SESSION OI: Eames House

During the course of the ARQU-4213 class, we will be studying several works focused on the architectural style of Modernism. We must always study the pre-coursers of our time in order to understand important design decisions in the future. This shows, more importantly in the works of Post-Modernism. It would not have been possible without the help of the Bauhaus Minimalism Movement, the focus on technology, bold material choices, geometry, and use of color.

For the first session we were encouraged to choose a modernist house to analyze. Among all the residences, I chose the Eames House, created by the pair Charles and Ray Eames. This residence is situated in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, located in Los Angeles.

This residence, also known as Case Study House 8, as part of the Case Study House Program, I found very interesting because of its use of honest materials, aesthetically pleasing color and shapes palette, and straight forward spatial connections. The couple lived in this house for almost 30 years before deciding to move forward to another project. In itself, it consists of two units: one being the residential area and the other a studio.

Charles and Ray Eames always stated " Just as a good host tries to anticipate the needs of his guests, so does a good architect, designer or city planner tries to anticipate the needs of those who will live in or use the thing being designed".

This practice is very important because as one designs a space specifically to meet certain needs, design becomes crucial and the use of space is planned, making the experience most delightful. They also tend to focus on the visual impact of the client, yet another thing that caught my attention about this home. In addition, it was constructed without affecting, nor damaging its surroundings. In conclusion, this house has the basis and fundamentals of a modernist home, from which we can learn a lot even in the present.

Here are some of the residences drawings, including plans, sections, axonometrics, and diagrams.

References:

• Cook, W. (2017, December 18). Charles and Ray Eames: The couple who shaped the way we live. Retrieved September 8, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20171218-charles-and-ray-eames-the-couple-who-shaped-the-way-we-live

• Eames Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2020, from https://eamesfoundation.org/house/eames-house/

• Perez, A. (2010, June 28). AD Classics: Eames House / Charles and Ray Eames. Retrieved September 7, 2020, from https://www.archdaily.com/66302/ad-classics-eames-house-charles-and-ray-eames

• Cohn, J., & Jersey, B. (Directors). (2011). Eames: The Architect and the Painter [Video file]. Australia, South Melbourne, Vic, Australia: Madman Cinema, Contemporary Arts Media (distributor).