Customer Reviews

Albert Frey Houses 1 + 2

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Albert Frey's work is among the best fifties modernism has to offer. Unfortunately there is not as much literature about him as for instance on Neutra. 'Albert Frey Houses 1+2' tries to fill in the gap and focuses on the two desert houses Frey has built and extended over the years. The designs and changes are documented by colour photographs, instead of drawings. This approach unveils the tactility and vivid colours of Frey's work, but neglects the spatial qualities of his plans. Because most people have been introduced to his architecture by black and white pictures, this book now shows that the designs are much more complex and lively than expected. Pictures of personal items and private photographs are printed among the architecture and reveal Frey's sources of inspiration. The last few pages are dedicated to an interview, and are very inspiring. Frey turns out to be a very clever and sensitive person, who in many ways has been way ahead of his time. Drawback of this 'picture'-book is that it only serves as an introduction to Albert Frey's work. Because the focus of the book is on only two of his houses, and its approach is mainly visual, it leaves the reader behind with an urge to find out more about this gentle architect and his buildings.

There have been very few books about the modernism of Palm Springs. But this book on FREY 1 & 2 homes brings to bear something unique in books on architects and their homes. Ms Golub seems to spend alot of time exploring the thought process of Frey who deserves credit for bringing modernism to California and Palm springs in the 40s. Shots of antennas, Silos and other geometric forms contrast and inspire the industrial beauty and simplicity of FREYS own work. Beautiful photography with a sensitive assembly of Freys own homes and inspriration make this a must have for anyone interested in this period of architecture. The fact Frey also designed icons in Palm springs such as the arial tram and many public buildings including the still standing winged gas station make this first time photo essay a special piece. ALso, since Frey is 95 and still living in his original home today, the relevancy of this work is enhanced by his endorsment of this treatise on his most personal work.

In London I stumbled on this beautiful book at the Tate museum. Interestingly Palm springs modernism seems to be a highly sought after style here and this book embodies the best of that look. I never knew Frey did the detailing of the Villa Savoye and helped execute the built in furniture. It is great to see that Europe architecture migrated and that within Europe today, the look that Frey designed for his own homes is very much appreciated and admired and inspires. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this book is invaluable.

visually, palm springs is back as one of our culture's most interesting spots. the mix of sand, glass, and metal that is modernism's desert design signature is in perfect shape here. albert frey, who perhaps more than anyone helped to shape that look, gets to showcase the two homes he built and lived in here. (one no longer exists, the other overlooks palm springs central from high atop palisades drive.)

the photos are from his personal archive, which author/collaborator jennifer golub (a producer at ad agency chiat day) was able to get him to open. the words are frey's too. since he's 95, we're lucky he talks to us now before its too late.

Architecture books have gotten fatter, costlier and more pompous in recent years, and much harder to enjoy. This book is the exception. Using visual materials and a brief but illuminating interview with Frey, Jennifer Golub has crafted a rare jewel in art books: one that relies almost entirely on images to compose a portrait of the artist. This is a slim, understated introduction to the work of Albert Frey, the Swiss-born architect who created the "desert modernist" style in post-WWII Palm Springs, and whose aesthetic encompassed both a respect for nature and a prescient regard for modern materials. Using Frey's fourteen investigatory photo albums -- what he described as "a picture of my mind" -- as well as schematics, super-8 film stills, even receipts, Golub has curated an evocative, almost poetic tour of Frey's two iconic homes in the desert that is sophisticated in its simplicity. The text -- judiciously placed at the end -- reinforces what the images have already told you: that Frey was a master of light, form, color and material.

I had to review this book in response to the previous review, giving it one star is unbelievable (But I guess we're all entitled to our opinion)! The book is essentially a visual hommage to these two houses (1 + 2) that Frey built in the California desert. It is simple in concept and execution, and is but a small and beautiful introduction to Frey's work. It is an aesthetic object in itself, a bijoux, a little gem. The book has wonderful photographs and design, especially the desert colors used throughout that reflect the simplicity of the desert landscape and Frey's architecture.

If you're looking for any indepth knowledge of Frey and his work, try Joseph Rosa's book instead. If you're looking for a beautiful little book (for a good price!), and an interesting interview, try this book. It won't necessarily extensively nourish the mind, but will, and did for me, provide some visual inspiration and desire to learn more about the man and the work.

From the book: "This book is primarily visual, emphasizing the materiality of Albert Frey's original studies. It begins with some pieces of his archive in their original colors and photographic formats, the media in which he designed and thought. With the new images that follow, it seeks to activate the experience, the textures, and the aesthetic of his Palm Springs homes."

The captionless pictures are an amateurish mish-mash--a wall here, a cupboard there, a flower pot, etc.--that intends to explain the houses by showing their components. There might be one or two actual pictures of the complete houses, but they're not especially flattering. Makes you appreciate professional photographers. No technical info either. There is an interview at the end, however, if you're willing to buy the book for that.