd converged on Old Town Scottsdale to witness the dedication. The event, a week shy of the winter solstice, showcased the bridge’s solar prowess, as attendees observed the sun’s shadow move between the pylons.

The Soleri Bridge and Plaza encapsulate Scottsdale’s rich heritage, blending history with contemporary artistry. They stand as a testament to a city that cherishes the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to the future, all while emphasizing the harmony between humanity and nature.

Women in Architecture: Elizabeth Diller

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Hunter

In our ongoing “Women in Architecture” series, we’re highlighting Elizabeth Diller, a visionary who turns metaphors into brick and mortar and continues to challenge conventional architecture.

The Life of Elizabeth Diller

Elizabeth Diller was born in 1954 in Łódź, Poland, and moved with her parents, who were Holocaust survivors, to the United States when she was six. She was deeply affected by the social unrest of the late 1960s, which ultimately led her to enroll in the Cooper Union School of Architecture in 1970 which, at the time, was a creative hotbed and home to avant-garde design.

Initially, Elizabeth intended to pursue art or filmmaking, but ultimately found herself captivated by alternative methods of space-making. Even then, she was much more interested in the East Village music and art scene than in her classes. It wasn’t until Elizabeth met one of Cooper Union’s design professors, Ricardo Scofidio, that she became fully invested in design. After graduation, Diller and Scofidio became both romantic and creative partners, and emerged as prominent conceptual artists, focusing on comically dark design hacks and advancing the idea that “anything can be architecture” in their 1994 book, Flesh. This conceptual approach that challenged traditional architecture also earned them the coveted MacArthur Fellowship (known as the “Genius Grant”) in 1999.

On the Blur Building. Photo: Projectes I-II grup 12b

Notable Works

By 2000, Diller Scofidio projects were gaining considerable traction and scale, as demonstrated by their design for the Blur Building at the Swiss Expo in 2002. Utilizing a cloud of mist produced by 31,500 high-pressure nozzles over Lake Neuchâtel, this project encapsulated the team’s belief that architecture isn’t just about concrete unmovable structures, but can be an immersive, sensory experience. And as the partnership expanded to include Charles Renfro, the trio transformed the very essence of what a building could represent.

Approaching the High Line, 2009. Photo: StaceyJean

In 2006, their firm took on the ambitious project of renovating a historic elevated train line in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. The result? The High Line, an urban park that floats amidst the skyscrapers, becoming an iconic piece of the city’s architectural landscape.

During the 2010s, Diller’s stature in the world of architecture expanded greatly as the firm undertook a host of ambitious, institutional and municipal projects, culminating in designing a massive extension to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2019 as spaces for modern and contemporary installations. Beyond allowing the museum to grow its exhibition footprint, this project redefined urban space, blurring the lines between public and private, museum and city.

MoMA Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Salon NYC

Just north of Chelsea, this stunning structure boasts a movable shell, allowing it to be reconfigured based on how the interior space is programmed. More recently, the team has undertaken numerous cultural and institutional projects, including the London Centre for Music and revitalizing the historic Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, further securing a place for Diller and her partners in the architectural canon by creating a new language of contemporary design.

Elizabeth Diller’s journey redefines the essence of architecture, merging innovation with functionality. Her transformative works extend beyond physical spaces to influence the cultural fabric of society. And her legacy is not solely in the impressive silhouettes of her buildings but in the way she inspires future generations to envision and craft the world anew.

Visit the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University

Posted on September 27, 2023February 26, 2024 by Hunter

With Optima’s passion for having nature within reach, it’s no wonder that we are drawn to sumptuous gardens in and around the communities where we build. Imagine our delight in discovering the Shakespeare Garden on the Northwestern University campus, with its rich mix of history and modernity.

Planted in 1917, the Shakespeare Garden has had its home on Northwestern’s Evanston campus for over a century. Emerging from the vision of The Garden Club of Evanston members, it was crafted both as a wartime gesture of solidarity with Britain and to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s passing.

Measuring 70 by 100 feet, this garden sits just north of the Frank W. Howes Memorial Chapel, bordered by hawthorn hedges that create an intimate haven. As you enter, the garden reveals a curated collection of flora mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. From fragrant lavender and vibrant marigolds and daffodils in Winter’s Tale, to the rosemary and pansies in Hamlet.

Jens Jensen, the illustrious Danish-American landscape architect, brought this garden to life. Known for his influential works on Chicago’s West Side, including Garfield Park and Columbus Park, Jensen took inspiration from Sir Francis Bacon’s essays on gardens. On entering the Shakespeare Garden, you are greeted by two Hawthorn trees, symbolic bridges between the Prairie and the garden. These trees, along with the foundational hawthorns that germinated from French seeds, have stood the test of time, providing a consistent backdrop to this historic site.

Elizabethan-style stone bench. Photo: In Memoriam mmmmarshall

Over the decades, the Shakespeare Garden has seen numerous enhancements. In 1929, an Elizabethan-style stone bench and a captivating fountain became part of this serene landscape. The fountain, a generous donation by architect Hubert Burnham, showcases a bronze relief of Shakespeare’s visage crafted by the French-American sculptor, Leon Hermant. Further augmentations followed, including the addition of a sundial in 1990 and later, a reshaping of the garden’s layout based on the recommendations of the English garden designer, John Brookes.

Hawthorn Trees in Shakespeare Garden. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Brookes’ suggestions, which included moving the sundial to the garden’s center and adding antique brick edging, have given the garden a touch reminiscent of traditional English gardens. This shift also marked the garden’s evolution from a knot garden to a more fluid, perennial-focused design.

Northwestern’s Shakespeare Garden is not only a place for quiet reflection but also a venue for countless weddings, tours, and cherished moments. It’s entirely free and open to the public, but special tours and events may have to be scheduled.

Women In Architecture: Rivera Marín

Posted on October 16, 2023March 4, 2024 by Nancy

As part of our ongoing “Women In Architecture” series, we’re sharing background on a trailblazing architect and educator who rooted her work in humanitarianism, Ruth Rivera Martín. From her radical contributions to Mexican architecture to the inspiration she instilled in her students, Martín’s impact is unquestionable. Learn more about her life and accomplishments below:

The Life of Ruth Rivera Marín

Rivera Marín was born in Mexico City on June 18, 1927. Born into an environment of artistic flair, Ruth Rivera Marín hailed from a lineage steeped in creativity and brilliance. The daughter of iconic muralist Diego Rivera and writer Guadalupe Marín, she lived in a world where artistry was the language of expression. This rich background not only influenced her early life but also provided a foundation that would shape her approach to architecture.

Eager to carve her own niche, Rivera Marín pursued her architectural education at the College of Engineering and Architecture at the National Polytechnic Institute. With determination, she emerged as its first female student, breaking conventional norms. Under the mentorship of architectural luminaries like Mario Pani and Hannes Meyer, Rivera Marín honed her skills, adopting a unique vision that merged traditional elements with modern passions.

Museo de Arte Moderno, Chapultapec Park, Mexico City. Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, Carlos A. Cazares Salcido and Ruth Rivera Martín, 1964. Photo by Lars Plougmann, Flickr Creative Commons

Notable Works and Achievements

Rivera Marín’s illustrious career is a blend of iconic designs and transformative contributions to the field of architecture. In a world predominantly led by men, she rose as the first female professor of architecture at the National Polytechnic Institute, paving the way for future generations of women in the field. Beyond this, her pivotal role in founding the National College of Architects speaks volumes of her dedication to elevating architectural standards and practices in Mexico.

Anahuacalli Museum, Ruth Rivera Marín, Juan O’Gorman and Diego Rivera, 1964. Photo by Ted McGrath, Flickr Creative Commons

Her design elements reflected a deep understanding of urban development. She was instrumental in crafting various housing projects in Mexico City, where her creations transcended traditional designs. Her most recognized work was the Anahuacalli Museum in Coyaoacán, which she built with her father and fellow architect Juan O’Gorman. Each of her designs resonated with Mexican modernity, finding a perfect balance of aesthetic allure and functional utility.

Arguably her most profound impact lies in her role as an educator. Rivera Marín’s tenure as a professor has touched the lives of countless students, instilling in them a love for architecture and design. Especially for female students, she was more than just a professor; she was a beacon of inspiration, showing them that with passion and perseverance, they too could redefine the boundaries in the architectural landscape.

Ruth Rivera Marín’s contributions are deeply etched in Mexican architectural history. Her edifices stand as landmarks of her visionary prowess. However, beyond brick and mortar, her true legacy is in the minds she influenced and the paths she paved for future architects. She remains an enduring symbol of dedication, talent, and groundbreaking achievements, inspiring countless individuals to dream big and break barriers.

Phoenix’s Fabulous Fox West Coast Theater: Then and Now

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Nancy

At the intersection of Washington and First Street in downtown Phoenix, the Fabulous Fox West Coast Theater once stood as an emblem of the city’s cinematic and architectural heritage. For locals and visitors, it was a chapter of shared memories, community, and an ode to a bygone era.

The Fabulous Fox was part of a chain of marquee-lit venues that began to pop up in cities across the U.S. in the 1920s, just as the motion picture industry — and the novel entertainment of “going to the movies” — took America by storm. Officially opening its doors in July 1931, it was strategically located down the street from the legendary Adams Hotel. This locale once housed the first Phoenix City Hall and fire station, adding layers of history to the theater’s presence.

Designed by the acclaimed architect S. Charles Lee, this 1,800-seat marvel swiftly became the center of entertainment in the city — perhaps due, to some degree, to being the first air-conditioned hall in Phoenix, offering respite from Arizona’s heat.

Beyond its steel and terra-cotta faced concrete walls, the Fox Theater captured the shared experience of collective gasps, laughter, and moments of poignant silence. And as Phoenix came alive as a 20th century American city, the Moderne-Deco façade, the grand billboard announcing the week’s films, and the flashing marquee lights were integral to its vibrant downtown nightscape.

Ticketing booth at the Fabulous Fox West Coast Theater. Photo: Phoenix Gazette

Inside the building, guests were greeted by a floating staircase, futuristic lamp posts, crystal chandeliers, and elaborate frescos. These intricate designs, combined with the desert-themed candy counter, reflected an eclectic blend of global luxury and local charm.

Despite its significance, the theater lost its luster with a shift of commercial activity to the suburbs. By 1975, with the property under Phoenix ownership, the decision was made to demolish it, followed by an auction, where remnants of its architectural elegance, from chandeliers to ceiling panels, were sold.

Today, the ground where the Fox Theater once stood is part of the city’s evolving landscape. Once lying vacant and later serving as a parking lot for the America West Arena, is now poised as the site for RED Development’s mixed-use project, including a Fry’s Food Store.

For longtime residents and history buffs, it remains a cherished memory, and as Phoenix continues to grow and change, it’s vital to remember and celebrate the landmarks, like the Fox Theater, that laid the city’s cultural foundation.

Highlights Near Optima Verdana®: Green Bay Trail

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Hunter

For Optima Verdana® residents who have a penchant for outdoor activities and scenic views, the Green Bay Trail is a must-visit. This 9-mile asphalt and crushed stone trail runs parallel with Chicago’s Metra commuter rail line and weaves through Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Highland Park. Flanked by eateries, shops, parks, and stunning residences, the trail offers a unique blend of nature and urban vibes for bikers and hikers alike!

What’s especially captivating about the Green Bay Trail is its heritage. It stands on what was once the route of the former Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee electric railroad. Following its path, visitors are essentially retracing the steps of history from downtown Wilmette to Highland Park. Beyond being a route for history buffs, the Trail also provides families with even the youngest of riders a leisurely day out.

While daily commuters use Green Bay Trail to reach Metra stations, tourists and locals frequent it for recreational purposes to access Starting from Wilmette, you might be immediately captivated by the pristine beachfront atmosphere, juxtaposed beautifully with bustling business districts. And if approaching Highland Park on an early summer evening, you might get a glimpse of the euphoric energy emanating from Ravinia®, one of the region’s most celebrated music venues.

Green Bay Trail. Photo Credit: Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

For those looking to extend the adventure, at the Braeside Metra Station, the trail offers a gateway to the Chicago Botanical Gardens via the North Branch Trail. And for those who conclude their journey at the St. John’s Avenue trailhead, they’ll find a slew of amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, and parks, courtesy of the adjacent rail line.

Living at Optima Verdana® isn’t just about unrivaled luxury; it’s about experiencing the richness of the community and embracing the outdoors. So, dive deep into history, bask in nature, or simply hit the Green Bay Trail for an invigorating walk or relaxing ride. No matter the season, weather or time of day, new experiences await each and every time.

Exploring The Oak Park Conservatory

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Hunter

We’re always on the lookout for treasured locales to share with our residents, and today, we’ve struck botanical gold. Allow us to introduce you to the Oak Park Conservatory, a lush oasis that’s steeped in history and teeming with life.

Established in 1914, the Oak Park Conservatory has deep roots, beginning as a modest municipal greenhouse. Over the decades, it has grown both in size and reputation, securing its place as one of the premier historical conservatories in the U.S. What makes this conservatory genuinely enchanting, however, isn’t just its venerable age but the myriad plants in its diverse collection.

Step inside, and you’re immediately transported across varied climates. The Tropical Room surrounds you with the sights and sounds of a vibrant jungle, where banana trees graze the ceiling, and orchids display their intricate beauty. There’s also the Mediterranean Room, a warm escape filled with olive trees and fragrant herbs, evoking images of sunlit European coastlines. For those fascinated by resilient plant species, the Desert Room offers a captivating exploration of cacti and succulents, each telling tales of survival in some of the planet’s harshest terrains.

But the Oak Park Conservatory is more than a visual treat. It’s a hub for education and inspiration. For those with green thumbs or even just a touch of plant curiosity, the conservatory hosts workshops and programs throughout the year, ensuring every visit offers something new and enlightening.

Conservation remains at the heart of the conservatory’s mission. Alongside showcasing the beauty of the plant kingdom, it’s dedicated to the preservation of endangered plant species. By emphasizing sustainable gardening practices, the conservatory underscores the vital relationship we share with our environment.

Desert Room. Photo: Park District of Oak Park

While the interior rooms captivate the senses, the conservatory’s outdoor demonstration gardens shouldn’t be overlooked. These plots are more than just pretty spaces; they serve as living examples of sustainable gardening practices, providing invaluable insights for enthusiasts and casual gardeners alike.

The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) plays an integral role in the conservatory’s success and vibrancy. This dedicated non-profit organization tirelessly supports the conservatory, championing its value through fundraising, education, and community programs. So, whether you’re a seasoned botanist, a gardening novice, or someone seeking a serene escape, the conservatory promises a journey of discovery. Embrace its rich history, marvel at the beauty of nature, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the botanical world.

Discover The National Museum of Mexican Art

Posted on September 13, 2023March 6, 2024 by Hunter

We’re constantly on the hunt for cultural gems to introduce to residents in our communities, so it’s a pleasure to spotlight a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant art scene: The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA). Situated in the heart of the Pilsen neighborhood, this museum is a testament to the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Mexican culture.

Founded in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero, NMMA emerged from a vision to represent Mexican, Chicano, and Latino arts and culture. Today, it stands as a bridge between Mexico’s past and the evolving identity of Mexican-Americans in the contemporary U.S.

NMMA’s collection is awe-inspiring, boasting over 10,000 pieces spanning 3,000 years. From ancient artifacts to modern-day masterpieces, every corner of the museum narrates tales of creativity, resilience, and passion. Whether you’re captivated by traditional folk art, contemporary sculpture, intricate textiles, or evocative photography, there’s a narrative waiting for you.

One of the standout exhibitions that has become an annual tradition, is the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) showcase. This inspired installation dives deep into the fascinating rituals associated with this revered celebration, presenting art that is reflective and celebratory.

Beaded work, New Awakening, 2003 (detail). Photo: Damian Entwisle, Flickr Creative Commons

The museum is not just about viewing art; it’s an immersive learning experience. With a host of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours, visitors are invited to explore the contexts, histories, and techniques behind the artworks.

Beyond the art itself, the museum’s location in Pilsen, a neighborhood full of Mexican heritage, enriches the experience. The vibrant murals, local eateries, and community events complement a visit to the museum.

As we admire the modern wonders of Chicago, we also treasure the institutions that ground us in cultural richness. Embark on a journey to the National Museum of Mexican Art, and emerge with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Mexican art and culture. Best of all, admission is always free. Visit Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

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Tag: Design