Visiting Noguchi's Playscape

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—01-02. Piedmont Park Conservancy.

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Isamu Noguchi (November 17, 1904 – December 30, 1988) was a popular Japanese-American designer, sculptor, architect, and craftsman. Noguchi is probably best known for his eponymous coffee table produced by Herman Miller and his Araki Light Sculptures; both considered to be modernist classics. He was also a landscape architect creating gardens, parks and special commissions like Playscape – which is located in my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Built in Piedmont Park in 1976, the set of colourful, architectural, multipurpose concrete and metal pieces have recently been restored and now look brand new, making a visit especially worthwhile even for adults.

—The Noguchi Museum

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Just in Modern

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—01. Navy Florence Knoll seat.
—02. Herman Miller DTM-1 table.
—03. Stan Bitters Birdhouses.
—04. Herman Miller LKR chair.

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There aren't a lot of good mid-century modern online shops. I've been following Just in Modern's blogspot for awhile and when I heard he was launching a new site, I was both excited and scared. Justin's selection of Herman Miller pieces alone is worth a look, but there are some great items by Knoll along with a nice variety of lighting, clocks and objects. While you won't find the deal of the mid-century, you will find fair prices for excellent pieces.

—Just in Modern

George Nelson in the Building

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—01. Platform bench.
—02. Bubble lamp.
—03. EOG Credenza.

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Building, a small studio based in Tokyo, Japan offers a nice selection of vintage items alongside their own brand of furniture. This past week the shop put together a nice selection of George Nelson's mid-century designs, including benches, desks and lighting. Sought after gems from Herman Miller and Howard Miller fetch reasonably high prices, but come in mint condition: ideal for window shopping from across the Pacific.

—Building

Just In Modern

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—01. 2973 Sacramento St. in Berkeley, CA.

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Just In Modern basically specializes in everything I like when it comes to Mid-Century American furniture design. The shop recently re-located to a larger showroom in Sacramento, California, and as you can see from just this image, its packed with great pieces. There is a great selection of 50s Herman Miller originals, and the prices are quite fair as well. If there's something specific you're after, I'd definitely give their blog a browse, or drop into the showroom if you're in the area.

—Just In Modern