If you’re in Vancouver on July 28, and are interested in the vernacular modernist architecture of our region, buy a ticket for this event. Ouno is hosting this fundraiser to benefit the completion of the film Coast Modern by my filmmaker friends Gavin Froome and Mike Bernard. This film has been widely and eagerly anticipated; it’s the first comprehensive film on the particular form of architectural modernism found on North America’s Pacific coast (from British Columbia to Southern California), and it includes interviews with key figures who are now no longer with us—Julius Shulman and Vancouver’s Abe Rogatnick. The film’s completion was slightly delayed by an early switch to HD format, a smart decision considering the content. Attend on Thursday July 28 and be part of this valuable historical project. Even better, buy the higher level of admission with an artist print poster! You will be supporting a good cause. Trailers/footage will be projected at the party.
Some quotes from the Coast Modern film:
“Expressive form, absence of ornmament, new materials—all of that to achieve built forms that invited new ways of living.” —Russell Baker
“On the west coast, including Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Franciso, there always has been a greater respect for nature.” —Barry Downs
“Any way you can break down that barrier between indoors and outdoors, with the comfort of being inside but the feeling of being outside, that’s really what it’s all about.” —Dion Neutra
“The smaller they are, the more beautiful they are.” —David Netto
“Using the materials and relating to the climate, creating beauty that is unique to that setting.”
“Find the beauty in your own times.” —Abe Rogatnick
From the Coast Modern site: “Intimate interviews and unprecedented access to architects in the film include Barry Downs (Vancouver), Fred Bassetti (Seattle), Hernik Bull (Berkeley), Ray Kappe (LA), Michael Folonis (Santa Monica), Dion Neutra (Los Angeles, son and partner of Modernist pioneer Richard Neutra), Barbara Bestor (LA) and others.” Houses are featured by architects including Ron Thom, Edward Killingsworth, Fred Hollingsworth, Richard Neutra, Barry Downs and Arthur Erickson.
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