Archive for June, 2010
Mid-Century Modern Documentation and Preservation Discussion
Memorial Coliseum Mid Century Architecture Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
This Saturday June, 19th 2010 at the Architectural Heritage Center, there will be a program discussion on identifying significant mid century architecture and ways to protect these structures.
From the Architectural Heritage Centers website:
Buildings and residential enclaves from the mid-twentieth century are reaching and surpassing the 50 year mark, making them widely eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Yet preservationists still face a number of challenges, even when advocating for buildings that can now be recognized as officially “historic.” Development pressures, the economy, and aging infrastructure—along with widespread misconceptions about the role of modern architecture in the U.S.—put these resources at risk in the Northwest and throughout the country. The recent discussion surrounding Memorial Coliseum brought this to our own backyard. We look at this debate as a new opportunity for our community to discuss Portland’s architectural “recent past” and work to identify the significant buildings and landscapes that make that era—and our region—unique and memorable.
But many Mid-Century Modern buildings are not highly visible icons like the Coliseum; there are office buildings and churches, commercial structures and houses that remain undocumented and unprotected. Local and regional architects, builders, and property owners themselves chose to adapt national trends to shape a Portland and Oregon mid-century “identity” that was and remains distinctly different from preceding styles and trends. There is a critical need to identify, appreciate, document, and preserve many of these buildings before they disappear, or are discarded as “unimportant.” Improving public awareness, addressing policies for preservation, promoting sustainable re-use and restoration and supporting grassroots advocacy will be necessary, if we are to save our own architectural past.
This mega-program will be led by Christine Madrid French, Director of Modernism + Recent Past Program with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Anthea Hartig, Director of the National Trust’s Western Regional Office, in San Francisco. They will be joined by a cadre of local advocates who continue to call attention to and advocate for the Mid-Century Modern buildings in our community.
The event is from 10am-4pm, costs $20, and lunch is provided. If you would like to attend, you must RSVP here.
George Perrou – Retro Modern Artist
George Perrou - retro modern art
I have had the opportunity to attend two of Portland artist George Perrou’s openings at the fabulous Elroy Art Space. The first show was his “Dreams of Eames” opening and just last weeks “Shipwrecks of Sparta” opening. Perrou’s work is inspired by mid century animation, colors, decor, art and life. Perrou’s method is unique in that he uses tape (as one time stencils) and a knife to create the sharp , overlapping lines on his canvases. The contrast of vibrant background colors with the sharp geometric images draws you in and gives one the overwhelming sense of nostalgia for the days when you spent endless hours in a different world with The Jetsons.
George Perrou - retro modern art
You can view more of Perrou’s work (and buy it) through the Elroy Art website.
Also, here is the OPB Oregon Art Beat feature on George Perrou.
George Perrou - retro modern art
Mid Century related posts/pages:
Conversations with a Modern Architect Series at Rejuvenation – Saul Zaik
Saul Zaik
Part 3 of Rejuvenation’s Conversations with a Modern Architect series is tomorrow night at the Portland showroom. This time it is legendary architect Saul Zaik in the hot seat being interviewed by Becca Cavell of THA architects. The event starts at 6pm and there is a recommended donation of $20 to the Street of Eames benefit that funds after school programs for homeless youth. RSVP here
About Saul Zaik (from the Rejuvenation site):
Saul Zaik began practicing in 1956 with partner Donald Blair and later established Zaik/Miller with Jim Miller. In the early days the firm mostly focused on residential work, but it later expanded its portfolio to include public buildings such as financial and educational institutions. In the 1950s and 1960 Zaik/Miller Architecture firm was well-known for its strongly regional residential designs. Notable restoration projects include: Timberline Lodge, Crater Lake Lodge and Vista House at Crown Point. Saul Zaik is still practicing today.
