TMH Announces 2011 Macon Smith Research Grant Recipients

To support research into residential modernist architecture and architects

David Hill

October 27, 2011 — David Hill, Assistant Professor of Architecture at North Carolina State University’s College of Design, has won a second Mason Smith Research Grant from Triangle Modernist Houses, the non-profit, award-winning organization dedicated to documenting, preserving and promoting modernist residential design.

Hill and his students will use the grant to create digital models of houses designed by ground breaking modernist architect George Matsumoto, FAIA. The models will be posted on the TMH website and elsewhere.

This is Hill’s second Macon Smith Research Grant from TMH. In 2009 he received the grant to interview Matsumoto at the architect’s home in Oakland, California.

TMH also awarded a 2011 MSR Grant to Tyler Merkel of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who will create

Tyler Merkel

infrastructure for his website, Mid-century Michigan, and to research Alden Ball Dow, FAIA (1904-1983) for TMH’s archives. Mid-century Michigan is an independent project Merkel initiated to document modern houses in East Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.

George Smart, founder and board chairman of TMH, announced the award recipients this week.

Smart established the Macon Smith Research Grant Program in 2009 to support research into residential modernist architecture and architects. Grants of up to $1000 are available to private citizens, academics and students, or institutions.

The grants are named for modernist architect Macon Smith (1919-2008). From 1996 to 1999, Smith was instrumental in the publication of an award-winning historical chronology of AIA North Carolina: “History of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 1913-1988: An Architectural Heritage.” He served on countless AIA boards and committees and won both the 2001 Deitrick Medal and the 2006 F. Carter Williams Gold Medal, the highest honors presented by AIANC.

In early 2008, Smith spent many hours scouring his own records and driving around Raleigh, NC, with George Smart to help TMH get started.

“Through my dad [the late architect George Smart Sr.], I knew Macon my entire life, but it wasn’t until we started TMH that I got to know him well,” said Smart. “We had some great afternoons riding around finding his work around Raleigh.  His knowledge of NC architecture became my inspiration for expanding our archives beyond the Triangle area.  David and Tyler now carry the torch for the passion we all share.”

Anyone interested in applying for a 2012 Macon Smith Research Grant an send an email and PowerPoint proposal to Smart at George@trianglemodernisthouses.com. The proposal should include up to 300 total words describing the project the grant would fund, and 10 photos in up to five slides, plus one slide of contact information.

For more information on Macon Smith, go to www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/smith. For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses:

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit organization established in 2007 and dedicated to documenting, preserving and promoting modernist residential architecture. The award-winning website is now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America. TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s modernist residential architecture, past and present. These tours and a host of other TMH-sponsored events raise awareness and help preserve these “livable works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

 

Chapel Hill Realtors, Durham Library Host “Mayberry Modernism”

Triangle Modernist Houses’ George Smart will discuss NC’s Modernist legacy.

August 4, 2011 (Durham, NC) — George Smart, founder and director of the award-winning non-profit Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH), will present his signature talk “Mayberry Modernism: North Carolina’s Modernist Legacy” at the South Regional Library in Durham on August 16 and to the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors® on August 31.

“Mayberry Modernism” showcases the state’s surprisingly large collection of Modernist residences from the 1950s through today, particularly those in the Triangle region. Many of these houses are in good shape, some are endangered, and many have been destroyed.

“Most people, even architects, are surprised that the Triangle has the third largest number of Modernist houses in America,” Smart says. “Through ‘Mayberry Modernism,’ I discuss why we have so many and share photographs of over 50 eye-popping, award-winning Modernist houses in the region from mid-century to new construction.”

Smart’s discovery of the Triangle’s large number of “livable works of art” in 2007 led him to found Triangle Modernist Houses.com. Today, the TMH website is the largest single archive of Modernist residential architecture, and those who design it, in the nation.

“George gives a fascinating and informative slideshow and presentation about some of our true architectural treasures – the wealth of Modernist homes in our area,” said Mark Zimmerman, a past president of the Greater Chapel Hill Realtors Association.

South Regional Library is located at 4505 South Alston Avenue, Durham, NC 27713 (919.560.7409). Smart’s talk, free and open to the public, will be held from 7-8 p.m. in the South Regional meeting room.

His presentation to the Chapel Hill Realtors is part of the Association “Lunch ‘n Learn” series and will take place from 12-1 p.m. at Association office at 112 Perkins Drive, Suite 7700. Tickets are $10 for non-members. The Association reports that they’re fully booked at this time but that they are accepting names for a waiting list. To get on the list, email: membership@chapelhillrealtors.com.

For more information on George Smart, “Mayberry Modernism” and Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses:

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit organization established in 2007 and dedicated to documenting, preserving and promoting modernist residential architecture. The award-winning website is now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America. TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours and a host of other TMH-sponsored events raise awareness and help preserve these “livable works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

 

 

TMH Founder George Smart To Join Modernism at Risk Panel

The event kicks off Historic Charlotte’s May Preservation Month

George Smart, founder/director, Triangle Modernist Houses

celebration.

April 11, 2011 (Charlotte, NC) – George Smart, founder and director of Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH), will join other modernist architecture experts when Historic Charlotte, Inc. presents its Modernism At Risk panel discussion on April 19, 2011, at the Wells Fargo Auditorium in Charlotte.

The panel discussion will kick off Historic Charlotte’s month-long “Mad About Modern” preservation celebration in May.

Triangle Modernist Houses is an award-winning, non-profit organization that has been archiving, preserving, and promoting modernist residential design from the 1950s to today since Smart founded it in 2007. Today, TMH’s website, www.trianglemodernisthouses.com, is the single largest archive of modernist houses, and those who design them, in the nation.

The Modernism At Risk panel will discuss best practices across the country with respect to mid-century modern architecture, and the fate of Charlotte’s mid-century architectural resources.

“Right now, we’re working with Modern Charlotte Realty to help find a buyer for the oldest existing modernist house in Charlotte, the Lassiter house designed by A.G. Odell, so that it won’t be destroyed,” said Smart. “The panel’s subject couldn’t be more timely.”

TMH maintains a free listing on its website of modernist houses for sale across the state because, as Smart says, “Modernist gems like the Lassiter are disappearing at an alarming rate.”

Moderated by Historic Charlotte Executive Director Diane Althouse, the panel will also include Bob Ciucevich, principal and founder of Quatrefoil Consulting, Savannah, GA; and Peter Wong, Associate Professor of Architecture, UNC-Charlotte School of Architecture.

Registration for the event is from 5:30-6 pm on April 19. The panel discussion will take place from 6-7:15, followed by a reception from 7:15-8.

The Modernism At Risk panel discussion is free and open to the public (including children over 12). Space should be reserved early, however, since seating is limited. To reserve a seat, email leah@historiccharlotte.org or call 704-375-2425.

For information on all of Historic Charlotte’s Mad About Modern celebration in May, visit www.historiccharlotte.org.

For more information on George Smart and TMH, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses:

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “livable works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

Triangle Modernist Houses Welcomes 2011 Advisory Council

December 6, 2010 (DURHAM, NC) – George Smart, founder and director of Triangle Modernist Houses.com (TMH), has announced the organization’s 2011 Advisory Council.

TMH is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to preserve and promote Modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for Modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.

Appointment to the Advisory Council is a one-year term starting January 1, 2011. Selected from a cross-section of the design and client communities, Advisory Council members support the organization’s programming improvements. This includes TMH’s popular Modernist house tours, which give the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present.

The 2011 TMH Advisory Council includes:  architects Jessica Johnson Moore, Dail Dixon FAIA, Thomas Crowder (Architektur PA), Doug Brinkley FAIA (Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee), and Erin Sterling Lewis (In Situ Studio); Goodnight Raleigh.com’s John Morris; John Chiles; Stan Williams of the NC Symphony; Gail Jodon of Modern Charlotte; Curtis Leonard of Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate, Chris Chinchar; Nowell’s Contemporary Furniture owner Jerry Nowell; Queron Smith of Mechanics & Farmers Bank, David Hill and Robin Abrams of the NC State University College of Design; Tobias Kaiser of Modern Florida Homes; and Kim Weiss of blueplate pr.

“The 2010 Advisory Council did an incredible job this past year, which was our most successful yet,” said Smart. “Their suggestions were key to significant website improvements and more. Because of them, TMH has evolved into a nationally known resource on Modernist residential houses and those who design them.  Our tours continue to attract record visitors from across the state. I deeply appreciate the past Council members gifts of time and service and I look forward to working with the new Council in 2011.”

For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “livable works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

TMH Announces “Where’s George?” Ticket Giveaway for Nowell’s Architecture Movie Series

 

George Smart, founder/director, Triangle Modernist Houses

November 1, 2010 (CARY, NC) – The Nowell’s Architecture Movie Series, featuring hard-to-find films about Modernist architects and architecture, returns next month to the Galaxy Cinema in Cary. The series is sponsored by the nonprofit historic preservation group Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) and Nowell’s Contemporary Furniture.

 

Starting November 8 at 11 a.m., TMH will announce a secret location on its Facebook page.  TMH Founder George Smart will be there at noon and the first 10 people who meet him receive a pair of free tickets to My Architect on December 16.  Where’s George? giveaways continue on the TMH Facebook page each Monday at 11 a.m. through November 29.

 

TMH Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Triangle-Modernist-Houses/97954432790?ref=mf

 

About The Movie Series

 

The series features one film per month from December 16 through March 17, starting with “My  Architect: A Son’s Journey,” the Oscar-nominated biographical documentary by Nathaniel Kahn on the life and work of his illustrious father, Louis Kahn, FAIA.  On January 13, TMH will screen “Sketches of Frank Gehry.”  “Koolhaas HouseLife” will be the featured film on February 17. The final film on March 17 is “Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee & The Spirit of the Rural Studio.”  Tickets to the Nowell’s Architecture Movie Series are $27.95 for the whole series, $7.95 per movie in advance and $9 at the door.

 

Along with Nowell’s Contemporary Furniture, other movie sponsors include Kontek, LightTech Architectural Lighting Design, Foundation, Center Studio Architecture, blueplate pr, Tonic Design+Construction, The Splinter Group and Blok Architecture.

 

The series is open to the public. For more information on the Nowell’s Architecture Movie Series and to secure advance tickets, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/register.htm.

 

The Galaxy Cinema is located at 770 Cary Towne Boulevard. For more information visit www.mygalaxycinema.com.

 

For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

 

About Triangle Modernist Houses

 

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “livable works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

Midnight At The Mint with Mayberry Modernism

George Smart of Triangle Modernist Houses Speaks at Pecha

George Smart, founder/director, Triangle Modernist Houses

Kucha Night Charlotte.

September 27, 2010 (CHARLOTTE, NC) — When Pecha Kucha Night Charlotte cranks up its “V.7: Midnight at the Mint” event this Friday in the new Mint Museum at midnight, George Smart of Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) will be there to speak on “Mayberry Modernism: Why North Carolina Is America’s Hotspot For Way Cool Houses.”

TMH is a Triangle-based non-profit organization that documents, promotes and helps preserve Modernist residential design.  Founder George Smart has spoken for Pecha Kucha Raleigh and Ignite Raleigh, an event very similar to Pecha Kucha.  In May he presented the longer version for the Historic Salisbury Foundation near Charlotte.

Pecha Kucha (PK) is a worldwide celebration that began in Tokyo in 2003. It is named for the Japanese term meaning “chit chat.” It offers 10 to 15 speakers the opportunity to present 20 images in 20 seconds, thus keeping the presentations concise and moving rapidly. PK and “Ignite” events are held every few months in both Raleigh and Charlotte.

Pecha Kucha Night Charlotte is part of the Mint Museum’s 24-hour Grand Opening at 500 South Tryon Street on Friday, October 1.  PK Charlotte will be held from 11:59 p.m. until 1:59 a.m. Saturday morning.  Admission to PK is free but there is a $10 entry fee to the Mint Museum.  The fee allows access to all the galleries and shows, as well as the 24-hour Grand Opening events and entertainment.

For more information on PK Charlotte, visit http://www.cltblog.com.

For more information on Pecha Kucha in general, go to www.pecha-kucha.com.

For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism. TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

George Smart To Present “Mayberry Modernism” in Wilmington

George Smart, founder/director, Triangle Modernist Houses.com

April 20, 2010 (WILMINGTON, NC) –  George Smart, founder of Triangle Modernist Houses.com, likes to say that the vast collection of modernist houses in the Triangle area is one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. That secret is rapidly becoming not-so-secret, however, as he continues his series of speaking engagements across the state.

On Monday, May 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Smart will present “Mayberry Modernism: North Carolina’s Modern Legacy” in the Cameron Art Museum, 3201 South 17th Street, in Wilmington, NC. sponsored by the Wilmington section of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Wilmington).

In 2007, Smart began researching and archiving modernist houses (mid-century to present). According to his research, North Carolina is home to more modernist houses than anywhere else in the country except California and Illinois.

His presentation showcases the state’s modernist gems, many of which are still in excellent condition while others are endangered or destroyed.

“Most people, even many architects, are surprised by the numbers,” Smart said.  “I’ll discuss the history of modernist houses in North Carolina and show the audience terrific houses from both the past and the present.”

The Wilmington event, which is open to the public, will begin with a social/cocktail segment from 6-6:30 p.m.. Smart’s lecture, including a PowerPoint presentation, will begin promptly at 6:30. AIA and Cameron Art Museum members will be admitted free. Tickets for non-members are $8.

When Smart recently presented “Mayberry Modernism” to AIA Winston Salem, the organizers reported that it was their “most well attended [meeting] ever.”

For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, and to see its growing archive of modernist houses and their architects, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

Triangle Modernist Houses.com Presents “Visual Acoustics” at Galaxy Cinema

A still image from "Visual Acoustics"

April 12, 2010 (CARY, NC) –Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) and Nowell’s Contemporary Furniture will conclude this year’s Architecture Movie Series with a special screening of “Visual Acoustics” on Thursday, April 22, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Galaxy Cinema in Cary.

Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, “Visual Acoustics” celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman (1910-2009), widely considered the world’s greatest architectural photographer. His images brought modern architecture to the American mainstream., capturing the work of nearly every modern and progressive architect since the 1930s including Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Frank Gehry.

According to the website JuliusShulmanFilm.com, “His images epitomized the singular beauty of Southern California’s modernist movement and brought its iconic structures to the attention of the general public. This unique film is both a testament to the evolution of modern architecture and a joyful portrait of the magnetic, whip-smart gentleman who chronicled it with his unforgettable images.”

TMH intended to launch the Nowell’s Architecture Movie Series with “Visual Acoustics” in December but the film didn’t arrive in time. Tickets purchased either online or at the door in December will be honored. To purchase tickets now, go to www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/register.htm. Advance tickets are $7.95 or $9 at the door.

Sponsors for this special screening include the bar Foundation in downtown Raleigh, LightTech Architectural Lighting in Pittsboro, Tonic Design/Construction in Raleigh, Kontek Systems in Research Triangle Park, Frank Bowman Designs Inc, and Alphin Design-Build in Raleigh. Nowell’s Contemporary Furniture in Cary has been the primary sponsor for the entire series.

Galaxy Cinema is located at 770 Cary Towne Boulevard, across the street from Cary Towne Center (www.mygalaxycinema.com).

For more information on TMH, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH is also available on Facebook.

“Mayberry Modernism” at AIA Winston-Salem

Founder of TriangleModernistHouses.com Addresses Architects

George Smart

March 8, 2010 (WINSTON-SALEM, NC) – George Smart, founder and director of the award-winning website TriangleModernistHouses.com, will speak March 16 to the Winston-Salem Section of the American Institute of Architects.

Smart’s topic will be “Mayberry Modernism:  North Carolina’s Modernist Legacy.”

“We’re excited about having George Smart,” said Section President Chad Everhart AIA. “He has assembled an extraordinary collection of modernist homes in North Carolina and the subject is very relevant to our membership. Our board felt it was important to have George present because many architects do not realize how many great modern buildings we have in our state.”

According to Smart’s research, North Carolina is home to more modernist houses than anywhere else in the country except California and Illinois. His presentation showcases the state’s modernist gems, many of which are still in excellent condition while others are endangered or destroyed.  “Most people, even many architects, are surprised by the numbers,” Smart said.  “I’ll discuss the history of modernist houses in North Carolina and show the audience terrific houses from both the past and the present.”

The AIA Winston-Salem is comprised of about 120 AIA members, primarily in Forsyth County. The Section membership also includes architects from Northern Piedmont counties including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Davie, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin.  For more information on AIA Winston Salem, visit www.winstonsalem-aia.org.

For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, and to see its growing archive of modernist houses and their architects, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH also has an active community on Facebook.

Ignite Raleigh 2 To Include “Mayberry Modernism”

George Smart, founder/director, Triangle Modernist Houses

February 26, 2010 (RALEIGH, NC) —  George Smart, founder and director of Triangle Modernist Houses, will present “Mayberry Modernism: Why The Triangle Is America’s Hotspot For Way Cool Houses” on Wednesday, March 3, at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Raleigh during “Ignite Raleigh 2,” an evening of  thought-provoking presentations that will take place from 7 to 10 p.m.

Ignite is “a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have an idea—and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd,” according to the website. The concept began in Seattle, Washington, in 2006 then spread to other communities.

To participate in the event, potential speakers posted ideas on the Ignite Raleigh 2 website they wanted to present at the Lincoln Theater event. Visitors to the site voted on the presentations and the 15 ideas with the most votes were invited to speak for five minutes each.

To inspire votes, Smart described his presentation as: “Barney Fife spent his weekends in Raleigh, and for good reason – we are one of the country’s hotspots for mid-century modernist architecture. I’ll share why — plus where to find over 500 local examples of great architecture — and what you can do to save some of these ‘works of art’ from destruction!”

For more information on Ignite Raleigh 2, visit www.igniteraleigh.com.

For more information on George Smart and Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.

About Triangle Modernist Houses

Triangle Modernist Houses (TMH) is a 501C3 nonprofit established in 2007 to restoring and growing modernist architecture in the Triangle. The award-winning website, now the largest educational and historical archive for modernist residential design in America, continues to catalog, preserve, and advocate for North Carolina modernism.  TMH also hosts popular modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the Triangle’s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these “works of art” for future generations. Visit the website at www.trianglemodernisthouses.com. TMH is also available on Facebook.