Mid-Century Modern Across Homes, Products, and Places

All flashcards

Mid-century modern (MCM)

A design style popular in the mid-twentieth century, known for simple lines and little decorative embellishment.

Honest use of materials

Letting materials’ qualities and structure remain visible rather than disguising them with unnecessary decoration.

Democratic design

Designing practical, well-made objects intended to serve everyday life.

Farnsworth House and climate control

Mies van der Rohe’s glass house is notably difficult to heat or cool.

Linen postcards as social records

They documented changing places and offered clues about popular attitudes toward modern life.

Quiz questions

1. How did post-and-beam construction help some mid-century modern homes use extensive glass walls?Answer: It reduced the need for bulky load-bearing walls.
2. What role did developer Joseph Eichler play in mid-century modern architecture?Answer: He brought modernist homes to residential subdivisions in several regions.
3. What practical challenge can result from extensive glazing in a house?Answer: Maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures can become difficult.
4. What did George Fred and William Keck pioneer in the Chicago area?Answer: Passive solar features that helped address challenges from large windows.