The Eames' Mid-Century Modern Legacy

There have been a number of high-profile projects and designs in recent years that highlight the benefits of mass production, with regard to modular construction, such as pre-fab homes and shipping container structures.  The challenge of making good design accessible to as many individuals and communities as possible is an intriguing one, and there are many historical figures to look to with regard to this approach to creative and functional design.  

Specifically, Charles and Ray Eames saw the potential for social change through modern design, and their iconic furniture is as ubiquitous today as it was in the 1940's when they originally pioneered the concept of mass-produced products, including molded chairs and chaises, as well as plywood innovations. 

To learn more about these beautiful mid-century designs, along with more images, information and ideas, make sure to stop by and read MYD's guest post at Inspired Design Daily, where we take a closer look at one of America's favorite husband and wife design teams.

See you there and thanks for reading!

Cheers, MYD

A Look at the Nix Nature Center

Stop by Inspired Design Daily today to read this month's guest post on visiting the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center in Laguna Beach...

This contempory and contextual design, completed in 2006, uses simple forms and the thoughtful application of materials to achieve a sense of place and reinforce a connection to the environment and surrounding landscape.  Located at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Canyon, it features rammed earth and board-formed concrete, juxtaposed alongside a steel and glass structure to achieve an artful balance of shelter and openness, as the extensive glazing frames the stunning vistas of sycamore woodlands and rocky bluffs of this beautiful coastal canyon environment.

For more on this project and to read the full post, visit Inspired Design Daily!  

Collaboration + Community

Integrated project design and the collaborative process is an widely discussed topic in the realm of sustainable architecture, and the benefits of a shared and interactive approach to problem-solving have been well-documented.  When implemented correctly, this translates to reduced overall project costs, more satisfied and informed clients, and increased team productivity and unity, as understanding and communication are key elements of integrated, collaborative design.

Beyond the building and construction industry, however, this concept of open communication and shared resources has the potential of far-reaching effects. When applied to the many other facets of living sustainably, this new paradigm of development and means of thinking could be the key to creating resilient and empowered communities...

Stop by Inspired Design Daily today, where I'm guest-blogging today on the prospects of open source collaboration and the potential to create self-sustaining communities.

Thanks, and have an inspired weekend! 

Sustainable By Design: Visiting Back Bay

MYD takes a closer look at Upper Newport Bay, one of California's largest few remaining coastal estuaries, for the latest in our guest blogging series for Inspired Design Daily.  The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is a unique example of earth sheltered construction, tucked into the bluffs at the north edge of Back Bay.  For more information and the complete post, please visit Inspired Design Daily!

Sustainable By Design,Living Building Challenge

For today's guest blog post at Inspired Design Daily, we're taking a look at one of the 'greenest' buildings in the country.  The Omega Center for Sustainable Living is one of the first projects slated to receive designation as a ‘Living Building’, based on standards developed by the International Living Building Institute. 

The Living Building Challenge program differentiates itself from other certification systems with a performance-based approach, as opposed to a prescriptive one, meaning specific design strategies and elements aren’t necessarily required for certification.  Instead, creativity and collaboration are encouraged in order to meet stringent performance standards.

To learn more about this unique new project that coexists harmoniously with natural ecological systems, make sure to visit Inspired Design Daily and read the complete post.  Thanks!