Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

by Andrew Danish, Alan Hess

This is the first book to reveal the eccentric treasure trove of commercial, civic, and domestic architecture that makes Palm Springs a true oasis of progressive design. Not merely regarded as a Hollywood playground, golf enclave, or retirement mecca, Palm Springs is also a bastion of idiosyncratic modernism that is unparalleled in the world. Creating stunning homes and an impressive array of other buildings in the middle of the desert, such masters as Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, R. M. Schindler, Donald Wexler, and Lloyd Wright exercised their creative potential there. Palm Springs Weekend explores everything from the grandiose, such as Neutra's Kaufmann house, to the more humble features of the city--motels, trailer homes, and the ubiquitous metal and concrete sunscreens that shade them. Filled with hundreds of archival and contemporary photographs, elevations, and vintage ephemera, Palm Springs Weekend reveals an inimitable city where modern design, Hollywood glamour, and the desolate drama of the desert coalesce.

Genres: Architecture

180 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the first part of the title, Palm Springs Weekend, this is a serious architecture book. The book's subtitle, "The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis" describes more aptly the topic of this book. It is not a book about celebrities in Palm Springs, but rather a serious book about architecture. It explores Palm Springs' architectural wonders- the Kaufmann house, the Elrod house, the Albert Frey gas station at the Tram, for example in detail with outstanding photos and analysis of form, function, history and placement in the particular architect's oeuvre. It also explores types of Palm Springs buildings- houses, public buildings, motels, shopping centers- along with the architects who created them and the development of the building type, all in the context of modernist architecture and the development of Palm Springs. An excellent read for those interested in architecture and history- and a great coffee table book for those interested in photographs of Palm Springs buildings.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun. After I read this, I took the tour and saw them in person. That was even more fun!

[Dara Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at Palm Springs' architectural history during a hugely transformative period. Great information and some good illustrative photo examples. Could benefit from some better editing to align photos with text.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read and pictorial history of Palm Springs architecture. The writing is solid with terrific accompanying photos as well as artistic renditions of the respective subjects. The book informs and entertains most effectively creating a real feel for the time and place depicted.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've recently become obsessed with American mid-century architecture and graphic design.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very attractive and informative coffee table book for architectural enthusiasts.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about the architecture of Palm Springs. Great if you're into architecture or Palm Springs, but probably not of interest otherwise.

(We used it to choose more houses to tour).

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great architectural overview.