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Showing posts from February, 2011

Is the Page Belcher Federal Building worth saving?

There is a possibility that in several years the Page Belcher Federal Building might be vacant. In the event that happens an obscure city commission wants the building gone. Or if not removed, at least re-skinned. It was mentioned the building looks "out of place" compared to the BOK Center. I almost found that amusing. Next to the stainless steel skin of Pelli's arena it's hard for me to picture what might not look out of place. An aluminum dirigible? Or maybe a four-story mockup of a food processor? But there's nothing amusing about the Council's intentions. They appear to be poised to level the 1967 structure to make way for something less out of place. At a meeting last October several people voiced their opposition to the idea of tearing it down- which seemed to surprise the council. It's no secret that plenty of Tulsans think the building is an eyesore. I mean even the name is a handicap! Many like to compare the Page Belcher to the previous

Slipstreaming Through History

Philbrook's latest exhibit was scheduled to open last week, but a record-breaking snowstorm changed that plan. So if you're a procrastinator, or didn't even know about this exhibit, consider yourself lucky! American Streamlined Design will open on Sunday, February 13 at Philbrook. The exhibit features streamlined objects that exemplify the Golden Age of Aerodynamics, from the Twenties through the Fifties. Many of the objects on display are household items that borrow from the flowing lines of period aircraft, automobiles- even locomotives. This style celebrated the vision of a technological future where industry and science could overcome any obstacle- and do it with class. So hop in the De Soto, or gas up the dirigible, and join us in the world or tomorrow! American Streamlined Design February 13 - May 15, 2011 Philbrook Museum of Art

Unica Home: Outlet Offers Modern on the Cheap

With the recent Snowpocalypse we found ourselves with plenty of time on our hands. Fortunately we had Internet access and the power never went out. Seemed like the perfect time to surf some of my favorite websites! That includes a shop called Unica Home . I had the pleasure of visiting Unica a few years ago during a business trip to Las Vegas. I had some time to kill and decided to drop in and see their store. They have tons of cool modern gadgets and furnishings- famous name stuff like Alessi, Chilewich, Blomus, Heller, Fornasetti, Hario and such. The big news I just discovered was their new eBay Store! This is their online outlet that offers closeouts, discontinued items, one-offs and floor samples. Mod and cheap! What could be better? Check it out at stores.ebay.com/unicahome-outlet , and tell `em OK Modern sent you! Unica Home Outlet

The Recent Past

Oklahoma State Capitol Bank

On the Trail of Julius Shulman: Stop 2 "This is a bank," the sign outside the futuristic building read. According to legend a prankster added a strategic question mark and echoed the sentiment of many passers-by: "This is a bank?" That was back in 1964 when it opened. Today the Arvest on Lincoln Boulevard looks a bit less Jetsonian, mostly due to replacement of structural glass below the "saucers," but it's still an unusual bank. Designed by Robert Roloff of the architectural firm Bailey, Bozalis, Dickinson & Roloff, the State Capitol Bank caused quite a stir in Oklahoma City when it opened. Heck, it's still pretty shocking today! Originally the flying saucers appeared to hover above the building (as seen in this vintage postcard). All the glass that made that effect possible also made heating and cooling an expensive proposition. Security concerns also mandated replacement of those windows with solid materials and small square portholes

The Bruce Goff House in Vinita

We were recently surprised to learn about a Goff-designed home just an hour away from Tulsa in Vinita, Oklahoma. Vinita is probably best known to OK Mod readers as the home of the Glass House on I-44, also known as (shudder) the World's Largest Largest McDonalds . Anywho, turned out the Goff house was on the market, and the owner was more than happy to let us have a look around. We took a short drive up the turnpike one Sunday afternoon to meet the realtor, snap some pictures, ask some questions and enjoy another one of Bruce Goff's unique creations. The home is known as the Adams House and was built in 1961. The 3,700 square foot home is arranged in a circular floor plan with a large sunken "conversation pit" at the center. Rising up from this pit is a large metal fireplace, its chimney surrounded by skylights, which dominates the entire house. Rooms surround the perimeter with folding accordion doors acting as walls. To maintain some semblance of privacy an inner

Home of ORU Architect on the Auction Block

Frank Wallace is best known as the man behind the futuristic look of the Oral Roberts University campus. On October 14, 2010 his unique home overlooking ORU will be sold in a public auction conducted by Mister Ed's Auctions . Jackie and I recently had a chance to visit with Mr. Wallace and learn more about the house, his career and his thoughts on architecture. When we visited we expected to snap a few photos of an empty house and speak with a representative from the auction company. To our surprise the door opened, and we were greeted by Mr. Wallace himself! After assuring him we were not architects, he let us look around. Unfortunately we were not prepared to interview the man whose buildings incite such extremely diverse reactions- but that didn't stop me from asking him several questions anyway.  The home, completed in 1980, was designed and built by Wallace who is now 87. The expansive home is so large that Wallace spends most of his time in a room that was his la