Space Age Architecture

Chemosphere in Los Angeles designed by John Lautner, photo by Julius Shulman

The Chemosphere in Los Angeles, also designed by John Lautner, is a prime example of Space Age Architecture. Built in 1960, it was a one-of-a-kind house that was built on a steep hillside, supported by a single concrete column. The house looks like a flying saucer hovering above the ground and provides panoramic views of the city. It was a bold design that showcased Lautner's unique vision and his use of new materials and techniques.

The Space Age Architecture movement was heavily influenced by the space race and the rapid technological advancements of the 1950s and 1960s. Architects and designers began to experiment with new materials such as plastics, fiberglass, and aluminum. These materials allowed for unique shapes and designs that were not possible with traditional building materials.

The movement also embraced futuristic designs that were inspired by space travel and science fiction. Buildings and structures took on sleek, aerodynamic shapes with rounded edges, sharp angles, and bold colors. Space Age Architecture was not just limited to buildings, but also included furniture, lighting, and even fashion.

While the Space Age Architecture movement began in the United States, it quickly spread to other parts of the world. In Europe, architects such as Buckminster Fuller and Frei Otto developed new techniques for creating lightweight, tensile structures that were inspired by the shapes of bubbles and soap films. In Japan, the Metabolism movement embraced the idea of flexible, modular buildings that could adapt to changing needs and were inspired by biological processes.

Today, the influence of Space Age Architecture can still be seen in modern designs that incorporate innovative materials and technologies. The movement pushed the boundaries of what was possible in architecture and design, and continues to inspire new generations of architects and designers to push the limits of what is possible.



LAX building 1961 designed by William Pereira and Charles Luckman


The Space Needle 1962 built for the Seattle World's Fair



References:
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/14/137763046/out-of-this-world-designs-of-the-space-age

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googie_architecture

http://smallshopstudio.com/2011/11/30/meeting-julius-shulman/

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