Palm Springs

A mid century experience in Palm Springs

My wife and I recently checked out the mid century modern architecture in Palm Springs. Several architects and developers in the area produced wonderful designs and developments. We stayed in the Movie Colony hoteldesigned by Albert Frey.  It is a pre air conditioning design which includes upper floor sleeping porches. The plan is a delightful arrangement of overlapping floors.  A central courtyard us used for the hotel breakfast and all the guests gather there in the morning.  It is a wonderful place to stay in Palm Springs. 

SP are the upper level sleeping porches.  Bedrooms are adjacent.  Ground level living areas are below the porches and bedrooms.

SP are the upper level sleeping porches.  Bedrooms are adjacent.  Ground level living areas are below the porches and bedrooms.

Another Albert Fry feature is the gas station turned into a visitor center.  it is a hyperbolic paraboloid roof with a wonderful proportions.

Touring around the Rancho Vista housing development by Donald Wexler.  Many of the homes have been bought recently and are being lovingly rehabilitated. 

Another Wexler project was intended to show off the unique possibilities of using steel for the structure.  One design was uniquely steel and delightful. 

Besides some great architecture there is some great hiking in the area in Joshua Tree National Park and the Indian Canyons area. 

Amazing rock formations in Joshua Tree.

Canyons hiking among palm trees.  Notice the debris piled up against the tree trunks from flash floods.  Something to definitely avoid!