Event Spotlight: Alexander Gorlin Talks Shop on New England Modernism

Lauded architect and critic Alexander Gorlin explores Modernism in America, with a survey of the movement’s most iconic houses and structures, revealing in their proper historical context as examples of the best of early- and mid-twentieth-century American modernist architecture.

The Modern movement found some of its earliest, most idealistic, and, later, most refined realizations in New England houses designed by such masters as Frank Lloyd Wright, Philip Johnson, Mies van der Rohe, Richard Meier, Paul Rudolph, Marcel Breuer, and Walter Gropius, all of whose work is featured in the book, and highlighted in the presentation.

His new book, Tomorrow’s Houses: New England Modernism, will set the stage for the talk and lend itself to Gorlin's vast experience in the world of American modernism.

Photographer Geoffrey Gross has captured in stunning full-color images these precisely composed structures and their exquisitelyappointed interiors, all against the breathtaking variety of the landscapes of New England.

The event takes place September 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Astra Café on the 14th floor of the DDB.  A reception will follow at Dakota Jackson (Suite 501). For reservations, please call 212-759-2969, or email RSVP@ddbuilding.com.

Design Books: View 'Tomorrow's Houses' with Alexander Gorlin

New York-based Architect Alexander Gorlin and his newest book will soon be at the DDB and we can't wait to see Alexander and browse Tomorrow's Houses.

Tomorrow's Houses is a photo-rich presentation of modernist houses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, built during the early twentieth century through the 1960s. Alexander places these beautiful houses in their proper historical context as examples of the best of early and mid-20th-century American modernist architecture.

"I really enjoy all of the research that goes into putting together a book," said Alexander this past DDB Spring Market, about his newest book. "There's nothing better than holding the published book in my hands once everything is finally finished."

Tomorrow's Houses is now available through Potterton Books online and in the DDB and PDC showrooms.

On September 27 at 9:30 a.m., Alexander will be at Astra Café on the 14th floor of the DDB to present Tomorrow's Houses. For reservations, please call 212-759-2969, or email RSVP@ddbuilding.com and stay tuned to GoDesignGo tomorrow for more on Alexander's upcoming event.

Event Recap: Scott Frances' MonoVisioN Rocks the DDB (Part 1 of 2)

The DDB's Annex Building was the place to be last week where the celebration of Scott Frances' striking photographs filled all three floors. A stylish crowd made up of designers, editors and artists, the opening of MonoVisioN was an evening to remember.

We made our rounds and chatted with the guests to ask what they loved about Scott's work and what sets him apart.

"I've known Scott for years and I'm excited to be here to support his work," said architect Campion Platt. "What has always made Scott's work exceed the norm has been his understanding of design and of architecture. He has always been ahead of the curve in the technology he uses and has a clear and extensive understanding of a room and how it should be seen in a photograph."

Before we could asked Campion anything further, he dashed off to congratulate Scott in person. Before doing so, he introduced us to architect Alexander Gorlin, another long-time friend and colleague of Scott's.

"It's really obvious why Scott's work is so respected," Alexander said. "When you look at the composition and the perspective of his photography, you're able to appreciate the architecture and design in the picture as well as the skill and art of his work."

Interior designer Alexa Hampton caught up with us to talk about the long history her father, legendary interior designer Mark Hampton, and her company has had with Scott.

"I could go on and on and on and on about how much I love Scott's work," said Alexa. "There's a very good reason that my father and now I always use his photography. My dad respected the way Scott worked and appreciated his attention to detail in every single photograph. Scott and I have known each other for so long, I could talk about him until I'm blue in the face! I'll refrain though because blue isn't my best color!"

You can view MonoVisioN in the DDB’s Suite 110 now through July 29. Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on Scott Frances' gallery opening for MonoVisioN.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Alexander Gorlin’s Newest Book

New York-based Architect Alexander Gorlin joined the DDB's Spring Market festivities at an event with Moura Starr and Potterton Books for the release of his latest book Tomorrow's Houses.

Tomorrow's Houses is a photo-rich presentation of modernist houses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, built during the early twentieth century through the 1960s. Alexander places these beautiful houses in their proper historical context as examples of the best of early and mid-20th-century American modernist architecture.

We asked Alexander about his writing process for Tomorrow's Houses.

"I write for the parties!" Alexander said. "Honestly, though, I really enjoy the research that goes into putting together a book. There's also nothing better than holding the published book in my hands once everything is finally finished."

Alexander told us he thought Eliot Noyes' house in New Canaan, CT, was one of the projects in the book that best defined the theme of the book. “His house is modern and earthy, so it really combined the best of shelter as well as nature," he said.

Tomorrow's Houses is now available through Potterton Books online and in the DDB and PDC showrooms.