Schemel Forum showcases mid-century nodern architecture

            Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA, founding dean of the School of Architecture at Marywood University, discussed “Mid-Century Modern: Designs for Living” at a Schemel Forum luncheon held recently on campus.
            Hunt prefaced his speech with the caveat that, “All things that are contemporary are not necessarily modern.” He then introduced several significant changes to the concept of architecture at this time (1932-1965), such as the view of “style as a frame of potential growth rather than as a fixed mold.” This change led to the consideration of “architecture as volume rather than mass, and regularity rather than axial symmetry.” These redefined concepts allowed for the introduction of new methods of construction that led to the permeation of the mid-century modern style.             
Hunt explained that one of the forces that influenced this permeation was the flight to the suburbs and the establishment of Levitt’s developments on the East Coast, referencing William Levitt, who gained national attention for mass-produced houses. Hunt said Lustron’s prefabricated metal housing, as well as the Eames’ steel framed furniture, illustrated that “method of structure would now lead to innovative design.” Hunt also noted that furniture, such as cantilever chairs and molded plywood end tables, serves as “the most omnipresent, visible production that you can still purchase today in the mid-century modern style.” 
Hunt is the former dean of the School of Architecture at Catholic University, Washington, D.C.
            Upcoming Schemel Forum luncheon series speakers include “The Rise and Fall of Women in Democratic Revolution,” on Friday, April 12, with Jill Dougherty, foreign affairs correspondent for CNN. On Monday, April 22, “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The Emotional Toll of Violence in Military and Civilian Populations” will be presented by Laszlo Gyulai, Ph.D., emeritus associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia.
To register, contact Kym Fetsko, events coordinator, at 941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. For more information about programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, director of the Schemel Forum, at 941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.
04-08-13
Catherine Erbicella ’14, Media, is a management major with a minor in philosophy and participant in the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Business Leadership Honors Program at The University of Scranton.