PORTFOLIO

KATIE HAWES

Neutra

Technical production for print, Fall 2016
Richard Neutra special edition box set, 3D design & production
Box: MDF, plexiglass, aluminium, walnut veneer
Bookcover: Kettle stich bind, hardcover, with silkscreen title

Modelled after Richard Neutra's mid-century, modern architecture located in Southern-California. The set contains a CD, book & USB key. This project was inspired by The Kaufmann Desert House, designed in 1946; one of Neutra's most architecturally noteworthy and iconic homes, and one of the most important examples of International style architecture. The character of the house is reflected through the use of colour, materials and form. The walnut veneer lid and bright yellow book cloth reference the aesthetics of Neutra's interior and furniture design, while the white base and aqua tinted glass are an homage to his influential pool designs. Plexiglass was used for the walls of the structure to represent the transparency of his homes, that appear to blend seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. The aluminum shutters relate to those found on the Kaufmann home and similarly in many other examples of Neutra's work. The entire structure is elevated on a hidden base to give the illusion of floatation.