What is Modernism?
Modernism is a rich and expansive subject, not easily summed up in a single sentence. But here’s a concise definition to get you started: Modernism is a movement in art, architecture, literature, design, music, dance, and other creative fields that flourished from the late 1800s through the mid 1900s. It was a forward-thinking movement that broke away from tradition to pursue new, innovative approaches to expression.
Across the many disciplines of Modernism, iconic figures reflect its diversity, such as Monet in painting, Frank Lloyd Wright in architecture, Steinbeck in literature, Charles and Ray Eames in design, Stravinsky in music, and Balanchine in dance.
What is Modernist Architecture?
The full answer could fill a thousand books, but most definitions come down to a few essential ideas:
- Making a clean break from the past
- Allowing form to emerge out of function
- Using honest materials in honest ways
- Rejecting ornamentation
- Embracing technological innovation
Take a tour of Palm Springs modernist architecture with Modernism Week
Our Palm Springs modern home tours team has designed this tour as a fun, inspirational way to illustrate these ideas so tour guests can use them to discover modernist architecture back home or anywhere in the world.
The Reason Behind Palm Springs’ Abundance of Modern Architecture
Sitting nearly astride the San Andreas Fault, Palm Springs owes everything to the geologic forces that caused hot springs to bubble up from the desert floor. The springs drew native Cahuilla Indians and, later, intrepid pioneers. Then came railroads and new settlers seeking open space and healthy dry desert air.
In the 1920’s and 30’s, Palm Springs emerged as a resort destination, drawing Hollywood elites and affluent vacationers from the east. It became a playground for the rich and carefree–a reputation that enhanced its popularity and fueled its explosive growth through the 1940’s, 50’s and 60s.
Drawn by the growing need for homes and buildings, as well as the extraordinary desert landscape and the city's unrestrained spirit of reinvention, architects also came to Palm Springs, where they embarked on an extraordinary experiment. The results of this experiment were thousands of bold, innovative structures that expressed the spirit of their unique time and place.
Desert Modernism took its cues from the ideas of early modernists, such as
- Le Corbusier
- Walter Gropius
- Mies van der Rohe
- Marcel Breuer
- Frank Lloyd Wright
The Style and Design of Modernism
The Modernist style grew out of a confluence of forces that began with the pure vision of talented architects and incorporated the tastes and expectations of Hollywood celebrities, affluent snowbirds, busy home builders, booming businesses, and an aspiring post-war middle class.
The buildings that followed were new and original. They reflected and enhanced the stark beauty of their desert environments. They featured honest materials such as glass, wood, steel, stone and concrete that were both beautiful and essential. They assumed an integral role in the aesthetic space between sand, mountain and sky, and they expressed an understated sense of style that replaced ostentation with the inherent drama of quality design.
The Revival of Desert Modernism
By the late 1970’s, Palm Springs' fortunes began to diminish as 'modern' styles fell out of fashion and newer Coachella Valley resorts drew away the crowds. Architectural treasures languished while new homes and developments sprang up in derivative historical styles. And many of the homes and buildings that had come to be associated with Palm Springs' heyday fell into sad disrepair.
Fortunately, neglect turned out to be a blessing when a new wave of avid modernism fans returned to Palm Springs in the 1980’s and 90’s in search of classic architectural homes. Their enthusiasm fueled a resurgence in mid-century modern architecture, a timely rescue of countless threatened structures and a dramatic turnaround for Palm Springs' economy.
Now famous for its unique concentration of fine modernist homes and buildings, Palm Springs is a world-renowned resort destination where visitors flock from all over the world in search of a stylish, quintessentially modern place to relax, unwind, and explore California's cultural treasures and its glorious desert landscape.
Tour Palm Springs With Modernism Week
In addition to annual signature events, Modernism Week offers seasonal tours of Palm Springs architecture. Expert guides from Modernism Week share the rich history of iconic landmarks and the stories of artists and architects that brought modernism to life in Palm Springs. Architecture Tours by Modernism Week provide a behind the scenes look at Palm Springs history in a way that is as entertaining as it is educational.
Scheduled 22-seat mini-coach tours are offered October through May
