Greene & Greene: Architecture as a Fine Art/Furniture and Related Designs by Randell Makinson (Author)

Greene & Greene: Architecture as a Fine Art/Furniture and Related Designs by Randell Makinson (Author)

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gibbs Smith (November 15, 2001)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1586851055
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9781586851057
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.85 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.94 x 9 inches

Two foundation works of scholarship on the best-known architects of the Arts & Crafts movement in America come together under one cover for the first time.
Greene & Greene are best known and respected for what Mr. Makinson calls their "ultimate bungalows," built during the first decade of the twentieth century. Exquisitely crafted and designed, the best work of the brothers remains the finest architectural expression of the Arts & Crafts movement in America. The Greenes' refusal to compromise their standards, combined with their personal involvement in every facet of the design and building process, resulted in a beautiful architecture of natural materials spanning the range from the simple inexpensive bungalow to the vast estate of the more affluent. Their "democratic style" made quality architecture available to all; their pioneering efforts coupled with their wondrous creations earned them international acclaim.
Mr. Makinson's lengthy research has revealed the years 1903-04 as a major turning point wherein the distinctive character identified with their work was formulated. He discusses the dignity that the Greenes brought to small-house design in this perios as well as their role in popularizing the bungalow style in the United States. He further points out that the magnificent ultimate bungalows of 1907-1909, for which the Greenes are most noted, were developed as a result of the strong convictions the architects established between 1903 and 1904. The larger budgets of later years allowed for the full flowering of their artistic talents and the opportunity to pratice "architecture as a fine art."
Their integration of the inside with the outside through designing furniture, lighting, and other decorative elements set their work apart from all other architects of the period. The richness of their woodwork--tables, benches, chairs, sideboards and more--as well as the details of their lighting designs and nature motifs incorporated in each masterpiece is captivatingly sensual.
Randell L. Makinson, Hon. AIA, is the foremost authority on Greene & Greene, having studied their works since 1954. As an architectural consultant he continues to be involved in the preservation and accurate restoration of the works of Greene & Greene.
His books Greene & Greene: The Passion and the Legacy and The Blacker House provide further discoveries and research on the Greenes and their rich legacy.