Caitlin Hicks
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The Arts & Crafts Movement: A Rebellion Against Quantity Over Quality
Based on utility, form, and affordability, the Arts and Crafts architecture movement rejected the rigid frivolity of the Victorian era, instead embracing natural elements and influences, along with practical yet elegant design. The movement first originated in Europe as early as the 1860’s as a rebellion against the elaborately detailed and mass produced design of the Victorian era; the movement’s arrival to American shores coincided with the end of the Victorian era. With an emphasis on the use of stone, wood, and other natural materials as well as hand craftsmanship to create objects of beauty as well as utility, the Arts and Crafts movement rejected the idea of quantity over quality that had been so prevalent during the Industrial Revolution. Many architects drew inspiration from nature for building materials and forms, while one of the most well-known of the movement, Frank Lloyd Wright, described his work as “organic architecture” which blurred the lines between exterior and interior. While there are many different styles within the Arts and Crafts movement, such as most homes are typically low to the ground with heavy use of symmetry. A common theme within Arts and Crafts homes is the efficient and economic use of space, and if constructed properly, the minimum upkeep. Bungalows, foursquares, and craftsman style homes with exposed beams and low-slung eaves are all prominent styles of the Arts and Crafts movement, with examples featured in nearly every city across America. Each region of the nation tends to have its own interpretation of the movement, however: New England prefers a more Shingle style approach, the Midwest favors the Prairie School style and Craftsman bungalow, whereas the West Coast incorporated Asian as well as Spanish Missionary influences. Popular amongst the average middle class housewife, the Arts and Crafts style integrated the kitchen with the rest of home, making it easier to tend to the cooking while staying on top of other household tasks, versus the Victorian era kitchen, which was separated from family view and daily routine. The widespread availability to house plans through catalogs allowed Arts and Craft styles to be accessible and affordable, with some homes advertised for as low as $900. One popular style the catalogs frequently featured was the Bungalow, with its low to medium slope roof, tapered columns, and open floor plan. Common interior design elements for the movement include prominent fireplaces, built-in storage, breakfast nooks, window seats, and handcrafted wood, stone, stone, and glass details. Brothers and architects, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, became well known in Southern California at the turn of the century for their “ultimate bungalows” for which they would often design lighting fixtures, furniture, and even textiles, to give a uniform aesthetic for the future homeowners. Aside from custom furnishings and details, these bungalows celebrated the building’s support structures through emphasis and handmade craftsmanship, incorporating the use of exotic materials, such as teak, ebony and mahogany. As the sprawling ranch home became increasingly popular in post-war America, Arts and Crafts became less sought after, though it is still considered one of the most popular architectural styles amongst today’s homeowners. This architectural style boasts many varying designs, but most designs feature the following design elements:
By Caitlin Hicks3 years ago in Lifehack