Kaufmann house by Richard Neutra
I was lucky enough to visit Palm Springs in California recently and experience its mid century architecture first hand. Palm Springs is located in the desert, 177km east of Los Angeles and is warm year round. I visited in August, when the temperatures are at their highest, and the maximum was approximately 40 degrees Celsius for each day of my visit.
What struck me was the similarity to the weather in Perth, though there was no congruency between the architecture in both cities. Palm Springs developed their unique style back in the forties and they’ve maintained it, with the entire city embracing the low sitting, one storey abodes. Built for the hot, desert weather, they nestle into the hot sands, contain wide eaves and a succulent based garden. They have got it right and people such as me come, not for the warm weather and the parties, but to experience the mid century masterpieces in person.
I wish we had a few more houses like this in Perth. They are so pleasant to be in and sensitive to our hot climate. I truly believe we could learn a lot from this unique city.
While I was there I stayed at a magnificent retro hotel, The Parker. Our room was sublime and the grounds were an oasis of green in the desert. A highly recommended escape from the real world. View some of the treasures I captured on my holiday.
S. Tate
