Before visiting the exhibition, I did not really have a strong opinion about modernist architecture and design. However, after seeing the work for the Eames House also known as Case Study House #8, I developed a lot more interest in the style. Then my research into the Eames House made me like their modernist style for a number of reasons, partly because of its location in the landscape along with the sustainable use of materials and how they have implemented them in creating an innovative modern design at the time. I also find it interesting that there are two buildings, one for living and one for working, keeping their home and work life separate, yet together. Another important element for me is their use of aesthetic and functional design and how they complement each other in creating a strong impact in architecture and interior design.
Relationships between Aesthetic and Functional Design
The Eames’ clearly considered aesthetics and function when designing the Eames House, firstly because when redesigning the original Case Study House #8, they decided to move the house from its intended positon to integrate it more into the landscape instead of imposing on the landscape. Therefore, creating an improved aesthetic for both the house and the meadow in Pacific Palisades. Aesthetically the Eames’ have thought very carefully about the architecture and interior design in relation to each other. The exterior is made aesthetically pleasing by integrating all of the exterior elements together, painting beams the same grey colour and adding panels in different colours to create a Mondrian like canvas within nature.
The glass that has been added in different levels of transparency for the doors and windows makes the aesthetic flow into the interior allowing in varied levels of light and views of nature. The use of light is also functional as the house is a place for the Eames’ to live and work. The light along with colour, furniture and objects give the house a beautifully modern and light aesthetic.
The layout also considers function really well in the fact that the Eames’ have created a flexible and multifunctional layout for the space. In the living space, on the ground floor, there is a double height living room area, a kitchen, dining alcove and a utility area. The large living space is functional in having all that is needed for a home, yet is flexible to allow for change. The first floor consists of a large bedroom area with sliding doors to create two separate sleeping spaces and bathrooms when needed. Again this shows flexible design. The whole of the living space although functional, lends itself to a special aesthetic in the fact that the look could be ever changing. In this case of design, it could be seen that the function influences the aesthetic, by creating this flexibility, the Eames’ have managed to create “a space where objects can be placed and taken away” and have used “objects to create an ever changing special collage in their home”.
