Architecture Lecture Series: Mid-Century Modern Architecture on MV

 Chilmark LibraryAPRIL 12, APRIL 26, MAY 10, 20175 - 6:30PM

Starting in the late 1930s, the Cape and Islands attracted some of the prime movers of modern architecture, including Bauhaus luminaries as well as self-taught American designers and builders.  Some of these modern thinkers found their way to the woods of Chilmark.  These thoughtful designers made homes for themselves in the splendid isolation of the area and helped establish a vibrant creative community. This lecture series will introduce this classic style of architecture and re-construct the down-to-earth lifestyle it fostered.  Refreshments will be served.  Free admission.LECTURE TITLES + DATESWednesday, April 12Fred NoyesA Transition:  Martha's Vineyard and Mid-Century Modern ArchitectureWednesday April 26David FixlerBuilding the Future - Modern Architecture in New England and America.Wednesday May 10Peter McMahonModern Architecture on the Cape and Islands — and Some Case Studies in PreservationBIOSFred Noyes, FAIAFrederick Noyes, has been a Vineyard summer resident since 1954. In that year, his father, renowned architect Eliot Noyes, became enchanted with The Vineyard and built the first of four modern summer houses on the Island. Fred, a Harvard trained architect himself, grew up under the influence of his father's architect and design contemporaries, the so-called “Harvard Five." He has worked on over 20 Vineyard projects. Fred will look back at the Vineyard of the mid-1950’s and show how his father’s houses, now classics, reflect the Island’s transition during that time.David N. Fixler, FAIADavid‘s architecture firm EYP, where he is a principal, specializes in the rehabilitation of 20th century architecture.  A frequent teacher, writer and speaker, David’s work has been published internationally, He is co-founder and president of DOCOMOMO – US/New England which documents and conserves buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the modern movement.  David is an expert on the history and impact of modernism in this region.Peter McMahonPeter McMahon is the Founding Director of the Cape Cod Modern House Trust, which archives, restores and celebrates the Outer Cape’s outstanding Mid- Century Modern architecture and the creative culture that surrounded it.He is co-author of Cape Cod Modern. Mid-Century Architecture and Community on the Outer Cape, winner of the Historic New England Book Prize, 2015.  His design practice in South Wellfleet focuses on sustainable, modern architecture and restoration of mid-20th century buildings.  His summer house in Wellfleet has been published in House Beautiful and Outside Architecture.For more information contact:Harriet Bernstein508-696-7186