ID 2202 1 Mid Century Modernism

A post–World War II movement emphasizing functional, affordable design, new materials, and molded organic forms suited to “modern living.”

What is Mid-Century Modernism?

A MOMA exhibition organized by Eliot Noyes in 1941 to promote affordable, functional home furnishings for modern households.

What was “Good Design in Home Furnishings”?

American designers who pioneered molded plywood and fiberglass furniture emphasizing comfort, efficiency, and mass production.

Who were Charles and Ray Eames?

Laminated molded plywood chair designed for ergonomic comfort with rubber shock mounts.

What is the LCW (Lounge Chair Wood)?

1946, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed the LCW chair?

Single-shell polyester plastic chair emphasizing mass production and simplicity.

What is the Molded Polyester Chair?

1950, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed the Molded Polyester Chair?

Lightweight, durable chair molded from fiberglass with organic compound curves.

What is the Molded Fiberglass Chair?

1950, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed the Molded Fiberglass Chair?

Fiberglass armchair with wooden rockers and aluminum base merging comfort and modernity.

What is the Rocker Armchair?

1950, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed the Rocker Armchair?

Luxurious leather and rosewood recliner emphasizing articulation, craftsmanship, and relaxation.

What is the Lounge Chair and Ottoman?

1956, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed the Lounge Chair and Ottoman?

Adjustable modular shelving system combining steel, aluminum, and laminate surfaces.

What is the Eames Storage Unit?

1949–1950, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed the Eames Storage Unit?

Fiberglass reclining chair inspired by Gaston Lachaise’s “Reclining Nude,” combining sculptural beauty and function.

What is “La Chaise”?

1948, Charles and Ray Eames

When and who designed “La Chaise”?

Finnish-American architect and designer known for sculptural, organic modernism.

Who was Eero Saarinen?

Fiberglass-upholstered chair designed to envelop the user and provide comfort through molded form.

What is the Womb Chair?

1948, Eero Saarinen

When and who designed the Womb Chair?

Single-pedestal fiberglass and aluminum chair eliminating multiple legs and visual clutter.

What is the Tulip Chair?

1957, Eero Saarinen

When and who designed the Tulip Chair?

Pedestal-based dining or side table designed to accompany the Tulip Chair.

What is the Tulip Table?

1957, Eero Saarinen

When and who designed the Tulip Table?

Sculptural concrete terminal evoking flight through sweeping compound curves.

What is the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport?

1962, Eero Saarinen

When and who designed the TWA Terminal?

Stainless steel catenary arch symbolizing progress and unity.

What is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis?

1965, Eero Saarinen

When and who designed the Gateway Arch?

Danish architect and designer known for organic, minimalist furniture in laminated wood and fiberglass.

Who was Arne Jacobsen?

Three-legged laminated plywood chair inspired by the form of an ant.

What is the Ant Chair?

1952, Arne Jacobsen

When and who designed the Ant Chair?

Upholstered fiberglass shell chair with a high back that embraces the sitter.

What is the Egg Chair?

1958, Arne Jacobsen

When and who designed the Egg Chair?

Curved fiberglass chair with aluminum base resembling a swan.

What is the Swan Chair?

1958, Arne Jacobsen

When and who designed the Swan Chair?

American designer who modernized furniture for homes and offices with clean geometric forms.

Who was Florence Knoll?

Minimalist upholstered sofa and chair on steel legs emphasizing function and proportion.

What were Florence Knoll’s Sofa and Chair designs?

1950s, Florence Knoll

When and who designed the Florence Knoll Sofa and Chair?

Italian-American sculptor and designer who translated metal sculpture into functional furniture.

Who was Harry Bertoia?

Chair made of welded steel rods forming an airy sculptural mesh seat.

What is the Wire Mesh Chair?

1950s, Harry Bertoia

When and who designed the Wire Mesh Chair?

Sculptural wire chair shaped like a diamond with transparent geometry.

What is the Diamond Chair?

1952, Harry Bertoia

When and who designed the Diamond Chair?

A design initiative at MOMA led by Eliot Noyes promoting practical, aesthetic products for daily life.

What was the “Good Design” program?

Plastic and wood fused with synthetic resins for stronger, more flexible furniture construction.

What are laminates with synthetic resins?

Lightweight, moldable material used in postwar furniture and architecture.

What is fiberglass?

Form designed to move or pivot naturally with the user’s body.

What is articulated form?

Furniture supported by a single central stem, reducing clutter and enhancing fluidity.

What is pedestal form?

Saarinen’s concept of sculpting under the visible environment to make structures flow seamlessly from their base.

What is “subscape”?