Why does our society tend to emulate homes from the past? Memphis-based architectural firm archimania creates 21st-century buildings, both residential and commercial, that emphasize modern lifestyles.
“High-speed,” “wireless,” “virtual,” “interactive”—technology is an integral part of everyday lifestyles. Todd Walker, principal architect of archimania, poses a thought-provoking observation: “It is difficult to understand why residential architecture, in general, has not advanced at the same rate as our technology. Our society continues to try and emulate homes from the past.”
Enjoy a tour showing some of archimania’s current projects as we define “modern” architecture for today.
PinModern design is beautiful in it’s simplicity.
archimania was born out of a passion for architecture. As Todd explains, “We are an open studio of collaborative and progressive designers who tend to work with like-minded clients in order to improve the built environment.” Since the inception of archimania in 1995, modern, sustainable and contextual design has remained at the core of their architectural and interior design work. They combine international and regional influences to garner inspiration for their work. Todd points out that the staff at archimania pursues budgets with the same convictions they follow when pursuing a design. “We are always interested in establishing a dialogue with context. We expose our clients to the possibilities of creative design solutions by providing them with fresh perspectives and new ideas. We are idealists, but we are also realists,” Todd adds.
PinClean lines and simple materials allow the exterior to feel part of the interior.
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This region does not have many examples of modern architecture. “In the technologically savvy society of the 21st century, to build a home that attempts to emulate a design from an earlier time in history is not a progressive concept,” Todd states. “Contrary to popular belief, that sort of thought process in design does not pay homage to the architecture, style or era that one is attempting to repeat. Our society continues to try and emulate homes from the past.” Homes designed by archimania are based upon contextual factors—those related to the era in which they are designed and built, i.e., technology, craft, building techniques, sustainable materials, speed of construction and cost, says Todd.
PinThis modern design makes a bold statement.PinSoaring ceilings and larger-than-life windows make outside and inside almost feel one and the same.
In the South, acknowledgement of modern architecture and progressive interior design emerged in the late 1930s. “At the least, this decade initiated a new awareness about modern influences. What was considered modern then, clearly may not be considered modern today. Modern is based upon context and time,” Todd explains. “One might say that the only ultramodern building in this region is the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. It pushes the limits of modern by way of materials and technology, and it is also extremely modern for the region in which it exists. We do have some wonderful examples of modern residential work of local architects, Francis Mah, and Francis Gasner and one example of a Faye Jones house right here in Memphis. And there is one great, kind of subdued, Frank Lloyd Wright house in Jackson, Mississippi, in an old residential neighborhood.”
At any period in time, modern is always fresh, new and original. “Modern is about reinterpreting how one might assemble a building with ornamentation in regard to mass production. Theoretically speaking, modern buildings were intended to be more affordable. However, this never really proved to be the case. Modern architecture is a term given to a number of building styles with similar characteristics, primarily the simplification of form and the elimination of ornamentation,” Todd says.
PinThe natural treatment of materials on the exterior of this house allows design and landscape to merge. Instead of the home competing with the landscape for attention, the two elements complement one another.
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Modern is not necessarily more or less formal than classic or traditional designs. Todd says that modern design is more about “the honesty in its use of materials and technology”—form that truly follows function. Modern style is synonymous with functional thought because it is a product of its time and is designed for its environment. “In other words,” Todd describes, “it always responds to site, materials and technology. Additionally, it could be considered more spacious and open, dependent upon the design. Modern would also be considered more efficient in its use of material and technology, usually lacking ornament, but never lacking detail.”
PinBigger is not always better. And by extension, simple, as seen here in this scaled back interior, translates as sophistication.
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While modern architecture is more prevalent in urban areas, there are plenty of examples in rural and suburban settings throughout the country. Forward movement depends on innovative thinkers like Todd and his associates. In keeping with the pace of today’s technological advancements, archimania takes cues from progressive designers worldwide. Within the everchanging context of what is “present-day,” this firm is always developing a concept for the South that is fresh, new … modern.
For more information about modern design for today, visit www.archimania.com, www.archrecord.com, www.dwell.com; or read A Concise History of Modern Architecture by Kenneth Frampton.Thank you Todd! We have enjoyed a tour of archimania’s current projects! Images of current projects provided by archimania.
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