The 25th annual preservation award ceremony was held June 3rd at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting. Congratulations to all that were recognized by the City including David and Connie Osler! Also congratulations to Pauline Walters for her many years of service with the award for Preservationist of the Year.
a2modern is pleased to partner with Susan Monroe owner of Three Chairs, Co., and Steve Frykholm and Clark Malcolm of Herman Miller, Inc., in a presentation of “Threads.”
Threads is the story of Herman Miller’s history of design, openness to new ideas and people, and respect for individuals. Steve Frykholm, graphic designer, and Clark Malcolm, writer, with a combined 72 years at the company, tell the stories of the people, products, and events behind 107-year-old Herman Miller, Inc. Woven together, the many threads of this history tell the story of how Herman Miller has become what it is today and the origins of the values and culture that will sustain it in years to come. Threads is an interactive presentation; the audience chooses the topics to be discussed. Threads includes images, video clips, and audio segments from Herman Miller’s long history of design and innovation.
Thursday, June 6th, 2013
6:30 p.m. Reception
7:15 p.m. Threads Interactive Presentation
Location: Three Chairs Co., 215 S Ashley St Ann Arbor, MI 48104
This event is free however donations to a2modern are appreciated to help defray expenses and for future programs! Note: Three Chairs Co. is an authorized Herman Miller retailer. It just so happens that this event will occur during the Herman Miller annual sale so all Herman Miller will be 15% off!
RSVP, as limited seats are available modernists@a2modern.org
Special thanks to: Morgan & York Fine Wines and Specialty Goods for their generous contribution to the event.
Ann Arbor City Club Tour
Sunday, June 2, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s tour features Robert C. Metcalf’s first commission “H. Richard and Florence Crane” (1954) home at 830 Avon Road which is now owned by Jim and Linda Elert.
Significance of home:
The original homeowner, Dr. Richard H. Crane, was one of the most distinguished experimental physicists of the 20th century. Dr. Crane’s early work on nuclear physics and the physics of accelerators culminated in the invention of the race track synchrotron, a design emulated by almost every particle accelerator since 1950. His pioneering measurements on the gyro-magnetic ratio of the free electron are a cornerstone of quantum electrodynamics. During World War II, Crane worked as a research associate on radar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and as a physicist on the proximity fuse at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. He served as the director of proximity fuse research at U-M and as director of the atomic research project for the Manhattan District.
The architect of this home, Robert C. Metcalf, is in an own right one of the leaders in architectural modernism in southeast Michigan. The Crane house was Bob’s first commission after apprenticing under George B. Brigham from 1948 to 1952. At the same time he was designing the Crane house, Bob was also building his own home with his wife Bettie. Bob would go on to design over 40 residential structures in Ann Arbor for prominent business, research scientists and academic leaders in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas.
See City Club flyer for details on obtaining tickets for the tour!
Join us this coming Wednesday April 3rd for a2modern’s Spring lecture. The lecture will be given by
John Comazzi, author of Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography
Balthazar Korab, Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook Academy of Arts (Bloomfield Hills, MI, 1938–42), ca. 1978. Mermaids & Tritons bronze sculptures (1930) by Carl Milles in the foreground.
John Comazzi
John Comazzi is an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Minnesota where he teaches design studios and research seminars at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He holds a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Architecture History & Theory from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. From 1999-2000 he was a Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Michigan before joining the architecture faculty at the University of Minnesota in 2006. Through teaching, practice and research his scholarship explores the role of architecture photography in design disciplines and design pedagogy as a model of integrated learning in PK-12 education. In addition to his teaching, he has practiced as a designer in Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota.
He is author Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography (Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), an illustrated biography on the life and career of Balthazar Korab, one of the most celebrated photographers of architecture practicing during the second half of the twentieth century. The book is the first dedicated solely to Korab’s life and career, and traces his rather circuitous path from post-war Hungary to his professional pursuits as a designer in the office of Eero Saarinen (1955-58) and his career as a professional photographer of architecture (1958-2010).
The lecture will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3rd, Stern Auditorium, University of Michigan Museum of Art.
Thanks to the many sponsors that make this event possible: AIA Huron Valley, American Seating, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Bentley Historical Library, Knoll, and University of Michigan Museum of Art.
John Comazzi’s book, Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography (Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), will be for sale before the lecture –thanks to Nicola’s bookstore.
Image courtesy of John Comazzi, 01_Korab_092[1C]_FPO: Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook Academy of Arts (Bloomfield Hills, MI, 1938–42), ca. 1978. Mermaids & Tritons bronze sculptures (1930) by Carl Milles in the foreground.
There are several classes offered this Spring as part of Washtenaw Community College’s LifeLong Learning program that may be of interest!
Researching Historic Homes (Connie Locker):
May 23 and 30th from 6-9pm
Also offered June 20th and June 27th from 6-9pm.
History of Mid-Century Modern (Grace Shackman):
May 29th through June 9th
Wednesdays in class from 6-8:30pm
Sundays are touring from 1-3pm!
Architecture/History of Campus Architecture (Grace Shackman)
May 23rd through June 1st
Thursdays in class from 6:30-8:30pm
Saturdays are touring from 1-3pm!
More information and registration can be found at: http://www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/
a2modern’s Spring lecture April 3rd by
John Comazzi, author of Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography
Balthazar Korab, Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook Academy of Arts (Bloomfield Hills, MI, 1938–42), ca. 1978. Mermaids & Tritons bronze sculptures (1930) by Carl Milles in the foreground.
John Comazzi
John Comazzi is an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Minnesota where he teaches design studios and research seminars at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He holds a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Architecture History & Theory from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. From 1999-2000 he was a Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Michigan before joining the architecture faculty at the University of Minnesota in 2006. Through teaching, practice and research his scholarship explores the role of architecture photography in design disciplines and design pedagogy as a model of integrated learning in PK-12 education. In addition to his teaching, he has practiced as a designer in Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota.
He is author Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography (Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), an illustrated biography on the life and career of Balthazar Korab, one of the most celebrated photographers of architecture practicing during the second half of the twentieth century. The book is the first dedicated solely to Korab’s life and career, and traces his rather circuitous path from post-war Hungary to his professional pursuits as a designer in the office of Eero Saarinen (1955-58) and his career as a professional photographer of architecture (1958-2010).
The lecture will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3rd, Stern Auditorium, University of Michigan Museum of Art.
Thanks to the many sponsors that make this event possible: AIA Huron Valley, American Seating, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Bentley Historical Library, Knoll, and University of Michigan Museum of Art.
John’s book, Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography (Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), will be for sale before the lecture–thanks to Nicola’s bookstore.
Image courtesy of John Comazzi, 01_Korab_092[1C]_FPO: Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook Academy of Arts (Bloomfield Hills, MI, 1938–42), ca. 1978. Mermaids & Tritons bronze sculptures (1930) by Carl Milles in the foreground.
“Ann Arbor Mid-Century Architects and Domestic Architecture”
Speakers: Nancy Deromedi
and Grace Shackman
Nancy, archivist at UM’s Bentley Historical Library and co-founder of a2modern, and Grace, author of Ann Arbor Observed, will discuss Ann Arbor’s remarkable collection of post-war architect-designed homes in the style known as modern.
LOCATION: Kempf House Museum
312 S. Division St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-994-4898 www.kempfhousemuseum.org
TIME: noon to 1:00 P.M.
Cost: Admission, $2.00 (members, $1.00)
Have you ever wondered what stories your house might be able to tell? No matter the age of your home, this workshop will help you uncover its fascinating history. A history that includes the original homeowners and their stories, land development, architectural plans to kits and builders. Come find out about the free online resources available for researchers while learning techniques and time-saving tricks to help simplify your research process. The workshop will present the resources available at the Bentley Library for research as well as an example of one researcher’s exploration of a midcentury architect and the wealth of projects now overlooked.
Great for amateurs and history buffs alike!
Speakers for this workshop:
The workshop will be held February 21, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Whiting room at the Bentley Historical Library. The Library is located at 1150 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Please contact modernists@a2modern.org for any questions regarding the event. The workshop is free.
Modern Living Series
The mission of a2modern is to raise the awareness and appreciation of modern architecture and design. This year we have been fortunate to sponsor several “interior” views with talks in support of our mission. This year we have partnered with Bob Eckstein, Surovell Realtors to provide a discussion with the original builder, Joe O’Neal at a home designed by Arthur Browning Parker; we worked with Lawrence Tech University to visit the George Affleck home in Bloomfield Hills; and in September homeowners Bob and Judy Marans were very generous in opening the “Marshall Sahlins” home designed by Bob Metcalf to the group. a2modern is now very pleased to announce an opportunity to visit the Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Florence Crane residence.
Please join us for a tour of the “Crane house” designed by Bob Metcalf in 1954 and now owned by James and Linda Elert. This “interior view” will be to celebrate the recent work the Elerts have done in collaboration with Craig Borum, Ply Architecture. Craig Borum and Bob Metcalf will be at the event to give an overview of the work past and present!
When: November 18, 2012, 2-4:00 p.m.
Location: 830 Avon Road, Ann Arbor
Space is limited for this event, please RSVP modernists@a2modern.org
Cost: $5/donation to support future a2modern programs
Image: Richard and Florence Crane residence, rendering, Robert C. Metcalf collection, Bentley Historical Library.
Join a2modern for a special tour of the current exhibit of architectural photographs by Judith Turner “The Flatness of Ambiguity.”
The tour will be guided by Pam Reister of the University of Museum of Art and will be Wednesday August 15th at 12:10 p.m. at the Museum. Meet us in the exhibit which is on the second floor for a lunch time discussion!
Judith Turner is a noted American photographer whose subject matter is mostly architecture. Turner’s training as a designer allows her to visually understand an architect’s intention and to reveal it in compositions that she constructs and edits through her camera work. Her photography can be seen as a metalanguage of architectural intention and as an artistic expression that is inseparable from the representation of the built work. Turner’s signature style consists of highly abstract black-and-white compositions that play with the ambiguity of light, shadow, and tonality to heighten the aesthetic character of her subject matter and reveal visual relationships not readily apparent. This exhibition will present approximately forty photographs spanning Turner’s three-decade career. See UMMA for more information www.umma.umich.edu