Each year, Modernism Week features some of the top new architecture and design books. This year is no exception. Here’s a round-up of some of our favorites.
If your guilty pleasure is collecting beautiful coffee table books, then Modernism Week has your fix. From interior design to architectural tourism, there is a bit of everything for everyone.
Architectural Wanderlust
Former West Coaster Sam Lubell’s new book Mid-Century Modern Architecture Travel Guide: West Coast USA is a must go to handbook that focuses on a curated list of architecture’s 250 must see destinations. Stunning photography by Darren Bradley captures the beauty of signature West Coast masterpieces. Both author and photographer will be at CAMP on February 19 for a conversation with Alan Hess, the Director of Architecture and Design at Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, followed by a signing.
Color and Chrome
Donald Osborne is a noted Italian car expert, columnist and television host. And now, he can add author to the list, as he will be sharing highlights from his recently released book, Stile Transatlantico / Transatlantic Style: A Romance of Fins and Chrome, on February 20. Donald’s talk will bring to light the depth and range of the creative exchange in automotive design between Italy and America in the decade following the end of World War II. This event will coincide with the Vintage Car Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Midwestern Modernism
Michigan Modern looks at the Great Lake state’s contributions to midcentury modern design through essays and interviews by an impressive list of contributors such as Donald Albrecht, Gunnar Birkerts, Alan Hess, Todd Oldham, and Ruth Adler Schnee to name a few. This design tome gives and insightful look at the design that shaped America. Author Brian Conway will be at Modernism Week with a presentation and book signing on February 21 at 10-11a.m.
Ladies First
Slim Aarons, one of the most influential photographers, has made women the central subject of his career from high society, art, fashion, and Hollywood. A new book by Laura Hawk, Slim Aarons: Women, illustrates his work over the years. The book includes more than 200 color images, with detailed captions, and depicts women in their natural state from around the world without the use of lighting and staging. Author Laura Hawk and Eric Rachlis will have a conversation and screening of “Slim Aarons, The High Life” at the Palm Springs Museum Annenberg Theater on February 23, and a book signing at Grace Home Furnishings on February 24.
Modernism by Moonlight
Tom Blachford’s Midnight Modern looks at Palm Springs by the ethereal light of the full moon. Taken over the span of three years, these unforgettable images cast an otherworldly view of the iconic architecture and landscape of this desert city. The author and photographer will be at Modernism Week with a presentation and book signing on February 24 from 3-4p.m.
Humble Homes
Leave it to photographer Dan Chavkin to find beauty in all works of modernism, from underrated midcentury modern homes, to the parking lots of iconic modernist structures. His book Unseen Midcentury Desert Modern is a rich collection of largely unseen examples of desert modern architecture, while Midcentury Parking Lots celebrates the architectural qualities inherent in a commercial parking lot’s design. He’ll be signing copies of Unseen Midcentury Desert Modern at the Modernism Show & Sale on February 18, and presenting his photographic ‘zine Midcentury Parking Lots at the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture & Design Center on February 22.
Desert Modernism
Midcentury enthusiasts, take note: the must-have survey of Desert Modern design is The Desert Modernists: The Architects Who Envisioned Midcentury Modern Palm Springs, published through a partnership between Modernism Week and Palm Springs Life. The book covers 12 groundbreaking architects and their influential works, featuring spectacular photography of their most significant and historical projects. Pick up a copy from the Modernism Week Shop at CAMP or online here.
