Customer Reviews

Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I initially bought Palm Springs Weekend as a coffee table book, it is much more substantial -- a great read, with the historical perspective necessary to appreciate the architectural legacy. Hess and Danish provide a tour from the beginnings of the desert resort in the 1930s, through the Hollywood migration of the 1940s and '50s and continue with the decline and then reawakened interest in modernism. And yes, it is a handsome book to have out for guests.

PSW earns high marks for balance, not focusing unduly on celebrity homes but instead providing a survey of significant commercial buildings, architectural trends and the personalities (Cody, Frey, the Alexanders) that brought the modernistic vision to life. Because of this, most readers interested in architecture will find it more useful than glamour-shot books of multi-million dollar homes behind gated walls. Several of the buildings noted are readily observable to visitors.

In addition, the authors illustrate the aspects of the culture that spawned Palm Springs. It is a remarkable journey because it is only recently that we have begun to view the 1950's, for example, as a period that has left us 'historic artifacts' worth appreciation. Less affected than neighboring LA or San Diego by overwhelming population growth, Palm Springs is something of a monument to the way things were. Hess and Danish do not overlook this.

While it is disappointing to see the cookie-cutter tract homes being built as the desert communities expand eastward, Palm Springs retains many of its unique homes, many of which are accessible to those of moderate means. PSW helps us appreciate the imaginative architects of the 'midcentury oasis', in their successes and even manages to evoke a bit of appreciation for some of the eyesores. A must read for anyone restoring or considering the purchase of a special home in this fascinating place.

well as an avid collector of Mid-Century artifacts. I was very impressed by the book. Palm Springs is an amazing city and to just drive around in your car and look at the fascinating architecture is so awesome. To me being here and loving that style of design is just a bonus. But when some tourist saw me driving my beloved 62 Valiant wagon yelled out of their window "We saw you in Palm Springs Weekend" I asumed that they ment with my band. Until they said "With this car" That is when I realized The photograph I had candidly posed for a year before. I got a hold of the book and sure enough there I was. It makes me proud to be in the book. And I hope that Alan Hess and Andrew Danish Have great success with their careers. And I pray that the book will open peoples mind to the likes of Albert Frey and Richard Neutra and the many other designers who have shaped the deserts amazing style which needs to be preserved and not demolished as society grows. An awesome book and a must have for every Mid-Century modern enthusiust.

If you like mid-century architecture you'll love this book. Showcases not only on the 'finest' (and familiar) works of some extraordinary architects/builders in this resort town, but also offers up a bit of kitsch too. Often neglected but valuable nonetheless and is part of what makes Palm Springs the town it is. Very well written with lush photographs. I came away with insights into the making of an American resort town. Almost as good as being there.

This book is largerly concerned with the historical and sociological environment that led to the creation of mid-20th century Palm Springs buildings. There is little time spent on the technical side of the sampled designs, and it could benefit from more large colour picture spreads.

A good book for understanding the context of the architecture, not great for admiring the details. If you're after a "coffe table" piece, go for 'Palm Springs Modern: Houses in the California Desert' by Adele Cygelman.

When I read Palm Springs Weekend I am again reunited with past memories of wonderful warm days and evenings my wife and I spent driving all these neighborhoods. We quickly realized that instead of shouting out to each other ...."Oh my god!! Look at how cool that house is? We would only say something if the house was ugly, the drive quickly became very silent, but our jaws were still on the ground and eyes blink free. Palm Springs is a living museum of style and design and has been flawlessly presented amongst these pages. After driving around for several months drooling on people's doorsteps, we packed it up in LA and headed east. We now own 3 very interesting Mid Century Modern homes in Palm Springs, I sell Real Estate specializing in Mid Century Modern Architecture and life has never been better. Pick up the book, jump on a plane or in a car and come see what all the hype is about, trust me you wont be disappointed with this lifestyle.

I just got back from PS on an architecture tour and rented a swank pad in Rancho Mirage on Tamarisk. This book was there so I poured over it. THREE times. It's not a difficult read by any means but it has enough info to where you can geek out but not get REALLY geeked out with industry-only information. It's pretty robust in visual terms and the only thing I could want would be more pages. The owner of the home had a handful of coffee tableesque books but this one was far and above the best. It was cool doing my intel then going out to the homes every day. I took 500 snaps in two days. And I hate the camera. Get this book, you'll dig it.

After visiting Palm Springs to see mid-century modern architecture, I came to the realization that as good as my photos may be there are several buildings that just are not accessible. Surely Bob Hope and the Kaufmanns wouldn't mind if I evaded security and took snap shots from their front and back yards. That wasn't possible. So this book will have to do.

I almost bought this book in a book store on Balboa Island. Then my friend said to get it on Amazon - I didn't realize it could be brand new! Saved alot of money and the book is amazing. It arrived in the mail quickly, so I am now a devoted fan. If you love Palm Springs like we do, you'd love reading Palm Springs Weekend.

Well worth the price...we had just returned from a weekend in Palm Springs and this book gave us interesting background and history and also great photographs.

This book has enough information in it to turn you into a bit of an expert on Palm Springs mid-century architecture. It has enough beautiful photography and helpful floorplans to make you want a piece of it. My sisters and I are going there in two weeks. We want to see the Alexander tract homes.

The book explores each of the buildings and architects in detailed description - well enough that one can distinguish between the various styles and select a favorite or two. I fell in love with the Sinatra house by Stewart Williams and the Kaufmann house by Richard Neutra. I wished for the sake of the old Biltmore hotel that someone would restore it to it's former glory. I was disappointed to learn from another source that it was demolished in 2003, after this book's publication.

I do have to admit that while the text is full of good information, it is a bit of a difficult read. Either the sentences are poorly constructed or the authors had a hard time sorting out their ideas. However, if you can focus and you really want to know about the architecture in Palm Springs, there is a lot to learn from this beautiful and informative book.