Kye Cardinalis

Contributor at Atomic Ranch

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Discover The Modern Garden: The Outdoor Architecture of Mid-Century America

2 weeks ago | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

When asked to describe Mid Century Modern design, most people focus on buildings and interiors. Equally enthralling, however, are MCM gardens and outdoor spaces. Those who want to learn more about the history and design of modernist gardens should explore the pages of The Modern Garden: The Outdoor Architecture of Mid-Century America, by Pierluigi Serraino.
C. Jeré Wall Sculptures: What’s Behind the Famous Signature

1 month ago | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

As a Mid Century Modern interior décor fan, you probably have run across metal sculptures signed “C. Jeré” before. The “C.” is short for “Curtis.” Who was Curtis Jeré? It may surprise some to learn that Curtis Jeré was not a single person, but the name of a metalwork company. Behind the Curtis Jeré name were a pair of artisans, Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels.
The Worldport: Remembering the Iconic Jet Age Terminal

1 month ago | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

Those who flew in or out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York City before 2013 had the chance to experience a glimpse of the Jet Age in the form of the famous Worldport terminal. Alas, this memorable terminal has been demolished. Let’s take a look back and learn more about what was lost. The Famous Flying Saucer Design Served a Practical PurposePictured above is the Pan Am Worldport terminal as it appeared in the year 1961. Photo by Jon Proctor/GNU Free Documentation License.
What to Look for When Shopping for MCM Furniture Replicas

1 month ago | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

If you want to bring Mid Century Modern style to your interior, one great way to do it is to shop for replicas of famous MCM furnishings. Why not shop for the real thing? Well, in some cases, originals are hard to come by. In others, they may be readily available (for example, Knoll is still making Barcelona chairs), but the price point may be higher than what you can swing. Barcelona chairs, Bertoia Diamond chair and Eames rocker furnish this MCM living room. Photo by Jim Brown.
Hotel Marcel: From Brutalist Offices to Net-Zero Hotel

2 months ago | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

Planning a trip to New Haven, Connecticut? You will definitely want to book a stay at the Hotel Marcel in the Long Wharf district. While this Brutalist building offers sustainable MCM accommodations today, it is almost miraculous that it survived the prior decades even partially intact. Original Design and PurposeThe 17-foot gap between the upper and lower floors of the hotel served a practical purpose back when it was the Armstrong Rubber Company Building. Photo by Alcmaeonid/CC-BY-SA-3.0-Unported.
Sub-styles of Mid Century Modern

2 months ago | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis |Victor Grigas

“Mid Century Modern” refers to modernist architecture and design from the Mid Century period, which we usually define as ranging between the 1940s through the 1970s. That is quite a broad category. You are probably aware that within that category, there are a number of different sub-styles. But you may not be familiar with their names and defining attributes. Let’s take a look at some Mid Century Modern sub-styles.
Precursors to Mid Century Modern Architecture

Feb 6, 2025 | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

When we use the phrase “Mid Century Modern” (MCM) at Atomic Ranch, we are usually referring to modernist architecture in the 1940s-1970s. You may notice, however, that we sometimes feature buildings and designs that predate that time period. Usually, that is because they were earlier designs by prominent Mid Century Modern architects, and/or they were important precursors to the development of MCM architecture.
The Philips Exeter Academy Library: A Cathedral of Learning

Jan 1, 2025 | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

In Exeter, New Hampshire, is the sixth oldest boarding school in America, Philips Exeter Academy. On the campus of this boarding school, which dates back to 1781, is the second largest secondary school library on the planet, the Philips Exeter Academy Library designed by Louis Kahn. While the library does not clash with the more traditional buildings dominating the campus, it stands out as a more modern addition. The exterior is eye-catching, but stepping inside inspires awe.
The Barcelona Pavilion: A Zone of Tranquility

Dec 26, 2024 | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

Most readers are likely familiar with the Barcelona Chair and Stool, some of the most iconic Mid Century Modern furnishings ever made. The chair and stool take their name from the Barcelona Pavilion, the structure for which they were originally designed. All three were the works of German designers Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich. We have already discussed the Barcelona Chair and Stool in depth in the post linked above.
The Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo

Nov 21, 2024 | atomic-ranch.com | Kye Cardinalis

If you are fascinated by the artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, consider paying a visit to the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo in Mexico City. The Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo consists of a pair of homes/studios embodying functionalist design at its most utilitarian. One belonged to Frida Kahlo, the other to Diego Rivera, allowing them to live and work side-by-side.