Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling

Instead of writing about the Axiom gallery, I choose to write about an exhibit I went to see a few weeks ago at The Musuem of Modern Art in New York. I went down to see the exhibit called Fabricating the Modern Dwelling. The topic of designing sustainably and being conscious of our use of resources is very important today in our society. The exhibit was being talked about everywhere. I heard it in classes, through friends, and lectures, all over the place. It was so exciting to say that I went. Designing with the idea of quick construction, duplication, while still keeping in mind quality, and people’s uses are huge. It is something that is on the top of designers’ minds. Since having been in the era of abundance, like Pink says, most people have been into the idea of designing their own individual home; a home like no other, perfect for themselves, luxurious, and high quality. Now it is beginning to change and people are realizing our economy is screaming for downsizing homes and for the use of less costly materials. The exhibit was based around the idea that these homes could be designed on the computer, and then built in a factory off site, and then delivered. This new modern process is huge, cutting down the cost of construction, and saves a lot of time.
This exhibit has a lot to do with what we have looked at over the semester, from Pinks book to the class on a whole. The use of technology is something that is growing fast, and it is beginning to reach every aspect of our lives. Being able to design homes on the computer and have them be fabricated in a construction facility is huge. Also the idea of using simplistic design, that is effective, and not over done is something the designer in this exhibit were trying to achieve. It is also something that people in the New Age and Modern Artists are doing as well. Some of the architects that were featured are Kieran Timberlake, Jeremy Edmiston and Douglas Gauthier, Horden Cherry Lee Architects, Lawrence Sass and Oskar Leo Kaufmann.
One of my favorite houses is Kieran Timberlake’s Lobolly House; the simplistic design of the house really attracted me to this dwelling. It is built on stilts which resemble the naturalistic forest around it. The large glass window that allows light into every corner of the house not only is great for a view but also for the use of natural light. The only thing I am a little hesitant about these homes, is how much is does look very modernized. Even though the design is very aware of its surroundings, it is quite modern looking. It is very exciting to see the new way architecture is being to change, and adapt to our world. I hope after going to see this exhibit I can include what I learned into my own work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DApR17dyh50