February 24th, 2016

Design Highlights from Palm Springs

Well I recently went on a family vacation to Palm Springs. Like most of you – I had heard many things about this destination over the years (and it’s all true). This is a fabulous destination if you love the sun, golf, tennis and laying by the pool. During the day you can explore the city by hiking or taking in the sites via the world’s largest rotating tramcar or visiting the many neighborhoods. I would have to warn you though if you are a night owl and looking for much excitement after 9 pm you will be sadly disappointed ………… But, we still looked around and found a few fun places to have a drink like the edgy Hard Rock Hotel (great design)! Then a nightcap at the mid-century modern desert boutique Ace Hotel.  Without realizing when we booked our trip a few months back, I was lucky enough to be heading down during Moderism week!!!! Wow what an awesome surprise! Unfortunately my travel companions don’t share my same love of design so I ended up excusing myself for half a day to visit the Bauhaus twenty -21 exhibit on display at the Architecture and Design Center (sure wish Vancouver had one). They even had many of the original classics such as the Le Corbusier LC1 Sling Chair and the cantilever L. M. Van Der Rohe chair to sit on and test out.  Sadly by the time I had realized what events were happening about town and at the camp it was too late. Had I known –  they had guest speakers from the hit show Mad Men along with a mini set, walking tours, double decker architectural bus tours, a series of lectures on the history of Herman Miller and various parties. Big hint – if you head down next year be sure to buy your tickets in advance as everything gets sold out well in advance. However I did manage to capture a great lecture “What Midcentury Looks Like Now“ held at the Annenburg Theatre inside the Palm Springs Art Museum. Which gave me the perfect excuse to visit this beautiful venue. I especially loved the outdoor Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. Here they had whimsical pieces like “The Man with the world at his feet” in the midst of this beautiful garden and patio area. Well, Palm Springs it was fun! Loved the modern architecture and amazing landscaping (I’m a sucker for a great snake plant, cactus or succulent). I will come back. Probably not on a personal holiday, but definitely for the sole purpose of exploring Moderism Week. All of us at Area3 would have gone crazy to be here during this eventful design week. So hopefully I will see you again in 2017, until then…….

Have you been to Palm Springs? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts with us #area3palmsprings

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