I take any chance I can to celebrate two of my very favorite architects of all time, Charles + Ray Eames. This being the 60th anniversary of their Case Study House.
As Peter Fish of Sunset magazine wrote, “It’s the biggest 1500 square feet in the history of architecture, if you count the ways it has shaped our lives.” That is correct for me. When thinking of what kind of architecture I want to be practicing, I imagine what Charles and Ray would be doing if they were still alive, and that becomes one of my major guides. They were one of the original pioneers working to make good design accessible, implementing mass-production and automation. The importance of rethinking what and how we design and build to make thoughtful, lasting design affordable couldn’t be more timely given all that is happening in the world. Going back to Eames for inspiration is just what I need.
So I am thrilled to know that the first annual Charles + Ray Eames Foundation Fundraiser is happening this weekend to honor the 60th anniversary of the Eames House. There will be films, exhibits, furniture, and kite flying! It will be held Sunday, June 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the daughter Lucia Eames’ home in Petaluma, Calif. If you are interested in attending, go to the eames website.
There will also be an auction for Eames house enthusiasts, including a picnic at the Eames house, spending the night at the Eames house, and also having a wedding or party at the Eames house. Now, if I weren’t already married, I would certainly want to get married so I could have the wedding at the Eames house. (Certainly a step up from the “wedding” my husband Kevin and I had at the LAX courthouse for our very last minute unplanned wedding on the way to a scuba diving trip to Belize.)
Other bid items include furniture, toys, cards and design packs. Lots of great stuff. And you can enter the auction online even if you cannot make the event. More info: www.eamesfoundation.org/auction.php.
Michelle Kaufmann has been called "the green guru" and is a notable leader in the green design community. Kaufmann's work is widely published, and her homes have been showcased in a number of museums including the National Building Museum, the Vancouver Art Center, and MOCA in Los Angeles. Prior to founding Michelle Kaufmann Designs, Kaufmann was an Associate with Frank O. Gehry.
