Palm Springs: Design for the Desert
 In the 50s and 60s Palm Springs was much more than the playground for Hollywood’s rich and famous. This amazing terrain of breathtaking mountains, desert sands and weather drew wealthy retirees and golfers by the score. As Palm Springs grew, inspired architects trickled in and quietly created buildings that melded environment and climate, which quickly became the major design aesthetic known as Desert Modernism. This style grew out of a desire to adapt modern materials and techniques to the unique requirements of desert living. Noted specifically for its use of glass, clean lines, natural and manufactured materials and indoor/outdoor spaces, Desert Modernism defined a lifestyle of elegant informality. This result of this movement propelled Palm Springs to its current position as the unparalleled mecca of Modernism. The talented designers who implemented this style and completed over 200 projects in Palm Springs include architects John Lautner, William Cody, Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, Hugh Kaptur, Richard Neutra and Albert Frey. Explore the impact and influence of these pioneers of Modern design throughout the 20th century, when they created one of the most important concentrations of Modernist architecture in the US.
Visit an array of architecturally significant homes not open to the public, as well as outstanding civic, commercial and religious buildings designed by these Modern masters, including Del Marcos Hotel, Wexler Steel homes, Twin Palm Estates, Ship of the Desert, Grace Miller House, Edris House, 1935 Church, Little Tuscany area, Tennis Club, Bob Hope’s home, Burgess Estate, Las Palmas and Raquet Club Estates community, The 400, Orbit In and Hideaway Hotels (all subject to availability). Meet with a well-known architect and see some of his/her buildings. Enjoy a specially arranged cocktail reception at one of Palm Springs’ well-known art galleries. Shop in some of Palm Springs’ fun and funky boutiques. Dine at the breathtaking Le Parker Meridien Hotel and other Palm Springs’ hip eateries. |
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