South Palm Springs Twin Palms Architecture Tour William Krisel Julius Shulman Modernism Week

Palm Springs has one of the largest concentrations of preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world. Talented young visionary architects came to Palm Springs and interpreting Modern architecture in a way that best suited the desert environment and leisure living. Their design talents are celebrated every year during Modernism Week. Let’s explore the architecture through the neighborhoods.

Desert Modernism is an interpretation of the Modernist or International Style, tailored to suit the Palm Springs indoor/outdoor lifestyle. People flocked to Palm Springs for the stunning fall/winter weather and wanted to spend their time outdoors. Desert Modernism is recognizable by its minimalist clean lines and the seamless blur of indoor and outdoor space. Rooflines are often flat or butterfly-wing v-shaped (dubbed “butterfly” roofs). Floor plans were open with lots of windows and sliding glass doors that bring the outside in. Beautiful breeze blocks temper the desert heat and attached carports rather than detached garages fulfilled the need to shelter the automobile.

[larrynelson]

Love the mid century vibe of Palm Springs

[r-anne]

Love these beautiful mid-century modern homes, and the landscaping is so clean and tropical looking !

[andrewcross]

Looks like it's December in Palm Springs and it rained the day before. Perfect time to visit with temperatures in the 70's. So many great mid-modern neighborhoods to stroll through and discover. Thanks for the fantastic walking tour.

[jimanderson]

Like the consistent roof slopes & glass. All the masonry gives the balance. I'm inspired. JIM

[RFToob]

I went to architecture school and graduated in 1987. My question to my old school is why were such Palm Springs architects overlooked? They maybe dedicate a page or two in the books. Neutra naturally, was mentioned. But I don’t recall hearing about Krisel or Shulman. [-among so many others]. These guys were amazing. They are superhero’s, and hope kids today are studying them. I do hope that we can preserve as many of these gems as possible.

[robertander]

These houses are beautiful, but these landscapes are awesome, perfect. Thanks for sharing!!! 😃

[MarioRossi-dcnh]

I love Palm Springs. I'm longing to move there! ❤😊🎉

[eddiegilbert]

So many Palm Trees Wow! wish I could move there. So quiet compared to LA. Where are the People at? 😯

[Temcfc]

why are most of the houses one floor? is there a reason?

[xavierbrown]

Which avenue or location in Palm Springs is this?

[jayjay-bzrr]

I wonder what the HOA fees are at Palm Springs?

[bettabefree]

No signs of life everything looks closed off and shut in

[califdad]

A couple of those houses front yards, should have fake grass, waisting water