We're starting a new column here at PrairieMod called "From The Library." As designers, we love books--so much so we even have our own PrairieMod Library! With all the great books that get added to it, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some in a little more detail, so that you can decide whether or not you might like to pick up a copy. We're always looking for suggestions, so if there's a book you'd like us to review, let us know!
We're kicking off this column with Crafting A Modern World: The Architecture and Design of Antonin and Noemi Raymond by Kurt G.F. Helfrich and William Witaker, editors. Published by Princeton Architectural Press.
The husband and wife team of Antonin and Noemi Raymond creatively influenced modern design from 1917 to 1973. Known for finely detailed structures in Japan, they also combined elements from their European background with influences from the places they traveled – including such varied locales as India and rural Pennsylvania. They collaborated with many of the artists and thinkers of their times (including Frank Lloyd Wright) and delved into many aspects of design including architecture, furniture, graphics and textiles.
The editors of this book (and the authors of the essays) have compiled an impressive collection of the Raymond's work, intimating that their influence has been sadly under-estimated and under-appreciated by subsequent generations of architects and designers. Set up as a series of essays on the lives, influences and works of Antonin and Noemi, the editors strive to show the pair's importance in contributing to the Modernist Movement of the mid 20th century.
The book introduces us to Antonin and Noemi as they meet and become friends, ultimately falling in love and marrying. Both have similar beliefs on aesthetics and the principal of "Pure Design." The book chronicles their life together and the work they (especially Antonin) accomplished. It also shows us the other influences in their lives and the interesting personalities they encountered. One such memory involves Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright becomes a mentor to the Raymonds through their 2 year working relationship as part of his staff. They helped oversee the final design and construction of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo (though, they were fired after Wright thought they had betrayed him--you'll have to read the book to get the whole story.) Ultimately, Wright's design philosophy was a life long influence on the Raymonds, with Wright imparting his advice for Antonin to develop his own architectural voice and not copy his.
I enjoyed reading the personally written essays and letters and felt that the chronology of their lives at the back of the book to be most helpful. The best part of the book was the many illustrations and wonderful photos of the Raymond's work. It gave me a sense of what the Raymonds were all about--it makes me really want to experience their work in the real world! We highly suggest this book for anyone interested in architecture, design and the modernist movement.
We'll leave you with two especially interesting tid-bits from the book:
• page 298, Antonin writes the 5 major points of common ground between the traditional Japanese architecture and Modern architecture which interestingly share a common bond with the PrairieMod Principles.
• The Raymonds sponsored George Nakashima and his family's release from a Japanese internment camp in Idaho and brought them to New Hope Farm, where they lived until March 1944, when they set up a home and studio nearby.
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