The future is here

I think the reason I love mid-century modern as much as I do is because at its height in the late 50s and early 60s it reflected the openness and daring of going into space. Take a look:


(architecture.about.com)


(handheldbook.org). Don't these houses look like they could take off? Don't they make you look up?

And wouldn't this wallpaper, art, and decor make you think about space and the future as you vacuumed (in pearls) or fixed the family's station wagon?


Houzz.com


Mobile.brothersoft.com


Vintage chrome Sputnik wall clock, (papermichelle.com)


Sputnik starburst vases, (1950satomicranch.blogspot.com)


Sputnik style lamp


1950s Sputnik chandelier

Well, guess what? We are in a new space age. Remember Space X and the private-public rocket to the International Space Station? It's just the beginning. Richard Branson already has Virgin Galactic and the Spaceport America, space terminal, in New Mexico.


Architects and interior designers are already being challenged to develop styles that will work in zero gravity. A race is on to put space hotels in orbit. As yet, the designs are uninspiring and utilitarian, and down right ugly and uncomfortable looking.

















We miniaturists, however, are not constrained by the problems of zero g, or waste disposal in outer space. We recreate buildings and decor from every era, and we can create the buildings and decor of the future, whether on Earth or Mars or in orbit.





I know that I would love to build a miniature, futuristic space-hotel or space RV; I even have started to take apart a broken, tower space heater that will be perfect for the task:


This summer, the Domus Academy in Milan is hosting a conference on "Zero Gravity design, products and micro environments for space hotels." The brochure for the conference states:

"As the race to open up the space frontier to tourists revs up, so will opportunities for designers and architects. The participants of this course will design products and microenvironments for living aboard future Orbiting Hotels. The Space Tourists, will have to, after all, eat, drink, sleep, cleanse, exercise, work, play, improvise, relax, move, stay still, contemplate, congregate, seek privacy and look out of the window. These everyday tasks, and more, open up an infinite range of design possibilities."

The key faculty at the conference is Susmita Mohanty, a scientist and space expert, as well as a protege of the late, great Arthur C. Clarke. According to her:

"I wouldn't draw a line between space and Earth. Space is not removed from Earth, we are actually living on a planet! We live on a spaceship." Well, Buckminster Fuller said it first, but we ARE orbiting through space, and we ARE on a planet in our solar system. What ideas do you have for miniature buildings and/or decor in this new space age?


Wishing you only good things, Neen