Experience Modernism Week through the eyes of a true modernism enthusiast!
Modernism Week is just around the corner (February 15-25, 2024), and we’re excited to welcome a new Mod Squad to take us behind the scenes of the ultimate celebration of midcentury architecture, design, culture, and more.
First up, meet Ken MacIntyre, the talented mind behind Modtraveler.net and a returning Mod Squad from Modernism Week – October!
A self-proclaimed “modernism enthusiast” with a background in public relations and fine arts, Ken MacIntyre splits his time between Vancouver, BC and Palm Springs, much like he splits his passions for photography and writing. Ken’s love for all things midcentury modern — including architecture, classic cars and vintage neon signs — dominate his popular Instagram feed (@modtraveler), and were the inspiration for his website, Modtraveler.net, a travel resource he created for like- minded atomic age enthusiasts. Ken is also the author of Reel Vancouver: An Insider’s Guide to Hollywood North and CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living, as well as a contributor to Atomic Ranch Magazine.
Read on to see what “modernism” means to Ken.
KM: “Nothing says modernism quite like Googie roadside architecture, and none more so than Roy’s Motel and Cafe on Historic Route 66 in Amboy, California. Boasting an exaggerated roof pitched over a large wall of glass, the guest reception/office “theme building” was added to the 1940s-era motor court along with a 50 foot tall boomerang neon sign, in 1959. Restored a few years ago with future rehabilitation plans, Roy’s is a Googie oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert.”
KM: “When it comes to desert modernism, it’s hard to beat Palm Springs for its low-slung rooflines, vintage automobiles and, of course, palm trees; classic elements which are all reflected in this photo. The car is a 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertible and the house is a 1957 William Krisel-designed Model A-3, sun flap, flat-roof, tract home located in the quintessentially mid-century modern neighborhood of Twin Palms Estates.”
KM: “This is the Forest Park Drive-In, an atomic age hamburger stand built single handedly by Portland, Oregon native Benjamin Pachkofsky in the early 1960s. What a place this must have been back in the day when post-war optimism made it seem like anything was possible. If you look closely you can even see an original triplehead milkshake mixer through the front window! It’s been closed for decades but fortunately being maintained privately.”
Follow Ken at @modtraveler for more design inspiration during Modernism Week 2024.
