Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Palm Springs, CA
2012
Midcentury Modernism in Palm Springs Mural Exploration of the development of the International Style of architecture in the Coachella Valley following WWII as adapted for the California desert lifestyle – catering to people with certain tastes, talents, and wealth. The experience demystifies the concepts of California Midcentury Modernism by defining terms such as open informal plans, simple forms, unadorned surfaces, and seamless connections between interiors and exteriors, which are hallmarks of California Midcentury Modernism.
Photo: Reich & Petch
Project Description
Located in the mecca of California Midcentury Modernism, this 15,000-sf new visitor center interprets Sunnylands, the midcentury modern home of Walter and Lenore Annenberg. Exhibits and interactive media explore themes of modern architecture and Hollywood Regency interior design, Sunnylands’ stately landscape design, and the Annenberg’s invaluable and diverse art collection as well the bold-faced names of Hollywood, Washington, DC, and cultural figures who were frequent guests. The Gold-rated LEED-award winning design of the center and gardens also interprets the solar farm, geothermal system and other green technologies that have made the estate more sustainable. The visitor experience is primarily targeted to adult audiences with an interest in fine and decorative arts, architecture, landscape and American history as well as to younger audiences over the age of 12.
Interpretive Strategist / Content Developer / Writer
Developed interpretive strategy and storyline for exhibits and interactive media. Conducted content research, consulted with curators, scholars, architects, and audience evaluators to refine content messaging. Authored content outlines, exhibit narratives and scripts, and draft and final panel text. Developed interactive treatments, program flow charts, and draft and final interactive audio scripts and on-screen text.
With Reich & Petch, Hillman & Carr
Main Exhibit Interpretive graphic panels and a suite of interactive kiosks offer visitors the chance to see more, to dig deeper, and to spend more time learning about the elements – architecture, interior design, landscape design, fine and decorative arts, and the desert lifestyle – that define Sunnylands as a unique place in American culture.
Photos: Hillman & Carr; Reich & Petch
Great Hall Exhibition Introduction Visitors are introduced to the primary themes of the experience – the interplay of architecture, interior design, art and landscape at Sunnylands which included elements of Modernist Design, reverence for the landscape, the relationship of indoor/outdoor spaces and how its holistic design helped facilitate the Annenberg’s hospitality and showcase their arts collections.