Mid Century Mayhem Scavenger Hunt
Mid-Century Mayhem
A Virginia Architecture Month Virtual Scavenger Hunt
April 19-30, 2021
The History:
We’ve all seen them: the buildings that don’t look traditional, that defy description, that look like they came from another part of the world, or possibly not of this world at all. They have been described as Brutal, International, Expressive, and even “Modern.” They push traditional materials in new ways, if traditional materials are used, at all. Their shapes are a source of curiosity, sometimes expressed from the inside out, sometimes dictated by materials, and sometimes just plain whimsy.
They are the Mid-Century Moderns: a design movement that began post WWII and lasted until the early 1970’s. Their design champions were Eero Saarinen, Oscar Niemeyer, Edward Durrell Stone, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra, and Louis Barragan, to name a few. Influenced by the Bauhaus and the International Style, the designs for these structures rejected traditional detailing. Clean lines, unadorned planes, plate glass and an overall lack of ornamentation are key features of Mid-Century Design. Also, the desire for honest expression of materials and, in many instances, a direct link to nature, are common themes.
April 19-30, 2021
The History:
We’ve all seen them: the buildings that don’t look traditional, that defy description, that look like they came from another part of the world, or possibly not of this world at all. They have been described as Brutal, International, Expressive, and even “Modern.” They push traditional materials in new ways, if traditional materials are used, at all. Their shapes are a source of curiosity, sometimes expressed from the inside out, sometimes dictated by materials, and sometimes just plain whimsy.
They are the Mid-Century Moderns: a design movement that began post WWII and lasted until the early 1970’s. Their design champions were Eero Saarinen, Oscar Niemeyer, Edward Durrell Stone, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra, and Louis Barragan, to name a few. Influenced by the Bauhaus and the International Style, the designs for these structures rejected traditional detailing. Clean lines, unadorned planes, plate glass and an overall lack of ornamentation are key features of Mid-Century Design. Also, the desire for honest expression of materials and, in many instances, a direct link to nature, are common themes.
Virginia is home to wealth of traditional architecture from the earliest permanent structures in the 1600’s to the romantic revival styles of the early 20th Century. The Commonwealth also has some outstanding examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture and, as they come of age to be listed on the State Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, there is a renewed interest and appreciation for these resources as well as efforts to identify, retain and preserve them.
Your Incentive:
The Mid-Century Mayhem Scavenger Hunt will be active from April 19, 2021 until midnight April 30, 2021. During this time you can fill out this form, include your name and email address at the end and click "submit"
As there is a total of 40 answers, three (3) entries with 40 correct answers, or the most correct answers, will be eligible for fantastic prizes. If there is a tie of more than three entries, a random drawing will determine the winners. Entries received after midnight, April 30, 2021 will not be eligible.
The Mid-Century Mayhem Scavenger Hunt will be active from April 19, 2021 until midnight April 30, 2021. During this time you can fill out this form, include your name and email address at the end and click "submit"
As there is a total of 40 answers, three (3) entries with 40 correct answers, or the most correct answers, will be eligible for fantastic prizes. If there is a tie of more than three entries, a random drawing will determine the winners. Entries received after midnight, April 30, 2021 will not be eligible.
Have fun and we hope you enjoy the hunt for these unique resources across Virginia. If you have any questions, please contact Greg Rutledge at [email protected] or at 757-412-9390.
Thank You:
This would not have been possible without the help of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. VDHR has been identifying and surveying Mid-Century resources for the past few years and generously shared their research with us. I can’t thank them enough for their enthusiasm.
We’d also like to thank our firm, Hanbury, for supporting this event in both physical and virtual forms and AIA Hampton Roads for hosting these events for the past 10 years in the Tidewater region.
Thank You:
This would not have been possible without the help of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. VDHR has been identifying and surveying Mid-Century resources for the past few years and generously shared their research with us. I can’t thank them enough for their enthusiasm.
We’d also like to thank our firm, Hanbury, for supporting this event in both physical and virtual forms and AIA Hampton Roads for hosting these events for the past 10 years in the Tidewater region.
