I made the trek westward today to tour the iconic Eames House (Case Study #8). The home is preserved as a monument to Charles & Ray Eames who were among the most influential designers of the the 20th century. Known mostly for their furniture, they spent their lives in creative pursuits that also included film, graphic design, industrial design, photography and architecture.

The home was erected in 1949. It is considered a "pre-fab" home, but it wasn't created in a warehouse somewhere then assembled once delivered. Rather, most of the elements of the home were pre-manufactured, largely for purposes other than residential homebuilding. According to our docent, most of the materials were purchased from catalogues. They were delivered to the site then pieced together to create a living space so well conceived that Charles and Ray spent the rest of their lives inhabiting it.

In 1945 when the home was initially designed, it was called "The Bridge House" as it was to be cantilevered over a meadow. Because of the scarcity of materials caused by the war, the steel didn't arrive until 1948. By then, Charles & Ray had grown so fond of the meadow that they decided to change the design entirely. Using virtually the same materials, they built the home that is now on the site.

If you have any interest in seeing it, you can! Reservations are required by calling: (310) 459-9663

There is currently an exhibit at LACMA entitled, California Design, 1935-1965: "Living In A Modern Way" where the living room has been recreated and filled with the furniture from the house.

Here are some pictures I took today (and a video I thought you might like):

This video is awesome! Check out Ice Cube's take on this house...