desert modernism Archives

Modernist Index

William F. Cody: An Open Mind for Open Spaces

June 22, 2024
Written by Kye Cardinalis and Featured image photography by Bret Gum

William Cody designed home in Racquet Club Cottages West condo in Palm Springs

If you’re familiar with Palm Springs’ modern architecture, you’ve probably heard the name William F. Cody. William Francis Cody was one of the key architects responsible for shaping Palm Springs…

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The Raymond Loewy House, 1946 in Palm Springs

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Celebrating the Anniversary of Pioneering Book, Palm Springs Modern

May 18, 2024
Written by Jickie Torres and Photography by David Glomb, courtesy of Rizzoli

On the 25th anniversary of Palm Springs Modern, author Adele Cygelman looks back at her seminal book that was the first to shed a collective light on the desert’s architectural…

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Exterior of a home at the Thunderbird Country Club

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Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in Thunderbird Country Club

April 3, 2022
Written by Anna Marcum and Photography courtesy of Getty Research Institute

Paul R. Williams’ approach to desert Modernism connected Ball and Arnaz, the stars of "I Love Lucy," to the surrounding desert community.

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Home + History Las Vegas vintage tour Chippewa fireplace

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Mid Century Lifestyle

Celebrate Las Vegas Modernism with Home + History Las Vegas

March 25, 2022
Written by Jolene Nolte and Featured image photography by Jack LeVine

Learn more about Las Vegas modernism with the Home + History Las Vegas event. Comprised of various tours the weekend of April 29-May 1, 2022, Home + History Las Vegas…

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Roy’s Motel and Cafe: A Route 66 Must-See

January 9, 2022
Written by Ken MacIntyre

As any retro road tripper will tell you, Roy’s Motel and Cafe on old Route 66 in California’s eastern Mojave Desert is a bucket list must-see of mid century proportions. …

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Albert Frey: The Visionary Palm Springs Architect

October 4, 2021
Written by Rabekah Henderson

Few architects master a style so perfectly as Albert Frey did. His simple yet beautiful approach to Desert Modernism captivated the architectural community and transformed the Coachella Valley. But Frey’s…

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Architecture + Renovation

Albert Frey’s Historic Aluminaire House Finds a New Home

September 18, 2020
Written by Jolene Nolte and Photography by Aluminaire House Foundation

Constructed of mainly aluminum and glass, the Aluminaire House was cutting-edge when it debuted in 1931. Designed by A. Lawrence Kocher, editor of Architectural Record, and Albert Frey, known as the father of Desert Modernism, the Aluminaire House garnered recognition in its day and now will continue its prestigious history as part of the Palm Springs Art Museum.

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