Contemporary: Architecture and Interiors of the 1950's

This book is the first to explore fully the so-called 'Contemporary' style that dominated architecture and design from the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. It was an era of optimism and confidence, where new ideas in architecture and design flourished alongside the emergent consumer culture. Mainly emanating from the USA, the 'Contemporary' style was fresh and liberating, manifesting itself in the picture window and the open plan; in new forms of furniture from Scandinavia and stylish light fittings from Italy; and most tellingly in the 'Contemporary' kitchen with its fitted units and 'mod con' appliances. The book examines the fresh and liberated design ideas of this buoyant era.By far the best book on the subject.' (Daily Telegraph)'Provides a searching examination of the social, political and economic changes of the exuberant post-war years and the illustrations are excellent. This is an informative book whose presentation accurately reflects the era's colour and confidence.' (Design Review)Phaidon now publishers some of the finest designed and illustrated books on period styles. And this is another.' (World of InterioJackson, Lesley is the author of 'Contemporary: Architecture and Interiors of the 1950's', published 1994 under ISBN 9780714831848 and ISBN 0714831840.