EAMES HOUSE

The Eames House was originally developed as part of a post-war case study project sponsored by Arts and Architecture magazine. The conception of the house, and the case study program was to develop a simple housing concept that would meet minimum acceptable standards of living for a typical American family, pleasing to look at, and easy to construct.

Constructability and livability were Charles and Ray Eames’ stated goals for their project home in 1945. This was immediately clear in the way in which the home was displayed, and how comfortable the it felt. The house distinguished itself from current trends in modern architecture because of its warmth. The project embraced a comfortable, livable space for human beings and their activities. This is sometimes an oversight found in modern architecture, which relies heavily on straight lines, cool colours and unadorned materials.

The original design for the house was changed after the building plans went out for construction. The materials were actually on site and had been prepared for swift construction. The building’s initial design dominated the large open field on the site, and cantilevered out over it creating a glazed bridge.According to the Eames office, the design change was due to a variance in the importance of better accommodating the site. It was the field itself that had to remain in its natural state as much as possible. The field is the focal point of the house, and it was important for the house to be well set back on the site to let the field be featured to maximum effect.

EamesHouse. Niels Eli Kjær. September 5th. http://nielselikjaer.blogspot.ca/2012_09_01_archive.html (accessed March 23, 2014).

The drastic change of the design offers an important lesson in architecture; a sign that the design process never necessarily be considered closed, and that architectural design should always susceptible to change. The initial Eames design had to evolve in order for a better result. This is a true sign of Eames’ comparability, and perhaps why he was a good designer. He did not allow an initial design to get in the way of what needed to be done for a better result.

Overall the visit to the Eames house was extrordinary. The experience truly gave great insight into what architecture can accomplish, and how it can be done. The Case Study program was incredible and there should be more like it.

Matchboys Collective. n.d. http://www.matchboyscollective.com/the-eames-house-classics/ (accessed March 23, 2014).

Edward (Ted) Whitley, B.ESc, MArch Candidate

Faculty of Environmental Design | University of Calgary