Tim Street-Porter’s photo diary of modernist marvels in Palm Springs

With Modernism Week in full flow, what better time to release a new tome that celebrates the desert haven of Palm Springs and its architectural allure. Design and architectural photographer Tim Street-Porter has previously contributed to many architectural volumes including L.A. Modern, Casa Mexicana, The Los Angeles House, Tropical Houses, and now he is honouring the mid-century marvels of Palm Springs.
Street-Porter takes us on a tour of the hotbed of designs in the Coachella Valley in Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise, offering up a gleaming catalogue of architectural jewels, from the landmark Tramway Gas Station (also know as the Palm Springs Visitors Centre) by Albert Frey and Robson C Chambers, to William F Cody’s minimalist glass house.
Photography inside Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise
But Street-Porter doesn’t just chart the structure of these mid-century marvels, he peeks inside some of the masterpieces displaying details such as John Lautner’s Elrod House where he captures the concrete and stone canopy and its intriguing shapes. Plus the weekend home of Hollywood-based designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who renamed his 1960s James McNaughton-designed house Villa Grigio, after his favourite poolside drink. Its at these points when furniture gets its moment in the sun too showing how Palm Springs isn’t just about outdoor Slim Aarons-style scenarios, but also awash with art and contemporary design collectors too.
His appreciation extends to the the desert surrounds of the resort, ensuring succulents, sandy scapes, and azure pools and sky are part of the canvas. Elsewhere sunlight and shadows play a key role in giving the images further character and added depth alongside the 20th-century buildings, showcasing the complete modernist paradise in all its glory.
Cody Glass house designed by William F Cody
Street-Porter captures the impressive details of the modernist marvels
Edris House by E Stewart Williams
John Lautner’s Elrod House and its impressive concrete canopy
The tome also explores the interior of 20th-century houses
The Florsheim House by Donald Wexler, and updated and modernised by interior designer Luis Ortega
Villa Grigio by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
INFORMATION
Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise, $75, published by Rizzoli New York
-
Last chance to see: Sharjah Biennial 15, ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’
Built on the vision of late curator Okwui Enwezor, the Sharjah Biennial 15: ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’ offers a critical reframing of postcolonial narratives through major new commissions
By Amah-Rose Abrams • Published
-
For London Gallery Weekend 2023, the mood is hardcore
With London Gallery Weekend 2023 almost upon us (2 – 4 June), here’s our list of must-see art exhibitions
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Birkenstock celebrates its most memorable styles with colourful capsule (and matching socks)
Birkenstock marks the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Gizeh, Arizona and Madrid sandals, respectively, with limited-edition versions
By Jack Moss • Published
-
‘Sun Breakers’ book sees Jürgen Beck’s photography celebrate Eileen Gray’s E-1027 house
‘Sun Breakers’, a new book celebrating the work of Eileen Gray, looks at the architect’s E-1027 house through the captivating, intimate photography of Jürgen Beck
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
V&A's Tropical Modernism: a vivid look at architecture culture in newly independent Ghana
Subtitled ‘Architecture and Power in West Africa’, V&A's 'Tropical Modernism' is a richly historical show at the 2023 Venice Biennale, perfectly aligned with the overarching theme of inclusion and exploration of modernism’s overlooked cultural impact
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Help save the Church of The Three Crosses by Alvar Aalto in Imatra, Finland
The Church of The Three Crosses in Imatra, one of master modernist Alvar Aalto's works, is in danger; Tiina Laakkonen has set up a fundraiser to help save it
By Pei-Ru Keh • Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globe
Modernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; check back soon for new additions to our list
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Villaggio Eni: a modernist gem in the Italian Dolomites
Designed by Eduardo Gellner in the 1950s, the Villaggio Eni holiday resort, in the Italian Dolomites, is being repurposed as a modernist refuge for artists and creatives
By Emma O'Kelly • Published
-
Hotel Marcel: the sustainable rebirth of a Marcel Breuer original
Hotel Marcel, a Marcel Breuer-designed, modernist architecture original, launches as sustainable hospitality in New Haven, Connecticut
By Daniel Scheffler • Published
-
Sony World Photography Awards 2023: from concrete ruins to sustainability action
The Sony World Photography Awards 2023 winners are announced and among them, the architectural photography category
By Ellie Stathaki • Published